Tea Knowledge: It's Not Recommended to Drink Tea Right After a Meal!

Why It's Not Recommended to Drink Tea Right After a Meal

For 30-60 minutes after eating, the stomach is busy digesting food, secreting large amounts of gastric acid to break down food, especially protein.

◆ Drinking tea immediately after a meal is a mistake

1. Impairs Nutrient Absorption

The tannic acid (a type of green tea polyphenols) in tea combines with iron, protein, and other nutrients in food, forming indigestible precipitates. This reduces the body's absorption of these nutrients, especially iron, and is particularly problematic for those who need iron supplements (such as those with anemia).

2. Irritates the Stomach

Right after a meal, the stomach needs to secrete gastric acid and digestive enzymes to digest food. Tea, being alkaline, dilutes the acid and may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to indigestion or bloating.

3. Increased Heart Strain

After a meal, blood concentrates in the digestive system to aid digestion. Drinking tea at this time can increase heart rate and slightly raise blood pressure, placing additional strain on the heart.

4. May Aggravate Constipation

Tannic acid slows intestinal motility. Drinking tea after a meal can exacerbate symptoms, especially for those with pre-existing constipation.

◆ The optimal time to drink tea after a meal: One hour is the safest and most recommended time.

This ensures that most of the food in the stomach has been emptied into the intestines, minimizing the impact of tea on digestion and nutrient absorption.

• If you absolutely want to drink tea, wait at least 30 minutes.
• It's best to choose a light tea after a meal.

After a heavy, greasy meal, a moderate amount of light tea can actually help break up the greasiness, but it's still recommended to drink it about an hour after the meal.