Earlier this year, a US scientist sparked a major transatlantic debate over the tea issue. In his book Brewed: The Chemistry of TeaBryn Mawr College chemistry professor Michelle Francl, PhD, claimed that a pinch of salt is the key to the perfect cup of tea. Dr. invested three years of research and testing for his book. Francl wrote that adding a pinch of salt reduces the bitterness of the tea because “the sodium ions in the salt block the bitter receptors in our mouth.”
The claim sparked so much controversy that eventually the US Embassy in London felt the need to intervene. Inside social media posthe assured “the good people of the United Kingdom that the unthinkable idea of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not the official policy of the United States,” adding: “Let us unite in our brewed solidarity and tell the world that when it comes to tea, we stand as one.” “The US Embassy will continue to microwave tea correctly.”
Although that last statement is a joke, there is one mistake that can have potential health consequences: water being too hot. Not only does boiling water scald the delicate tea leaves, creating a bitter taste, but many studies also link drinking hot tea to esophageal cancer. According to the authors of one such study, the risk of developing esophageal cancer was 90 percent higher in people who consumed more than 700 milliliters (or two large cups) of tea per day at temperatures above 140 degrees than in those who drank less tea and at cooler temperatures. Therefore, if you drink a lot of tea or have other risk factors for esophageal cancer, you may want to use cold brew or lower-temperature water.
Brewing methods aside, salt is just one of the unusual things people add to tea in hopes of making it taste better or provide health benefits. We asked a few experts to weigh in on some of these options, and here are the results.
1st Best: Mint
“I love the eye-opening flavor it provides,” says Jackie Newgent, RDN, chef, nutritionist, and author. Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook. Fresh mint has been shown to relieve digestive discomfort in those with irritable bowel syndrome. Other research has found that the menthol in peppermint has a calming effect that can help reduce stress.
2. Worst: Salt
Although salt is superior in terms of bitterness, Newgent does not recommend even a pinch in terms of health. “Given that Americans already get too much sodium (3,400 milligrams (mg) per day instead of less than 2,300 mg), adding salt to tea is not something I recommend,” he says.
There are also better ways to offset pain. “Anything sweet will work, including fruit,” she claims.
3. Best: Fruit
The fruit’s sweetness is far from its only benefit. Mixing tea with fruit will also add fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. “All fruits will add some antioxidants, especially when they are seasonal and at the peak of ripeness, nutritional value and flavor,” says Newgent. Her most preferred products include wild blueberries with black tea, peaches with white tea, and mango with green tea.
4. Worst: Sweeteners
Americans go overboard on dessert; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that adult men consume an average of 19 teaspoons (teaspoon) of added sugar per day and adult women consume 15 teaspoons. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, so it makes sense to limit sugar as much as possible. Artificial sweeteners are also controversial, especially when it comes to weight loss.
4. Best: Citrus Juice or Peels
Both orange and lemon peels and their juice not only enhance the flavor of the tea but also its potential health benefits. “Adding lemon juice to a cup of tea will provide vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties,” explains Keri Gans, RDN, a nutrition consultant in New York City. Small Change Diet.
Similarly, citrus peels will provide “polyphenols, vitamin C and a pleasant aroma,” adds Newgent. There is even research linking citrus fruit intake to a reduced risk of lung cancer and neurological benefits. Thanks to citrus flavonoids.
5. Worst: Essential Oils
You can see recommendations on social media about adding these aromatic oils to tea or foods. Essential oils are derived from plants, but not all of them are safe to ingest. You need to make sure that what you use is food safe. Even then, it can be easy to overdo it because essential oils can be so powerful. “While very limited use of essential oils such as peppermint or lavender may be enjoyable, I generally recommend not using them in hot tea as essential oils are highly concentrated,” Newgent says, and their use in food is not as tightly regulated. US Food and Drug Administration as other ingredients. Also, because they are fat-soluble, it is best to mix essential oils with food or drinks that have some oil in them, rather than a water-based beverage like tea.
6. Best: Milk
While drinking your tea with milk isn’t as common in the United States as it is on the other side of the pond, there are some health benefits to adding milk to your brew. According to a study, in addition to reducing the bitterness of tea, milk can also reduce the staining effects of tea on teeth. What’s more, Gans says, “Adding milk to your tea can provide bone-healthy calcium and muscle-building protein.”
But according to Francl, timing is important. To prevent curdling, I recommend adding the milk to the tea and not the other way around. Consider a heavier pour, Gans says. “To reap the real benefits, I recommend more than just the jump.”
7. Worst: Microplastics
Okay, so no one knowingly adds microscopic amounts of non-biodegradable chemicals to their tea, but you might be doing it unintentionally. How? A published study Environmental Science and Technology It found that some brands of packaged tea bags actually break down in hot water and can release more than 11 billion particles into a single cup. Research continues to find adverse health effects associated with consuming microplastics, including a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. “As concerns grow about the potential health problems of microplastics found in tea bags, consider switching to using loose tea leaves,” advises Newgent. Or, if you prefer to use tea bags, choose plastic-free ones like Pukka, Numi Teas or Republic of Tea.
8. Best: Ginger
Ginger tea is a popular digestive aid. Even if you don’t have a ginger tea bag, adding some ginger powder, extract, or fresh ginger to any cup of tea will provide similar benefits. “Sip ginger-brewed tea to potentially alleviate gastrointestinal issues,” says Newgent. “Ginger also offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic properties.” And if you’re feeling nauseous, a cup of ginger tea can help soothe your stomach. “In addition to being delicious, adding ginger to your tea can act as a digestive aid that can help relieve nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, or motion sickness,” Gans agrees.
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