As the monsoon season sets in, there's nothing quite as comforting as sipping a steaming cup of chai. However, while indulging in this delightful beverage, it's important to be mindful of certain common mistakes that can affect your health during this rainy season. From choosing the wrong ingredients to improper preparation techniques, these errors can undermine the potential health benefits of chai.
Let us explore the common mistakes to avoid while sipping chai for optimal health in the monsoon. By understanding and rectifying these pitfalls, you can enjoy your favourite beverage in a way that promotes well-being and supports your overall health during this rainy season.
Here Are The 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Having Tea:
Avoid Excessive Masala In Your Tea
While adding spices and masala to your tea can enhance its flavour and provide a unique taste experience, it's important to exercise moderation. Adding excessive amounts of masala can overpower the natural flavour of the tea and make it too strong or spicy. Additionally, some masala blends may contain ingredients that can cause gastric discomfort or indigestion if consumed in large quantities. It is recommended to follow a balanced approach and use a measured amount of masala to maintain the desired flavour balance in your tea.
Don't Over-Boil Those Tea Leaves
Over-boiling tea leaves can result in a bitter and astringent taste. Tea leaves should ideally be steeped or boiled for the recommended duration to extract the desired flavours without causing bitterness. The appropriate steeping time varies depending on the type of tea, but generally, black tea should be steeped for 3-5 minutes, green tea for 2-3 minutes, and herbal infusions for 5-7 minutes. It is important to follow the recommended steeping times to achieve a pleasant and well-balanced flavour profile in your tea.
Say No To Tea On An Empty Stomach
Consuming tea on an empty stomach can have potentially negative effects on your digestive system. The caffeine and tannins present in tea can increase the production of gastric acid, which may lead to acidity or an upset stomach. It is advisable to have a small snack or a light meal before drinking tea to help mitigate the impact of caffeine and promote better digestion.
Don't Rush Tea Right After A Meal
Having tea immediately after a meal can hinder the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly iron. Tea contains compounds called tannins that can bind to iron, making it difficult for your body to absorb this essential mineral. It is best to wait at least an hour after a meal before enjoying your cup of tea. This allows for proper digestion and nutrient absorption without interfering with the body's iron utilisation.
Don't Go Overboard With Tea Consumption
While tea offers various health benefits, excessive consumption can have adverse effects. Consuming excessive amounts of tea can lead to increased caffeine intake, which may result in restlessness, insomnia, an increased heart rate, or anxiety in some individuals.
Additionally, excessive tea consumption can also lead to dehydration due to its diuretic properties. It is important to enjoy tea in moderation, typically limiting intake to 2-3 cups per day, and considering alternatives such as herbal infusions or decaffeinated options if you are sensitive to caffeine.
By avoiding these common mistakes while drinking tea, you can enhance your tea-drinking experience and optimise its potential health benefits. Embracing these practices will help you savour your cup of tea while promoting overall wellness.