While ICMR has had its share of inaccuracies, their guidelines on tea and coffee consumption are spot on. These beverages do create a physiological dependence.
The popular black tea we commonly consume contains caffeine, which multiple studies have shown to be detrimental to our bodies. Transitioning to herbal teas like chamomile, rose, dandelion root, jasmine, and hibiscus can be immensely beneficial since they lack caffeine. For instance, chamomile tea has a calming effect on the nerves, while hibiscus tea promotes hair health.
Mugdha Pradhan, functional nutritionist, CEO & Founder, iThrive, says, “Herbal teas with organic components can also aid in digestion and alleviate issues like gas and bloating, thanks to their bioactive compounds. It’s crucial to understand both the quantity and quality of what we consume.” For example, turmeric is renowned for its medicinal properties due to curcumin, but excessive intake can lead to liver toxicity. Similarly, relying on regular tea to kickstart your day is a sign of caffeine dependency, which impairs adrenal function and disrupts cortisol production. Drinking tea late at night can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Pradhan adds, “The caffeine in tea and coffee leads to a dependency where many people need their morning cup to function, and without it, they suffer from headaches. This dependency also causes an energy spike followed by a sharp dip a few hours later. Moreover, tea contains tannins and oxalates, which inhibit iron absorption.”
This is particularly concerning given the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) findings that around 57% of non-pregnant women and 52% of pregnant women in India are anemic. For these women, drinking tea can exacerbate their condition. Additionally, the added sugar and hyper-processed milk in tea further harm the body.
In conclusion, the right approach to tea and coffee consumption, as advised by ICMR, is quite sensible for maintaining optimal health and avoiding the pitfalls of caffeine dependence and its associated health issues.