Porni Banerjee | ১৫ মে ২০২৪ ১৭ : ২৪

Do you enjoy indulging in that sip of hot tea or coffee more often in a day? Hold on! Its time for you to be cautious about excess consumption. In a study by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), laid emphasis on the appropriate time to drink such caffeinated drinks, including milk tea.

The guidelines by ICMR highlighted that one should avoid drinking tea, coffee or other caffeinated beverages along with meals. The medical body also recommended avoiding its consumption for at least an hour before and after meals.

“Tea and coffee should be avoided at least for one hour before and after meals,” the study said.

Furthermore, it also raised concerns about the adverse effects from its excess consumption, suggesting that caffeine in tea and coffee stimulates body’s central nervous system resulting in physiological dependence.

Additionally, the study revealed tea and coffee contain Tannin, which can obstruct iron absorption in the body, leading to iron deficiency and anaemia as well. Moreover, its excess consumption can also cause cardiac irregularities and raise blood pressure levels.

The ICMR report highlighted the appropriate caffeine intake of 300 mg. A 150 ml cup of brewed coffee contains 80–120 mg of caffeine, instant coffee contains 50–65 mg and tea contain 30–65 mg of caffeine.

“Moderation in tea and coffee consumption is advised so that caffeine intake does not exceed the tolerable limits (300 mg/day),” the report said.

“Excessive consumption of coffee is known to increase blood pressure and cause abnormalities in heartbeat. In addition, an association between coffee consumption and elevated levels of total and LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), triglycerides and heart disease has been demonstrated,” it added.

Lastly, the study also emphasised the consuming tea without milk and sugar. Highlighting on the benefits of drinking tea without milk, the report mentioned it improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease and stomach cancer.