When prepared properly, tea, particularly milk tea widely enjoyed in Indian households, is indeed an amazing beverage offering numerous benefits.
This can have far-reaching implications for individuals who consume over-boiled milk tea regularly, potentially increasing their risk of health problems over time.In addition to health concerns, over-boiling milk tea negatively affects its taste and aroma, diminishing the sensory pleasure that many people derive from this beloved beverage.
“This not only affects the flavor and sensory experience of drinking tea but also diminishes its magical therapeutic effects on mood and relaxation.”To maximize the health benefits of milk tea, Naidu advises against prolonged boiling.
Being cautious helps preserve its delicate aromas and flavors while also providing immense health benefits,” Naidu advised.
However, as Naidu’s insights reveal, the common practice of over-boiling milk tea can lead to significant health risks and a reduction in the beverage’s enjoyable properties.
Nutrient degradation and digestive issues
Formation of harmful compounds
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Impact on flavor and enjoyment
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Practical advice for tea lovers
Tea is renowned for its exceptional antioxidant properties and myriad health benefits, offering a soothing escape from the daily hustle. When prepared properly, tea, particularly milk tea widely enjoyed in Indian households, is indeed an amazing beverage offering numerous benefits. However, it doesn't take much for it to turn hazardous. Over-boiling can potentially change the aromatic beverage into a slow poison that people unknowingly consume daily. We spoke to Nagpur-based dietitian Shruti Naidu, who specialises in lifestyle disorders & diabetes management and she outlined crucial reasons why over-boiling tea is harmful as per Ayurveda and how to avoid this pitfall to enjoy tea in a healthier and safer manner.According to Naidu, the widespread habit of over-boiling this popular beverage can significantly degrade its nutritional value and lead to various health issues. She says, “As per Ayurveda, prolonged heating of milk reduces its beneficial properties and makes it harder to digest, potentially leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body.” She emphasized that the practice of over-boiling milk tea is not only a concern from a traditional health perspective but also from a modern medical standpoint.“Over-boiling milk tea can degrade essential nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants, diminishing its health benefits. Furthermore, excessive boiling can lead to the formation of harmful compounds, which may increase the risk of inflammation and other health concerns,” Naidu added.The primary issue with over-boiling milk tea is the destruction of heat-sensitive vitamins, particularly B vitamins, and the denaturation of milk proteins. This process not only makes the nutrients less bioavailable but also harder for the body to digest. The excessive release of tannins during prolonged boiling forms complexes with milk proteins, reducing nutrient absorption and making the tea bitter and astringent.“Prolonged boiling destroys heat-sensitive vitamins and denatures milk proteins, making them harder to digest,” Naidu explained. “It also leads to the excessive release of tannins, which can form complexes with milk proteins, reducing nutrient absorption and making the tea bitter and astringent.”Another significant concern is the formation of harmful compounds like advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with inflammation and chronic diseases. AGEs are formed when proteins or fats combine with sugar in the bloodstream, and their formation is accelerated by excessive heat. “Over-boiling can form harmful compounds like AGEs, which are associated with inflammation and chronic diseases,” Naidu noted. This can have far-reaching implications for individuals who consume over-boiled milk tea regularly, potentially increasing their risk of health problems over time.In addition to health concerns, over-boiling milk tea negatively affects its taste and aroma, diminishing the sensory pleasure that many people derive from this beloved beverage. The process results in a bitter, unpleasant taste and the loss of the tea’s calming and therapeutic qualities. “Over-boiling tea can ultimately lead to the opposite of tea's original qualities, making you feel annoyed, uncomfortable, and even immensely anxious,” Naidu said. “This not only affects the flavor and sensory experience of drinking tea but also diminishes its magical therapeutic effects on mood and relaxation.”To maximize the health benefits of milk tea, Naidu advises against prolonged boiling. Instead, she recommends steeping tea for the recommended time and adding milk without excessive heating. This approach helps preserve the tea’s delicate flavors and aromas while maintaining its nutritional value. “Enjoying a proper, safe cup of tea requires care to avoid over-boiling. Being cautious helps preserve its delicate aromas and flavors while also providing immense health benefits,” Naidu advised. “By understanding and being a little more careful while preparing it, tea lovers can continue to indulge in their favorite beverage in an improved, healthier, and safer manner.”Tea, particularly milk tea, is a cherished beverage enjoyed by many for its soothing qualities and numerous health benefits. However, as Naidu’s insights reveal, the common practice of over-boiling milk tea can lead to significant health risks and a reduction in the beverage’s enjoyable properties. By adopting mindful preparation techniques, tea enthusiasts can continue to enjoy their favorite drink while safeguarding their health.(Images courtesy: Canva)
