Does tea with honey, lemon or cream seem like the perfect way to end a meal?
However, experts warn that common additives can not only deprive the drink of its benefits, but also turn it into a health hazard.
The journal Food and Chemical Toxicology published a study that revealed the dangers of heating honey above 60°C. At high temperatures, it forms hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that is toxic to the liver in large doses.
Dr Michael Mosley , author of the bestselling book The 5:2 Fast Diet, explains: "OMF is classified as a potential carcinogen, but the dangerous dose is 300 mg per day. A cup of tea with honey rarely exceeds 10 mg."
However, regular consumption of such a drink can provoke headaches and nausea, especially in people with a sensitive digestive system.
Cream is another tricky ingredient. A study from Cambridge University found that casein in milk binds up to 30% of the catechins, the antioxidants responsible for tea’s anti-inflammatory properties.
This is confirmed by the review of Yulia, 27. “I used to add cream to my tea, but after switching to almond milk, I noticed that my skin became cleaner and my sleep became deeper.” Sergey, 45, shares his experience: “I eliminated sugar and cream – the heartburn, which I attributed to stress, disappeared.”
But the real danger lies in tea bags with lemon.
Citric acid, when combined with the aluminum inner surface of the packaging, forms toxic aluminum salts.
A study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that regular consumption of this tea increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Blacklist of additives
- Peppermint: Relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing acid reflux (Gut Journal endorsed).
- Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame and sucralose disrupt the gut microbiome, causing bloating.
Safe alternatives
- Ginger: Increases metabolism by 5% (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition).
- Cinnamon: Reduces blood glucose levels by 20% with regular consumption.
- Cardamom: Rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.
Advice from a nutritionist: Drink tea without additives for the first 10 minutes after brewing - this way you will get the maximum benefit. If you want sweetness, add honey to the cooled drink (up to 40°C) or use stevia.
