It is best to wait at least half an hour after a meal before drinking tea, preferably one hour or even one and a half hours later. Food takes about 30 minutes or longer to digest in the stomach. Tea contains a high amount of alkaloids, and drinking strong tea before or immediately after meals for a long time can lead to indigestion, constipation, nutritional disorders, and anemia. Therefore, it is not advisable to drink tea within half an hour before or after a meal. To avoid indigestion, it is better to drink plain water after meals. Additionally, drinking tea on an empty stomach is also not recommended.

Why is it not advisable to drink tea immediately after a meal? This is because tea contains tannic acid and theophylline, both of which can interfere with the digestion of food. Gastric juice and intestinal juice are essential for digesting food, but when tannic acid enters the gastrointestinal tract, it inhibits their secretion, leading to indigestion.

Drinking a small amount of tea before or during a meal is generally fine, but consuming large amounts of tea or very strong tea can interfere with the absorption of many macroelements (such as calcium) and trace elements (such as iron and zinc). Drinking herbal tea before a meal can aid digestion, while drinking it after a meal can help treat gastrointestinal discomfort and sensitivity.

How to drink tea scientifically? What is the best time to drink tea?

Different types of tea are suitable for different times of the day. Some people drink different teas at different times throughout the day.

Drink a cup of light high-quality green tea in the morning to refresh the mind;

Drink a cup of jasmine tea in the morning to uplift the mood and improve work efficiency;

Drink a cup of black tea in the afternoon to combat drowsiness and boost energy;

During a work break in the afternoon, drink a cup of milk tea or high-quality green tea with some snacks or fruits to replenish nutrients;

In the evening, gather with friends or family and brew a pot of oolong tea to enjoy while chatting, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

The ideal time to drink tea is around 3 or 4 PM, as it aids digestion and refreshes the mind. It is best not to drink strong tea in the evening, usually around 9 PM.

This helps break down fats in the body and prevents fat accumulation. Reminder: It is advisable to brush your teeth after drinking tea in the evening to prevent tea stains from accumulating on the teeth, which can lead to yellowing over time.

Since it is not advisable to drink tea immediately after a meal, what should we drink after eating? Experts suggest that plain water is the best post-meal drink, as it cleanses the mouth without affecting digestion. As for tea, you can drink some weak tea half an hour after a meal.