1. Not Before Meals
Drinking a small amount of Tea before or during a meal is generally fine, but drinking large quantities or very strong tea can affect the absorption of many macronutrients (such as calcium) and micronutrients (such as iron and zinc). It is particularly important to note that when consuming milk or other dairy products, you should not Drink tea at the same time. The caffeine and Tannic acid in the tea will combine with the calcium in dairy products to form insoluble calcium salts, which are then expelled from the body, significantly reducing the nutritional value of the dairy products.
2. Not Before Bed
New tea drinkers should pay special attention to this point. Many people find it very difficult to fall asleep after Drinking Tea before bed, which can severely impact their mental state the next day. Those suffering from neurasthenia or insomnia should be especially cautious.
3. Not After Drinking Alcohol
After consuming alcohol, ethanol enters the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract and is converted into acetaldehyde in the Liver, which is then further converted into acetic acid. Acetic acid is eventually broken down into carbon dioxide and water, which are expelled from the body. Drinking tea after alcohol consumption can cause the caffeine in the tea to rapidly stimulate diuresis in the kidneys, leading to the premature entry of unmetabolized acetaldehyde into the kidneys. Acetaldehyde has a significant stimulating effect on the kidneys and can affect kidney function. Therefore, those who frequently drink strong tea after alcohol consumption are more likely to develop kidney problems. Moreover, ethanol in alcohol has a significant stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, and tea also has a stimulating effect on the heart. The combined effect can exacerbate cardiac stimulation. For individuals with heart disease, drinking tea after alcohol is even more hazardous.
4. Not Freshly Picked Tea
Freshly picked tea, defined as tea that has been harvested for less than one month, has not undergone a period of storage. As such, it contains substances that can have adverse effects on health, such as polyphenols, alcohols, aldehydes, etc., which have not been fully oxidized. Drinking fresh tea over an extended period may result in uncomfortable reactions such as diarrhea and abdominal distension.
5. Not Strong Tea
Strong tea can excessively increase the “excitability” of the human body, which can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Individuals with cardiovascular diseases may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and arrhythmia after drinking strong tea, potentially worsening their condition.
6. Not Stale Tea
Stale tea, due to being left out for too long, is easily contaminated by pathogenic organisms. The complex components in the tea may also undergo changes, and drinking stale tea can lead to gastrointestinal diseases.
7. Do Not Take Medication with Tea
Some people, particularly avid tea drinkers, may choose to take medication with tea. However, the tannins in tea can bind with medications and precipitate, altering the drug's properties, hindering absorption, and affecting its efficacy. This is commonly referred to as “tea neutralizing medicine.” Therefore, it is recommended to take medication with plain water.