From the Guidelines
Drinking tea after eating is generally safe and can be beneficial for overall health, as it may aid in digestion and provide various phytonutrients. The consumption of tea, particularly green tea, has been associated with a reduced risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as reported in a meta-analysis of 14 cohort studies consisting of 513,804 participants 1. Additionally, a dose-response meta-analysis found that a 1-cup/d (237-mL/d) increment of green tea consumption was associated with 5% lower risk of CVD mortality and with 4% lower risk of all-cause mortality 1.
Some key points to consider when drinking tea after eating include:
- Tea contains compounds like tannins that may aid digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and supporting gut health
- Drinking tea immediately after meals might slightly reduce iron absorption from food, particularly non-heme iron found in plant foods, although this effect is more pronounced with black tea than with herbal varieties 1
- Tea consumption after meals may also help regulate blood sugar levels, as certain compounds in tea can slow carbohydrate absorption
- Some people find that tea helps them feel satisfied after eating, potentially preventing overeating
It is essential to note that the benefits of drinking tea after eating outweigh the potential drawbacks for most individuals, and enjoying tea after meals is a common practice worldwide with few downsides. However, if you experience digestive discomfort, waiting 30 minutes after eating before drinking tea might be helpful. Overall, the evidence suggests that drinking tea after eating can be a healthy and beneficial habit, particularly when consumed in moderation.
From the Research
Effects of Eating and then Drinking Tea
- There is limited research directly addressing the effects of eating and then drinking tea.
- However, studies have investigated the relationship between beverage intake, including tea, and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms 2.
- One study found that intake of tea was associated with an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, with a hazard ratio of 1.26 for women with the highest intake of tea (more than 6 servings/day) compared to those with the lowest intake (0 servings/day) 2.
- Another study reviewed the effects of coffee on the gastrointestinal system, which may be relevant to tea consumption as well, and found that coffee promotes gastro-oesophageal reflux, stimulates gastrin release and gastric acid secretion, and induces cholecystokinin release and gallbladder contraction 3.
- A meta-analysis on the association between coffee intake and gastroesophageal reflux disease found no significant association, but the results may not be directly applicable to tea consumption 4.
- Tea has been found to possess significant antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, cholesterol-lowering, and thermogenic properties, which may have beneficial effects on health 5.