Tea is an incredibly popular beverage. There’s nothing quite like a refreshing cup of tea on a hot day, and it’s a go-to for many people to stay focused while studying or working. But do you know what happens when you drink tea every day? And what are the issues with drinking tea instead of water?
What Happens If You Drink Tea Every Day? Can You Drink Tea Instead of Water?
Drinking tea offers numerous benefits, including boosting alertness, providing antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular health, and aiding weight management. Despite these many perks, tea does have some potential side effects, meaning daily consumption should be kept in moderation and it should not completely replace plain water. Here are the potential side effects of drinking too much tea:
Increased Risk of Kidney Stones: While moderate tea consumption helps with hydration, drinking excessive amounts can increase the risk of forming calcium oxalate stones because tea is rich in oxalic acid.
Constipation: Drinking too much strong tea can lead to constipation. This is because tea contains tannins and theophylline; excessive tannins can inhibit bowel movements, slowing down gastrointestinal motility. Additionally, tea contains caffeine, which has a diuretic effect. If you drink tea in place of water, it can lead to dehydration, which, combined with sluggish digestion, makes constipation more likely.
Reduced Calcium and Iron Absorption: Caffeine can reduce calcium absorption. If individuals with anemia consume excessive amounts of strong tea over a long period, the high levels of tannins can reduce small intestine secretions, inhibit bowel motility, and impair iron absorption, potentially worsening anemia.
Drinking tea every day is fine, but the quantity should be moderated. Individuals with kidney disease, caffeine sensitivities, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should be especially careful to control their intake. Based on the side effects mentioned above, even unsweetened green tea or black tea is not suitable as a substitute for plain water.