Drinking tea immediately after meals is too dangerous
Many people have the habit of drinking tea right after a meal, believing it can aid digestion. In reality, this is not a good habit. It not only leads to indigestion but may also increase the risk of developing stones. This is why there is a common saying, "Drinking tea after a meal is like drinking poison." So, what is the reason for this?
"Tea contains tannic acid and theophylline, both of which affect the body's digestion of food." Gastric and intestinal juices are essential for digesting food. However, when tannic acid enters the gastrointestinal tract, it inhibits their secretion, leading to indigestion. Furthermore, tannic acid can react with proteins in foods such as meat, eggs, soy products, and dairy products, causing them to coagulate and form indigestible tannic acid-protein complexes. It is particularly important to note that if the food consumed contains metallic elements such as iron and magnesium, tannic acid may react with them over time, potentially leading to the formation of stones.
In addition, gastric acid is acidic, while tea is alkaline. Drinking tea immediately after a meal means the theophylline not only inhibits the secretion of gastric acid but also dilutes it, affecting the secretion of enzymes like pepsin and thus impairing digestion. Experiments have also shown that drinking tea brewed from 15 grams of tea leaves after a meal can reduce the absorption of iron from food by 50%. The higher the concentration of the tea, the greater the harm to the body.
When dining out, people often ask for a cup of tea before the food is even served. Li Hongzhu reminds everyone that it's best to drink less tea before a meal as well. If you must drink tea, opt for a light one like chrysanthemum tea, but remember not to drink it during the meal, as this can more easily lead to indigestion.
So, what should we drink after a meal? Experts suggest that plain water is the best beverage after a meal. It freshens the palate without affecting digestion. You can have some light tea half an hour after the meal.