Milk tea is a beverage that combines tea and milk. It is a popular drink enjoyed by many, especially in South Asian countries where it is commonly known as “chai.” There has been a debate about whether or not milk tea is healthy for daily consumption.
Chae or milk tea is quite a healthy beverage as it is a good source of caffeine and antioxidants, both of which can be beneficial for you.
In this article, we will answer some common questions related to the health effects of drinking milk tea. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Can You Drink Milk Tea Every Day?
Drinking milk tea every day can be okay for most people in moderation. However, excessive consumption may lead to health issues due to the high sugar and calorie content.
The amount of sugar and calories in milk tea depends on the type and amount of milk and sweeteners used. For instance, using whole milk and adding sugar syrup can significantly increase the calorie and sugar content of the drink.
On the other hand, using skim milk and natural sweeteners like honey or stevia can make the drink healthier. It’s important to consider the overall diet and lifestyle when deciding how much milk tea to consume daily.
If you are consuming more than two cups of milk tea per day, you should consider reducing your serving size to prevent potential health issues.
Is Drinking Tea With Milk Good For You?
Drinking tea with milk has its benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at its health benefits first:
- Milk contains calcium and other nutrients that are good for bones and teeth.
- The combination of tea and milk can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- The polyphenols in tea have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The benefits of drinking tea are elaborated well in the following video.
On the other hand, the disadvantages of taking tea with milk include:
- High sugar content in milk tea can lead to weight gain.
- Sugar is also responsible for tooth decay if consumed in excess.
- Drinking tea with milk can also reduce the absorption of some beneficial compounds in tea, such as catechins, which are known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
Overall, drinking tea with milk in moderation can be beneficial, but it’s important to choose the right type and amount of milk and sweeteners.
How Much Milk Tea Per Day is Healthy?
The recommended amount of milk tea per day is 1-2 cups, depending on individual dietary needs and preferences.
Drinking more than 2 cups of milk tea per day can lead to excessive calorie and sugar intake, which can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.
It’s important to choose low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives like almond or soy milk to reduce the calorie and fat content of the drink. Additionally, using natural sweeteners like honey or stevia instead of sugar can make the drink healthier.
Why is Tea Better Without Milk?
Tea without milk is considered healthier than tea with milk because it allows for the full absorption of beneficial compounds present in tea leaves, such as catechins.
Adding milk to tea can reduce the absorption of these compounds and their health benefits. Additionally, drinking tea without milk reduces the calorie and fat content of the drink, making it a healthier option for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
What is The Local Name of Milk Tea?
Tea with milk is commonly known as “milk tea” or “chai” in Asian countries. In some regions, it may also be referred to as “masala chai,” which is a type of spiced tea made with milk, tea, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
Is Milk Tea Good For The Heart or Not?
Excessive consumption of sweetened milk tea can have negative effects on heart health due to its high sugar and calorie content.
Drinking too much-sweetened milk tea can lead to weight gain or type II diabetes which are risk factors for heart disease.
Therefore, low-fat and plant-based milk alternatives like almond or soy milk should be used while making milk tea as they provide calcium and other nutrients that are good for heart health.
Health Benefits of Thai Tea vs. Milk Tea
Now, let’s compare the health benefits of Thai tea versus milk tea, then we’ll compare the two and see which one comes out on top.
| Health Benefits | Thai Tea | Milk Tea |
| Contains antioxidants | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lowers risk of heart disease | ✔ | ✔ |
| Helps regulate blood sugar | ✔ | – |
| May improve digestion | ✔ | – |
| Contains calcium and protein | – | ✔ |
| Can improve mental alertness | – | ✔ |
As we can see from the table, both Thai tea and milk tea have similar health benefits.
Both contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. They also both have the potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.
However, Thai tea has the added benefit of potentially improving digestion. This is due to the presence of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom, which are often used in Thai tea recipes. These spices have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive system.
Milk tea, on the other hand, contains calcium and protein, which are important for building strong bones and muscles. It also has the added benefit of providing a quick burst of energy and improving mental alertness due to its higher caffeine content.
Overall, both Thai tea and milk tea can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, but each has its unique benefits. Choosing one over the other may come down to personal preference or specific health needs.
For example, if you have digestive issues, you may want to opt for Thai tea while if you need a quick energy boost, milk tea may be the better choice.
Conclusion
- Drinking milk tea daily can have both positive and negative effects on your health.
- Moderation is key when it comes to drinking milk tea, as consuming too much can have negative consequences on your health.
- It’s important to choose high-quality ingredients and limit the amount of added sugars or sweeteners.
- If you choose to drink milk tea daily, it’s important to consider your overall diet and lifestyle habits to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.