The popular beverage known as milk tea is enjoyed by people all around the world. It can be drunk hot or cold. The magic of milk tea is created via the combination of tea, milk, and sugar.
Some people think consuming milk tea at night is healthier as compared to being taken in the day while others have a lot of concerns regarding the quantity of sugar and caffeine level in it.
A simple answer to our query is: Consuming milk tea at night can be a healthy option but be mindful of the sugar and caffeine content. The best option in this regard is the “decaffeinated” version of tea as it will provide you with all the benefits of tea without making you alert and wide awake at night.
In this article, I will let you explore the facts about whether consuming milk tea at night is good or not, what to expect if you take it at night, and what could be the possible outcome. So let’s stick together and find out something more!
What Is Milk Tea?
Tea is a worldwide popular beverage hailed from China some 2700 years BC. Traveling all over the world, it has taken many forms and flavors but conventional milk tea’s importance is still untarnished.
The first and foremost step to make some tea is boiling tea leaves in water. Sugar and milk can be added according to the individual’s preferences. Multiple kinds of tea can be used to make milk tea, black tea is the standard and most popular choice.
Ingredients In Milk Tea
The three main components of milk tea are as follows:
- Dried tea leaves
- Sugar or any other kind of sweetener
- Dairy or non-dairy milk
Though the exact ingredients might vary depending on the recipe. Spices or fruit flavors may be added as extra components in some variants.
Caffeine Content In Milk Tea
Depending on the variety of tea used and the brewing technique, milk tea’s caffeine concentration can change.
Assam tea leaves are the most commonly used leaves to brew black tea. One 8 fl. oz. cup of black tea contains approx 80mg of caffeine.
Sugar Content In Milk Tea
It is a well-established fact that too much sugar may have a negative impact on your health and cause significant weight gain. The amount of sugar in various teas can vary in accordance with the recipe and as per individual preferences.
White refined sugar is never recommended to be used rather other sugar substitutes like jaggery, honey, and maple syrup can be of help. Even better substitutes are natural (stevia) and artificial sweeteners (xylitol) as they pose no threat to your health.
The AHA has set strict boundaries for sugar intake. Females should not exceed 24g while males must cap their sugar at 36g per day in order to avoid health risks associated with sugar intake.
Nutritional Value of Milk Tea
Here is a data table that contrasts the nutrients in a typical cup of milk tea with those in a cup of plain black tea and a cup of milk to help you better understand its nutritional value:
| Nutrients | Milk Tea (8 fl.oz.) | Black Tea (8fl.oz.) | Milk (8fl.oz.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 2 | 103 |
| Protein | 20g | 0.2g | 8g |
| Fat | 4g | 0g | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 0.5g | 12g |
| Sugar | 12g | 0g | 12g |
| Caffeine Content | 20-80mg | 30-60mg | 0mg |
Can We Drink Milk Tea At Night After Dinner?
Even though drinking milk tea after dinner can be a good way to relax and calm yourself down, it’s a must to be conscious about the drink’s caffeine and sugar content.
Excessive intake of sugar can lead to weight gain and generate other health problems and too much caffeine consumption may negatively impact sleep quality resulting in sleep deprivation.
In order to make a better and healthy choice, it is advised to choose caffeine-free tea and organic sugar and to limit your intake to 1-2 cups per day.
How Much Milk Tea Is Healthy?
When milk tea is consumed in limited amounts, it is a pleasant and nutritious drink. It freshens up your mind and body, removes fogginess, and is reported to bring clarity to your thought process.
But as with every other thing, too much is never good so keep your consumption in check. Having one to two cups per day is perfectly normal as they will give you the necessary kick meanwhile keeping the health risks at bay.
Another way to make your drink healthy is by making use of decaffeinated tea and natural sweeteners. Avoiding dehydration and maintaining proper levels of fluids can be further managed by drinking enough water prior to and after taking milk tea.
Health Benefits Of Milk Tea
Drinking milk tea in moderation has a number of health advantages. The following are a few advantages of drinking milk tea:
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants included in tea can assist the body in fighting off free radicals that damage cells and lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses.
Promotes Digestion
The milk in milk tea can help soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the guts.
Boosts Energy
The caffeine content in milk tea can provide a natural boost of energy, which can help improve focus and productivity.
Supports Bone Health
Calcium, which is important for keeping healthy bones and teeth, is found in milk.
Risks Of Drinking Milk Tea At Night
Disrupts Sleep
The milk tea’s caffeine level has been linked to insomnia and sleep disturbances.
Dehydration
Drinking too much milk tea can cause dehydration because it is a stimulant diuretic. You must drink a lot of water before and after drinking tea.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can be caused by consuming large amounts of sugar in milk tea. Another notable fact here is that we are taking sugar throughout the day in different foods so it is quite easy to exceed the daily limit. Therefore, keeping a check on sugar is a must.
Check this video out for more info on the topic.
Tips For Drinking Milk Tea At Night
- Find a Decaffeinated Tea: If you are an insomniac and caffeine consumption can affect your sleep, then you must avoid teas and coffees and choose decaffeinated versions of beverages.
- Use Natural Sweeteners: To make milk tea a healthy option, replace the sugar with healthier alternatives like honey or naturally occurring sweeteners.
- Limit Consumption: Drinking milk tea at night should be done in moderation. It is recommended to limit consumption to one, maximum of two cups a day.
- Drink Water: Drinking milk tea at night should be done in moderation in order to avoid dehydration.
Which Tea Is Better Thai Tea Or Milk Tea?
Thai tea has been observed to have higher positive health effects than milk tea.
Thai tea is rich in antioxidants and has been historically associated with a number of positive health effects, which include decreased chances of cardiovascular disease, enhanced memory, and even a lower risk of multiple diseases.
The spice mix of turmeric, star anise, tamarind, and cardamom added to Thai tea sets it apart from regular milk tea. It not only gives it a unique color and flavor but also heals the body internally.
Conclusion
- As long as it is taken in moderation and with the proper components, milk tea can be a wonderful choice for a nighttime beverage.
- Caffeine and sugar found in milk tea might impair sleep and cause weight gain if consumed in excess.
- It is advised to pick decaffeinated tea and use natural sweeteners to make milk tea a healthier alternative.
- Drinking milk tea at night can have positive effects on your health, including better digestion and an increase in natural vitality.
- Make sure to hydrate yourself well before and after consuming milk tea to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- One to two cups per day is the suggested maximum amount to consume.
- After all, milk tea can be appealing and relaxing to enjoy at night, but it’s important to be cautious about its possible adverse effects on your health and make wise decisions about how much you consume.