Misconception 2: White tea and Green tea are equally beneficial. Among all teas, white tea has the highest antioxidant content and the least caffeine.
Misconception 3: Milk does not counteract the health benefits of tea. A recent study in the European Heart Journal found that casein in milk binds with catechins in tea leaves. Therefore, adding milk to tea may destroy the tea's effectiveness in preventing heart disease.
Misconception 4: Tea has a higher caffeine content than coffee. USDA research found that a cup of tea contains about one-third the caffeine of a cup of coffee.
Misconception 5: Drinking too much tea easily leads to dehydration. Although tea is a diuretic, its diuretic effect gradually decreases due to the caffeine. Furthermore, tea is 99% water, which can keep the body sufficiently hydrated and prevent dehydration. White tea is the most effective at hydrating the body.
Misconception 6: Tea damages teeth. Tea is a natural source of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. Regular tea drinking also helps prevent dental plaque from combining with sugar in the mouth to produce acidic substances, thus avoiding tooth damage.
Misconception 7: Tea causes excess stomach acid. Tea is an alkaline food; the claim that "tea causes excess stomach acid" is completely unfounded. In fact, black tea can help prevent stomach ulcers.
Misconception 8: Boiled tea tastes better. Tea leaves only need to be steeped in hot water; boiling is unnecessary. Boiled tea will taste more bitter.
Misconception 9: Drinking tea causes insomnia. Tea contains caffeine, which indeed has a stimulating effect, and excessive intake can affect sleep. However, more and more studies show that the amino acid L-theanine in tea has a positive effect on improving sleep quality.