Black Tea V/s Milk Tea: Which One Is Better For You?

People of India love tea (chai) and not a single day goes without sipping a cup of hot tea! Tea Board of India conducted a survey which said that India is the second-largest tea producer globally and it also holds the position for the highest consumption of tea in the world.

Approximately 80% of the tea that is produced in India is consumed by the domestic population itself! In India, tea is mostly consumed either before or with breakfast, or in the evening and this contributes to the high consumption of tea in Indian households.

In General, milk tea with sugar is one of the most preferred choices for the Indian as well as most of the people in the world. But nowadays, black tea is the new trend which is driven by the increasing demand of living a healthy lifestyle! People are more interested in switching to healthier options like Green Tea or Kadha.

While there is also a debate going on between black tea and milk tea! Therefore, it gets difficult to decide which is the best tea option for us but in this blog, we will get to know about these two in detail so that it becomes easier for you to make a decision, let’s dive right in!

What Is Black Tea & What Are Its Health Benefits?

Black tea is extracted from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis and is widely known for its strong flavour and dark appearance. It contains high levels of caffeine, antioxidants and different beneficial elements which makes it a highly popular choice all over the world.

Here are a few health benefits of black tea that you must know:

• Black tea is rich in antioxidants, specifically polyphenols such as catechins and flavonoids. Such compounds help in fighting oxidative stress and counterbalance free radicals which further reduces the risk of chronic illness.
• Black tea contains caffeine which helps to improve the overall cognitive function. In addition, black tea also has the amino acid L-theanine can give you a calming & soothing effect. It helps to relax without making you feel drowsy.
• The compounds in black tea help in strengthening the immune system. The polyphenols hold antimicrobial properties and the tea also helps to maintain a strong immune response.
• Consuming black tea on a regular basis can also result in improved cardiovascular health. The flavonoids help in reducing cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure and enhancing the function of blood vessels.
• Black tea boosts healthy digestion which can help you to manage weight and improve metabolism. However, simply drinking black tea cannot result in weight loss and it must be a part of your balanced lifestyle to show the results.

What Is Milk Tea & What Are Its Health Benefits?

Milk tea includes black tea that is combined with milk and sugar (or any sweetener) that has a creamy & rich flavour. And you know what, the nutritional benefits of milk tea totally relies on the ingredient added, which specify the amount of sugar, calorie, and fat. Therefore, milk tea has advantages as well as disadvantages.

Here Are A Few Benefits Of Milk Tea:

• Milk tea is considered good for the bones as the presence of milk has essential nutrients such as calcium, protein and Vitamin D, which is amazing for bone health and overall well-being.
• Milk tea is great for releasing stress as it has antidepressant effects because it contains tryptophan. This particular compound helps to lift up the mood and reduce stress. The caffeine in milk tea also gives that refreshing effect to the body.
• A hot cup of milk tea provides you with the energy you need. The carbs and different contents of the milk help to boost the energy levels of the body.

Side Effects Of Milk Tea:

• Milk tea is prepared using milk which can be the reason for indigestion, bloating & gas. The presence of caffeine can also result in dehydration and constipation.
• Milk tea contains sugar & fat which results in gaining a lot of weight.
• If someone over-consumes milk tea then it might lead to chemical imbalances in your brain and trigger anxiety.
• As it contains caffeine, it can mess up your sleep cycle and lead to difficulty in sleeping. The sugar in the milk tea can even make this worse.
• Milk tea can also result in acidity, heartburn, loss of appetite, and nausea.

So, Black Tea Or Milk Tea, Which One Is Better To Drink?

When it comes to black tea, it is actually a rich source of antioxidants like flavonoids and catechins which are beneficial for the overall well-being of the body. It doesn’t contain any forms of sugar which makes it a low-calorie beverage and also helps in weight loss. Plus, it has a lot of health benefits to offer!

On the contrary, milk tea provides essential nutrients to the body like Vitamin D & calcium. But, milk tea contains high levels of calories as it has sugar in it, which is not considered good for a healthy & balanced lifestyle. Milk tea is also associated with a few digestive issues and it has several side effects that one might struggle with!

Therefore, it is recommended to pick black tea as it is a much healthier option! But it’s also okay to drink milk tea in moderation because excess of anything can result in adverse conditions.

Conclusion

Well, the debate between Black Tea and Milk Tea is not going to end anytime soon and honestly, the “better* options might vary from person to person! The choice of having black tea & milk tea ultimately depends on individual preferences, nutritional requirements and health considerations. They both have unique flavours and potential health benefits. Whether you savour the strong & robust flavour of black tea or delight in the comforting & rich texture of milk tea, both of them can be enjoyed as a part of your mindful & balanced lifestyle.

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