The WRONG time to drink TEA? (Study)

I love a good cup of TEA.

It’s no secret that drinking tea is one of the BEST things you can do for your overall health.

It’s great way to not only reduce the risk of developing diabetes but it also helps you keep your cholesterol low… and protects your brain.

All of which are extremely important as you age.

But there’s another secret about drinking tea…

And it’s bound to surprise you.

If you’re over the age of 65, guess what?

You should avoid drinking tea with a meal. This is according to guidance from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

Now, you’re probably asking yourself…

WHY?

It’s not that tea itself is “bad”… but drinking it during a meal can actually interfere with your body’s ability to absorb iron and zinc from the foods you eat.

Iron and zinc are extremely important nutrients, especially for seniors. Zinc helps your immune system function properly, and iron helps your body produce red blood cells that carry oxygen to all organs, tissues, and cells.

So, if you already drink tea regularly, keep it up! Just be sure to drink it between meals to ensure your body is absorbing valuable nutrients.

If you’re looking to jumpstart your tea-drinking regimen, I recommend oolong tea.

Oolong is a centuries-old, traditional Chinese tea that is packed with polyphenol—compounds that boost your metabolism and decrease the amount of fat absorbed from your diet.

Even though oolong tea isn’t as ‘mainstream’ as other teas (like green tea), you can find it at most grocery stores, health food stores, or online retailers for less than $10.

Oolong tea does contain caffeine, so be mindful of how much you’re consuming. A general rule of thumb is to stick to no more than two cups per day.

If you’re worried about your overall iron and zinc levels, be sure to have a conversation with your doctor. Most blood tests can determine if you have low levels and if you need to take an iron or zinc supplement.

To the benefits of tea,

Sarah Reagan

PS – If you’re not a tea drinker, learn how to make the healthiest brew of coffee.

Sources:

Melore, Chris. “Scientists reveal the worst time for older adults to drink tea.” https://studyfinds.org/worst-time-older-adults-drink-tea/

DiGiacinto, Jessica. “What is Oolong Tea and What Benefits Does It Have?” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oolong-tea-benefits