ARE COFFEE, TEA BAD FOR YOU?

New dietary guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommend limiting Indians’ tea and coffee intake, as caffeine ‘induces physiological dependence’.


ICMR Guidelines on tea and coffee

300 mg: That’s the recommended daily caffeine intake, which is about two to three cups of coffee

60 mins: that’s how long one should wait before or after a meal for a cuppa, since the tannins in the beverage can reduce iron absorption from the food, leading to a deficiency and even anaemia

Drinking tea without milk offers benefits such as improved blood circulation and a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and stomach cancer

Tea and coffee stimulate the central nervous system and can induce physiological dependence

Drinking too much tea and coffee with sugar can be bad for diabetics, as it can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Caffeine activates the nervous system. Drinking it frequently might lead to insomnia and cardiac problems. Drinking tea on an empty stomach can result in acid reflux
- Dr Saurabh Dhobale, general physician



Drinking tea and coffee with milk can lead to acidity, as milk is acidic in nature. Ensure that you are drinking the beverages in moderation
– Muskan Soni, dietician



Alternatives of regular tea are chamomile green tea, hibiscus tea, and herbal tea. For coffee, there is an alternative where date seeds are roasted and ground to be used as coffee grinds. These have antioxidants, which are often reduced when these beverages are made with milk
– Radha Patil, nutritionist