Is It Safe to Drink Tea or Coffee After Eating? Heres What ICMR Says
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has cautioned against consuming tea or coffee immediately before or after meals, as it may lead to health issues. Both beverages contain caffeine, with a cup of coffee (150 ml) having 80-120 mg, while instant coffee has 50-65 mg. Tea contains 30-65 mg of caffeine. The effects vary depending on caffeine content.
ICMR highlights that tea and coffee contain tannins, which hinder iron absorption in the body. Drinking these beverages right after meals can prevent the absorption of iron from food, potentially leading to anemia, as iron is essential for blood production. To ensure proper nutrient absorption, it is recommended to avoid tea or coffee at least one hour before or after meals.
The report also suggests choosing non-dairy options like black tea or green tea, which contain beneficial compounds such as theobromine and theophylline. These compounds improve blood flow and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stomach cancer.
Moderate coffee consumption is advised to avoid issues like high blood pressure and heart rate problems. Daily intake of tea or coffee should not exceed 300 ml to maintain optimal health.
