India is known to be a land that runs Bollywood, Cricket, and Chai! Although introduced by the British, Chai has become a household condiment enjoyed by people of all ages. And such a simple thing has so many variations that it satisfactorily caters to the taste buds of everyone. The composition of an Indian Masala Tea or Chai includes water, tea leaves, sugar, milk, ginger, and other spices as per one’s taste.
According to reports, around 64% of Indians drink tea regularly, which means almost every household makes one cup of tea at least once every day in our country. But in some places, it is made way beyond just once, which leads to many ailments.
India Today spoke to Dr Pranit Ambulkar, BAMS, MD, Ph.D. (Ayurveda), Consultant Physician, with experience of more than 15 years, who talked about the risks, drawbacks, and healthy alternatives of India’s favourite beverage ‘Tea’!
DRAWBACKS
We Indians also tend to sip tea adjacent to our meals. This doesn’t only reduce one’s hunger but also blocks absorption through your gut. Subsiding hunger means limiting nutrition and adding to acidity and other digestive issues.
Another added drawback of tea is the excess of caffeine, which can contribute to high blood pressure or reduced sleep quality. Foods high in added sugar contribute extra calories to your diet and may be linked to weight gain and metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Consumption of tea in excessive amounts can make the work of one’s pancreas difficult. This extends to lack of sleep, rising blood sugar, insulin resistance, and lack of rest.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
‘Consumption of high levels of sugar is risky because it is a refined carbohydrate that can easily mix with blood and lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. The over-boiled Indian Masala tea also has tannin or astringent that binds with dietary nutrients and doesn’t allow nutrients to be absorbed into the body, said Dr Pranit Ambulkar.
WHEN TO AVOID TEA?
• If you are intolerant to glucose, are pre-diabetic, or have a family history of diabetes and overweight
• If you are feeling weak due to a lack of nutrition
• If you have ailments like high blood pressure
• If you suffer from acidity, constipation often
FINDING ALTERNATIVES THAT ARE HEALTHY
People often ask, if not tea, then how will I survive? Well, the answer might not sound so simple, but it is. Find alternatives. We live in an age where, globally, you can find ample options for beverages like tea. Even if we take the more popular example of Green Tea – it has health benefits broadly because it is not boiled and releases no tannin. It has antioxidant properties which are good for health, and it helps avoid sugar & milk.
There is a great variety available in the market with choices of flavours and choices of herbal ingredients. Herbal green teas have special health benefits. Hence, they take your usual cup of tea beyond a mere drink.
Today, we have bombarded our lives with sedentary lifestyles, stress, lack of exercise, and improper diet. One small change in the habit at your tea time can take you an extra mile closer to your health goal. Take your first ‘sip’ today towards a healthier tomorrow and keep the doctors away!
