Why You Should Avoid Milk Tea
Milk tea has grown into an increasingly popular drink across the globe and is often praised for its delicious blend of tea’s earthy taste and milk’s rich texture.
While it can be a relaxing beverage, there are several reasons to think twice about drinking milk tea regularly. Here are some of the disadvantages that can result from drinking this seemingly harmless beverage.
Nutritional Imbalance
One of the most significant issues regarding milk tea is its lack of balanced nutritional value. Most milk teas are rich in sugar, mainly when consumed in sweetened or bubble tea versions.
One cup can contain 30-50 grams of sugar, contributing to a high-calorie intake. The high sugar content of a meal is not only a factor in weight gain but also increases the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
Lactose Intolerance Issues
If you are lactose intolerant, drinking milk tea may cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Many people drink milk tea and do not realize that their bodies aren’t able to digest dairy properly, leading to discomfort and possibly longer-term health problems for the gut.
Caffeine Overload
Tea naturally contains caffeine, and if consumed in excess, it may cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and insomnia.
Mixing milk and tea doesn’t diminish the amount of caffeine; however, it can disguise its flavor and make it easy to drink large amounts of tea without realizing it. As time passes, this may cause dependence on caffeine and health problems related to it.
Interference with Nutrient Absorption
Tea can affect the body’s capacity to ingest certain nutrients. The calcium found in milk, when combined with other compounds, such as tea oxalates, can result in insoluble complexes that block calcium absorption.
This can cause osteoporosis, particularly in those who are already in danger of developing it.
High Caloric Content
Milk tea is often served with additional toppings, such as jellies or tapioca pearls, which are rich in calories but have a low nutritional value.
A regular intake of these calorific-rich beverages can result in unhealthy weight gain and make it more difficult to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Potential Hormonal Imbalance
Certain milk-related compounds, especially when taken in massive amounts, could cause hormone imbalances. This is especially true for those who suffer from hormonal issues like polycystic or ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Artificial Additives
Many milk teas sold in the market include artificial flavorings, colors, and preservatives to improve their flavor and appearance.
These additives could be harmful over the long term, possibly increasing the likelihood of developing allergies, metabolic problems, and even certain cancers.
Side Effects of Drinking Milk Tea
Digestive Problems
As mentioned previously, milk tea may cause digestive discomfort due to lactose intolerance or the combination of milk and tea.
In addition, excessive consumption may cause upset or acid reflux stomachs because of the acidity of tea.
Weight Gain
The high levels of sugar and calories in milk tea could lead to significant weight gain if taken regularly.
However, “healthier” versions often contain hidden sugars, making it easy to consume excessive calories without even realizing it.
Skin Issues
Drinking excessive amounts of milk tea may cause skin issues like acne. The sugar content is high, and it can trigger a rise in insulin levels, which can lead to an increase in oil production and inflammation. These are the key elements in the growth of acne.
Sleep Disturbances
Because of the caffeine content in milk, tea can alter sleeping patterns, particularly if consumed late in the morning.
A lack of sleep can have various effects on overall health, such as lower immune function and poor cognitive function.
Dependency and Withdrawal Symptoms
Regularly consuming milk tea may cause dependence because of the amount of sugar and caffeine in it.
The withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue, can occur when you quit drinking it.
Why Milk Tea is Not Good for Health
Lack of Essential Nutrients
The majority of people drink milk tea as food or as a meal replacement, but it does not supply the vital nutrients your body requires. Relying on milk tea for energy could lead to nutritional deficiency over time.
Blood Sugar Spikes
The combination of caffeine and sugar in milk tea may cause abrupt rises in blood sugar levels, which are then followed by rapid drops. This rollercoaster effect may make you feel tired and stressed and increase your chances of developing insulin resistance.
Impact on Mental Health
Although tea has soothing properties, the high levels of caffeine and sugar that are present in milk tea could result in anxiety and mood swings. In time, this may affect your mental health and overall health.
Environmental Concerns
In a larger sense, the production of commercially available milk tea contributes to environmental problems because of the high use of straws, cups, and containers. Cutting down on your consumption will help reduce your environmental footprint.
Conclusion
Although milk tea is delicious, its negatives outweigh its benefits when consumed often. Drinking milk tea can pose several risks, From excessive sugar and calories to health concerns such as digestion issues or hormonal disturbances.
You can enjoy an enjoyable beverage without compromising your health by limiting your consumption or choosing healthier options such as herbal teas that are not sweetened or milk alternatives made from plant sources.
