Milk tea, which refers to tea with milk added, originates from Taiwan and became popular in the country in the last decade. Its popularity soared significantly, which can be attributed to the vast array of toppings, sinkers, and flavor combinations offered to consumers, as well as its smoother and sweeter taste, which won over the hearts of young Filipinos.
Tea, second only to water in consumed beverages worldwide, is regarded for its well-known health benefits. On the other hand, milk is widely acknowledged as a healthy and nutrient-dense drink due to its high protein content, calcium, and potassium, all of which aid in proper development, body composition, and bone health. Several health advantages have been associated with drinking tea. Adding milk not only smooths out the flavor and gives it a sweet taste, reducing bitterness and astringency, but also increases the beverage's nutritional value.
On the other hand, several adverse effects of frequent drinking of milk tea have recently acquired noticed. Consuming tea has been shown to have several positive effects on one's health; however, when milk is added, these positive effects are entirely nullified. According to the findings of several studies, the absorption of tea components and their antioxidant effect could be hindered by milk proteins. For instance, the protein casein found in milk may bind to the flavonoids in tea, preventing the body from receiving the full benefits of the teas you drink. However, the research on the topic has not yet concluded. In light of this, let's take a more in-depth look at the potential risk of drinking milk tea.
Potential Risks of Milk Tea consumption
1. Weight gain
Tea contains polyphenols, a class of naturally-occurring phytochemicals, which limit fat absorption in the body, and catechins, which increase fat burning. Casein protein efficiently negates the fat-fighting properties of tea by preventing the absorption of thearubigins and theaflavins, which are tea components that aid in weight loss. Although tea contains few calories on its own, milk tea becomes a carbohydrate powerhouse due to its high caloric and sugar content (sugar, creams, syrups, and pearls). Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are among the diseases exacerbated by a diet high in carbohydrates and fat.
2. Low nutrient absorption
Tannins and oxalates in tea can act as chelators, binding to minerals and reducing the body's capacity to absorb them. Tea drinking hinders iron absorption when tannins bind with iron, notably non-heme iron, 20-45 minutes after consumption, resulting in iron deficiency anemia if prolonged and consumed in large quantities.
3. Constipation
Digestion may respond favorably or negatively to tea. Tea contains caffeine and theophylline, which generate a diuretic impact that is beneficial for the excretory system and can aid improve motion flow. At the same time, the latter is good for cleansing the body, calming the mind and muscles, and boosting blood flow. Theophylline, however, may worsen episodes of constipation by drying out feces as they travel through the digestive tract. In other words, when you drink too much milk tea, your feces could get dehydrated in the digestive tract, leading to less lubrication and eventual constipation.
4. Anxiety
Milk tea is known for its relaxing qualities, but drinking too much of it might have the opposite effect and increase your anxiety. Bear in mind that caffeine, which is present in tea, is a powerful stimulant that, in large doses, can contribute to anxious feelings. And while moderate tea consumption may excite cells in the brain that help you relax, excessive consumption may cause a minor chemical imbalance in the brain, leading to feelings of anxiousness.
5. Blood pressure imbalance
Excessive tea consumption has been linked to health consequences, including an imbalance in blood pressure. Moderate doses improve immunity, cognition, nervous system function, circulation, and cardiovascular health. However, milk tea's calming effects can lead to either high blood pressure from the increased heart rate it induces or low blood pressure from the heart rate it regulates.
While it is true that there are some drawbacks to drinking too much milk tea, there are also several advantages. Given that both tea and milk contain compounds and nutrients advantageous to health, it might make sense to combine them. Let us look into some of the nutritional benefits of milk tea:
Key Benefits of Milk Tea consumption:
1. A powerful source of antioxidants
Antioxidants are nutritional compounds that prevent free radical damage. Tea's main component, catechins, comes with proven antioxidant properties. Flavonoids found in green tea is an antioxidant that can protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage by scavenging oxygen-free radicals. These antioxidants are enough to neutralize free radicals wreaking havoc on the body, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Additionally, black tea contains polyphenol that blocks DNA damage associated with tobacco or other toxic chemicals.
2. Provides strength for the body and is a great source of energy
Tea consumption has been linked to having stronger bones and a lower probability of developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in tea. The flavonoids in tea contributed to bone density and adding a dash of milk to tea enhanced the bone-strengthening benefit. Milk is a rich source of absorbable calcium that improves bone density and reduces the risk of bone fractures and breakage. It also contains Vitamin D, which supports better absorption of calcium by the body, which plays a key role in preventing bone-related problems
3. Reduces stress and mood enhancer
The consumption of milk tea has been shown to have a stress-lowering property. As stress and tension became integral parts of human lives today, a cup of milk tea can reduce your level of stress as well as efficiently lift your mood. This may be attributable to the chemical L-theanine, which is present in both green and black tea and which encourages relaxation and enhanced focus by raising alpha activity in the brain which occurs when engaging in activities such as daydreaming, meditation, and mindfulness practice. Milk's whey protein and vitamin D both contribute to better memory and an elevated mood by stimulating the production of the hormone serotonin. It includes a lower level of caffeine that will balance a person's stress hormone and helps one to stay de-stressed.
4. Weight management
Consumption of milk tea has also been associated with weight management. It has a dual action as a weight-gaining and weight-losing agent. The milk fat component in milk tea can aid with weight gain. While catechins, a type of flavonoid present in tea, may aid weight loss by increasing metabolic rate and facilitating the faster breakdown of fats in the body. Moreover, the caffeine found in many teas boosts your energy levels, leading to a higher metabolic rate and, consequently, a higher number of calories burned.
5. Healthy skin
Premature aging of the skin can be caused by free radicals brought on by excessive sun exposure, stress, and a poor diet. Milk tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help slow the aging process and minimize the appearance of fine lines, scars, and other skin imperfections. Tea preserves the skin by scavenging free radicals, which contribute to aging. Meanwhile, lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in milk, effectively cleanses pores and eliminates acne-causing bacteria that builds up on the skin's surface, contributing to radiantly healthy skin.
The milk tea craze in the country was all the rage almost a decade ago, and people still can't get enough of this delicious and convenient beverage. Yet, these are merely a few potential benefits and risks of drinking milk tea.
We do not, however, encourage you to skip milk tea altogether; yet, like other food and beverage trends, moderation is crucial in its consumption. (CMU BSND OJT Joyce Vanessa E. Navaja / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 09631090198)
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