Avoid Drinking Coffee or Tea on an Empty Stomach, What About After Meals?
In modern society, coffee and tea are two popular beverages. However, there is ongoing debate about the habits of drinking coffee and tea on an empty stomach and after meals. This article explores the effects of consuming coffee and tea on an empty stomach and after meals, providing readers with reasonable drinking advice based on scientific principles.
1. The Effects of Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach
Many people have the habit of drinking a cup of coffee on an empty stomach in the morning to wake up. However, this practice may have adverse health effects. First, drinking coffee on an empty stomach may reduce appetite, affecting breakfast intake, which can negatively impact nutritional intake throughout the day. Additionally, the stimulants in coffee, such as caffeine, may irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid secretion, potentially leading to stomach pain, ulcers, and other digestive system issues over time.
Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the time of coffee consumption to after breakfast or lunch. At this time, the stimulating effect of coffee can help people better handle work and study, while also promoting digestion and absorption of food.
2. Risks of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach
Similar to coffee, drinking tea on an empty stomach also poses certain risks. When the stomach is empty, tea enters the gastrointestinal tract directly, diluting stomach acid and affecting digestive function. Furthermore, components in tea such as caffeine and theobromine may also irritate the stomach lining, causing discomfort. More importantly, drinking tea on an empty stomach can lead to the rapid absorption of certain compounds in the tea, causing symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and weakness, known as "tea intoxication."
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach, especially right after waking up in the morning. Instead, drink tea in moderation after meals to enjoy its aroma and taste while also aiding digestion and reducing gastrointestinal burden.
3. Pros and Cons of Drinking Tea Immediately After Meals
Drinking tea immediately after meals seems to be a common habit, but it is not beneficial to health. Firstly, tannins in tea, when entering the gastrointestinal tract, can inhibit the secretion of gastric and intestinal juices, affecting the digestion and absorption of food. Secondly, tannins can bind with proteins in food to form tannin-protein complexes, which have astringent properties and can reduce intestinal motility, leading to constipation. Moreover, some components in tea may hinder the body's absorption of iron, potentially causing iron deficiency anemia over time.
Thus, it is recommended to wait an hour after meals before drinking tea. By this time, the food will have been partially digested and absorbed, minimizing the impact of tea on the stomach and intestines. Additionally, the beneficial compounds in tea, such as antioxidants, can be better utilized, providing effects like anti-aging and mental alertness.
In summary, drinking coffee and tea on an empty stomach and drinking tea immediately after meals are not healthy dietary habits.