When should you drink tea?

Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages, and a key part of many cultures. Whether you enjoy a cup of milk tea in the morning to get your day going, a cup of afternoon tea to keep you alert at work, or a relaxing chamomile tea to wind down at the end of the day, there are many times when a cup of tea can be just the thing you need. But is there a best time to enjoy this delicious beverage? Are there any benefits to drinking it at certain times of the day? And what is the best season for drinking certain types of tea? Read on to find out!

When should I and shouldn’t I drink tea?

Some of the best times to drink tea are:

•Between or after meals : Certain types of tea, for example, green tea, are well known for their digestive properties. Having a light cup of green tea after a heavy meal can promote better digestion while improving nutrient intake.

•Before exercising : Tea contains a light amount of caffeine, which can be just the kick you need to get you going for an exercise session. The energy boost you get from a cup of tea will help you exercise for longer, while also keeping you hydrated throughout.

You should avoid drinking tea:

•Before bedtime : Many types of tea contain caffeine – especially black tea. So unless you are opting for a decaffeinated herbal infusion, you will find yourself feeling restless and unable to sleep if you drink tea just before your bedtime. You should ideally drink your last cup of tea at least 2 hours before you plan on going to bed.

•Early in the morning : While many of us enjoy a cup of tea in the morning, having it too early on an empty stomach can actually do more harm than good. This is because tea contains compounds called catechins which in high concentration, can cause liver damage. So the best time to drink it is a little later in the morning, either with, or just after breakfast.

What types of tea should I drink depending on the time?

Generally, white tea, green tea and other lighter teas that offer a more cooling effect can be enjoyed during warm seasons like the summer, especially if you serve them iced. In fact, this can be an unusual and refreshing way to enjoy tea.

However, in colder weather, you might prefer teas that will help warm up your body, such as black tea or milk tea. Darker blends will help you stay warm and cosy in the winter.

The universal rule of what types of tea to drink in the daytime vs. the night, is that you should try lighter, less oxidising teas at night, and darker, richer blends in the daytime. This is because the caffeine content of black tea is very high as compared to herbal infusions and lighter varieties. Absorbing so much caffeine early in the morning or late at night might cause fluctuations in your energy levels that will leave you feeling uneasy and unrested.

How many cups of tea can I drink in a day?

Most experts agree that while tea has a lot of health benefits, overconsumption of the beverage can have more detrimental effects over time. This is especially true of highly caffeinated varieties of tea, of which you should aim to drink no more than 3 cups a day at the most.

Most experts agree that while tea has a lot of health benefits, overconsumption of the beverage can have more detrimental effects over time. This is especially true of highly caffeinated varieties of tea, of which you should aim to drink no more than 3 cups a day at the most.

However, if you enjoy herbal blends, these have a much lower caffeine content, and you can drink it through the day without any adverse effects.

If you are in doubt, you can always listen to your body’s needs to realise when is and isn’t a good time to drink tea. The rules do not necessarily apply to everyone, but you should make sure that no matter what time of the day you want to enjoy your hot cup of tea, it is at a time when your body can benefit the most from the rich health benefits that this versatile beverage offers.