By Vaishnavi Shukla
Tea is produced on a large scale in India and is also exported to various countries. However, about 70% of the tea produced in India is consumed domestically. Tea is also the State Drink of Assam. It is the second common drink consumed in India after water. Wherever we go, the first thing people serve or ask for is tea.
Tea provides a mild caffeine boost, improves alertness, and creates a sense of routine, which is why it’s so popular as a morning drink. However, its chemical properties can interact with the stomach, digestive system, and metabolism in ways that are not ideal when the body has not yet received food or water.
Ek cup chai to begin the day with is all that most people need today. And look at the variety of tea available in the market today. There is obviously normal tea, then there is green tea, oolong tea, herbal tea, black tea, white tea and the list goes on and on. These different types have different benefits.
Tea contains antioxidants that fight many diseases, and also caffeine in certain amounts. Benefits of drinking tea are:
- Increased mental alertness
- Keeps dementia away, especially in the elderly
- Protects from cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, and osteoporosis
- Lowers cholesterol
Drinking tea first thing in the morning disrupts metabolism, dehydrates the body, erodes oral health, and causes bloating. One or two cups of tea a day is enough to get the benefits. But those who drink more than that on a regular basis should avoid the same.
Negative Effects of Drinking Tea First Thing in the Morning
1. Increases Acidity
Tea contains caffeine and tannins, both of which can increase acid production in the stomach. Drinking it on an empty stomach can cause heartburn, stomach discomfort, or even nausea.
2. Dehydrates the Body
After hours of sleep, the body is naturally dehydrated. Tea acts as a mild diuretic, which may worsen dehydration instead of rehydrating the body. Starting the day with plain water is more beneficial.
3. Affects Iron Absorption
The tannins in tea can interfere with the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Drinking tea before eating may reduce the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients later in the day.
4. May Cause Caffeine Dependence
Having tea as the very first intake trains the body to depend on caffeine for energy. Over time, this can lead to headaches, irritability, or fatigue when tea is skipped.
5. Stains Teeth and Affects Oral Health
Tea contains compounds that can stain teeth. On an empty stomach, its acidic nature may also weaken tooth enamel if consumed regularly.
6. Can Trigger Restlessness or Anxiety
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system. Without food to balance its effects, tea may cause jitters, restlessness, or an increased heart rate, especially in sensitive individuals.
Healthier Alternatives in the Morning
Instead of drinking tea right after waking up, consider:
- Warm water → Helps rehydrate and kick-start digestion.
- Light fruit or soaked nuts → Provides natural energy before tea.
- Herbal teas (caffeine-free) → Gentler on the stomach if you prefer a warm beverage.
- Delaying tea → Waiting at least 30–45 minutes after breakfast to drink tea minimizes side effects.
Initially, milk was added to tea to reduce its bitterness, but now it is done out of habit or addiction. Whether milk should be added to tea is still to be investigated. But definitely, the more cups of tea you drink, the more sugar goes into the system. Again, anything in excess is harmful. So, stick to 1-2 cups a day and reap the maximum benefits. Cutting chai is the best option. The quantity is less, but you still get the satisfaction of drinking tea. But again, 2 cups of cutting chai are enough too. It not only cuts down the amount you drink, but also the side effects.
The next time you make or ask for ek cup chai, limit it to that.
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