Milk tea, a popular beverage in many parts of the world, has become a go-to drink for many tea lovers.
However, some people wonder if it is okay to drink milk tea once a week.
The answer to this query is yes. Milk tea can be consumed once a week. In fact, it is considered an essential part of South Asian breakfast.
In this blog post, we’ll ponder on the pros and cons of consuming milk tea as a daily and as well as once a week consumed beverage; so let’s get along.
What is Milk Tea?
Milk tea is a beverage that is usually served hot and is made with three basic ingredients:
- Black tea leaves
- Sugar or any kind of sweetener
- Milk
Tea can be a healthy beverage choice when consumed in moderation as it contains antioxidants and other compounds that may have potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
The Health Benefits of Drinking Milk Tea
Drinking milk tea has some potential health benefits. Here are some of them:
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea, the base for milk tea, contains antioxidants known as polyphenols. These antioxidants protect the body against free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases like cancer.
Boost Immunity
Studies have shown that black tea can help boost the immune system. It contains compounds that help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
Good for the Heart
Research has suggested that drinking black tea regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Skin Rejuvenation
Another task done by antioxidants is that they protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the signs of aging.
The Risks of Drinking Milk Tea
Despite the potential health benefits, drinking milk tea can also have some risks. Here are some of them:
- High in calories: Milk tea is often sweetened with sugar, which adds extra calories to the drink. Depending on the size and amount of sugar used, one cup of milk tea can contain up to 200 calories or more.
- Can lead to weight gain: Drinking milk tea regularly can lead to weight gain, especially if you are not balancing it with a healthy diet and exercise.
- May affect sleep: Milk tea contains caffeine, which can cause jitters and can interfere with sleep patterns if consumed in large amounts or later in the day.
- Digestive irregularities: Milk tea may lead to digestive issues, such as heartburn, and acid reflux, especially if consumed on an empty stomach or in large amounts.
Is it Okay to Drink Milk Tea Once Per Week?
Drinking milk tea every week is generally okay as long as it is consumed in moderation.
Milk tea can be high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat if it is made with full-fat milk and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. Therefore, drinking milk tea in excess can lead to health problems like weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels.
The recommended amount of milk tea to drink in a week depends on the individual’s dietary needs and preferences. However, it is generally recommended to consume milk tea in moderation and limit intake to a few servings per week.
The notable thing is that if the serving size is kept to a smaller one, taking milk tea daily won’t cause any trouble.
What Happens if You Stop Drinking Milk Tea?
If you stop drinking milk tea, you might experience some caffeine withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
This is because milk tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can lead to dependence if consumed regularly.
In this video, the possible withdrawal symptoms that you may experience after quitting milk tea are explained.
How Much Milk Tea is Healthy?
The amount of milk tea that is considered healthy depends on the individual’s dietary needs and preferences. However, it is generally recommended to consume milk tea in moderation, i.e., one serving a day at max.
Also, choose lower-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives to reduce the intake of saturated fat and calories.
Let’s take a look at a few of the concerns which may arise in a tea drinker’s mind before its consumption and how to cater to them.
| Benefit or Concern | Explanation |
| Antioxidants | Milk tea contains antioxidants that can help protect the body against cell damage. |
| Caffeine | Milk tea contains caffeine which can lead to dependence if consumed regularly. |
| Calories | Milk tea can be high in calories, especially if made with full-fat milk and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. |
| Moderation | Drinking milk tea once a week in moderation is generally okay for most people, but excessive intake can lead to health problems like weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol levels. |
Is Milk Tea Healthier Than Coffee?
Milk tea and coffee have different nutritional profiles and potential health benefits.
Milk tea is typically lower in caffeine and may be a better option for people who are sensitive to caffeine.
However, coffee has been associated with several potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease.
Ultimately, the choice between milk tea and coffee depends on the individual’s dietary needs and preferences.
Why is Drinking Thai Tea Better Than Milk Tea?
While milk tea can be delicious, there are some reasons why drinking Thai tea once a week may be a better alternative. Here are some of them.
Lower Calories
Thai tea is often made with condensed milk, which is high in calories. However, it is typically served in smaller portions than milk tea, making it a lower-calorie option.
Contains Less Sugar
Thai tea is typically less sweet than milk tea because its sweetness usually comes from sweetened condensed milk rather than white refined sugar. This can be a healthier option for those watching their sugar intake.
Rich in Antioxidants
Thai tea is made with black Assam tea, which contains antioxidants that can benefit the body.
Contains Spices
Thai tea is often flavored with spices like star anise and cardamom, which add a unique flavor and also provide additional health benefits like internal healing and strength.
Conclusion
- Drinking milk tea once a week can be okay for most people. It has some potential health benefits, but it is also high in calories and sugar, which can be detrimental to your health if consumed regularly.
- If you are an avid drinker and want to consume tea daily, you should lower your sugar intake so that your beverage remains a healthy one.
- However, drinking Thai tea once a week can be a better alternative. It is typically lower in calories and sugar, contains antioxidants, and is flavored with spices that can offer additional health benefits.
- So, next time you are looking for a flavorful drink, consider giving Thai tea a try! Basically, the choice between milk tea and Thai tea comes down to your personal preference.