There’s a wrong time to drink tea — study finds a nutrient blocker

Tea may seem like one of the safest, healthiest things you can drink, but apparently, there’s a wrong way to do it.

Don’t mix tea with meals

A new study, conducted in Ireland, finds that if you pair your tea with your meal it could lead to a myriad of health issues. The research, which was published in Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults, looked at the daily diets of more than 630,000 seniors (ages 65 and up) living in Ireland.

The group included subjects who were completely healthy and living independently as well as some with chronic health conditions and diseases.

The researchers looked at the body’s absorption of 10 nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc. They discovered that tea can hinder the absorption of iron and zinc.

This is why tea should not be part of your complete breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Save tea for in between meals.

Tea has many health benefits

But just because you can’t have your tea with a meal doesn’t mean you should give it up. The research also found that seniors are at higher risk for dehydration than other age segments so staying hydrated is essential. Plus, tea has tremendous benefits including cardiovascular health improvement as well as helping to reduce obesity and inflammation.

If you’re looking for a really interesting tea-drinking experience, you could opt for Ayahuasca tea. Ayahuasca is known for its similarities to LSD and mushrooms but it can also have a very positive impact on neurogenesis (the production of new neurons.) Just remember: If you want to be trippin’ during your 4 pm Zoom, that’s your choice, but keep food far away.