Tea should not be combined with such products: List

Dairy products (milk, cream, cheese)

Many people are used to adding milk or cream to tea, believing it makes the drink smoother and tastier. However, scientific studies show that combining tea with dairy products can significantly reduce the content and bioavailability of beneficial antioxidants found in tea, especially green and black varieties. Milk proteins, particularly casein, can bind with catechins – powerful antioxidants in tea – forming large molecules that are poorly absorbed by the body. As a result, the potential benefits of tea for the cardiovascular system, cancer prevention, and overall health can be greatly diminished.

Iron-rich foods (red meat, liver, legumes)

Tea, especially black tea, contains tannins – polyphenolic compounds that can bind with non-heme iron (found in plant foods and dairy products) in the digestive tract, forming insoluble complexes that are poorly absorbed. Drinking tea immediately after or during a meal rich in iron can significantly reduce the absorption of this essential mineral, which is especially dangerous for people prone to iron-deficiency anemia, pregnant women, and children. It is recommended to drink tea at least one hour before or after consuming iron-rich foods.

Lemon and other sour fruits

Adding lemon to tea is a fairly common practice that is believed to enhance flavor and add vitamin C. However, combining tea, especially black tea, with acidic fruits rich in oxalates (such as lemon, grapefruit, and tomatoes) may increase the risk of developing oxalate kidney stones in individuals predisposed to this condition. Oxalates are salts of oxalic acid, which in large amounts can crystallize in the kidneys.

Fatty and fried foods

Consuming tea along with fatty and fried foods can lead to unpleasant stomach sensations such as heaviness, bloating, and discomfort. Tea on its own can stimulate gastric acid production, while fatty foods slow down digestion. Their simultaneous consumption can overload the digestive system. Additionally, fats can partially block the absorption of beneficial substances found in tea.

Certain medications

Tea contains caffeine and other biologically active compounds that can interact with some medications, altering their effectiveness or enhancing side effects. Extra caution should be taken when drinking tea with:

Iron supplements

As mentioned earlier, tannins in tea can reduce the absorption of iron from medications.

Central nervous system stimulants

Caffeine in tea can amplify the effects of such drugs, leading to nervousness, insomnia, and increased heart rate.

Some anticoagulants

There is data on the possible interaction of tea and blood-thinning medications.

Cardiovascular medications

Drinking large amounts of tea may affect the action of certain heart medications.

If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult your doctor about possible interactions with tea and other beverages.

When tea brings maximum benefit

To get the most health benefits from tea and avoid unwanted effects, it is recommended to drink it separately from main meals, about one hour before or after eating. The best time for tea is between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. It is also better to choose freshly brewed tea without adding sugar, milk, or lemon (especially if you have kidney problems or anemia).

Earlier, we reported the most common mistake when drinking water revealed by physicians.

Sources: Healthline, Mayo Clinic, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.