Tea is a delicious drink that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. There are many different ways to enjoy tea, but one of the most popular methods is to add milk to it. Adding milk to your tea can enhance the flavor and provide some health benefits as well.
The Tradition of Drinking Tea with Milk
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, second only to water. Drinking tea with milk has been a long tradition in many cultures. Some believed that adding milk to tea helped to make the beverage more refreshing and soothing. Over time, this tradition spread around the world, and today it is common for people to enjoy their tea with a bit of milk or cream added.
This tradition can be adapted to suit different types of tea. If you are drinking black tea with milk, tradition says to add a small amount of cream or whole milk to your cup before pouring in the hot water from your kettle. But if you are drinking green tea with milk, then you add a splash of milk or cream at the end after you have poured the hot water and allowed the tea leaves to steep.
Why Do You Add Milk to Tea?
Adding milk to tea is a common practice in many parts of the world. The most common reason is to add sweetness to an otherwise bitter drink. Milk makes the bitter tea more palatable for some people. You may find that adding milk or cream to your tea enhances the flavor and aroma of your beverage.
Others find the practice to be a comforting tradition. You may find that it is a soothing and relaxing experience to sip a hot cup of tea mixed with creamy milk.
The choice to add milk to your tea may depend on your personal taste preferences as well as any health benefits you hope to gain from consuming the drink. Taking the time to experiment with various tea and milk combinations can help you find a perfect blend.
Benefits of Drinking Tea with Milk
Black and green tea contain beneficial compounds that may help reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Tea is rich in natural antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds. These compounds help to protect our bodies from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Research shows that drinking tea is associated with better cardiovascular and metabolic health. And tea reduces the risk of several types of cancer. Research also shows that tea can boost your immune system and decrease inflammation.
Milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and many other vitamins and minerals. There are many different health benefits associated with milk, including improved bone strength, cardiovascular health, and mental wellbeing. Milk can also help to support healthy weight loss and promote overall good health.
Both tea and milk provide numerous benefits. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, green or black tea with milk is the perfect drink to enjoy any time of day.
Black Tea with Milk
The leaves of black tea are dried and fermented. This fermentation gives black tea its darker color and richer flavor. Its strongest antioxidant activity is from theaflavins.
Green Tea with Milk
Green tea's origin traces back to China. Green tea is unfermented tea. It has the highest antioxidant activity of most teas. Its strongest antioxidant activity is from catechins.
Tea with Milk FAQs
There is conflicting research about whether milk interferes with the antioxidants in tea. Some studies suggest that milk can decrease the absorption of polyphenols. But other studies have found that milk does not impact tea's antioxidant levels.
While the antioxidant levels of herbal teas are not as high as those in black and green tea, herbal teas can still provide certain health benefits. Some have anti-inflammatory properties and others promote digestive health.
Milk is a healthier choice than cream. Milk provides more protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients than cream. And low-fat milk is much lower in fat and saturated fat than cream.
Bottom Line
Whether you prefer tea hot or cold, tea with milk provides a wide range of health benefits and is a refreshing way to enjoy this popular beverage. Tea and milk each offer benefits on their own, so together they provide a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.
