Is it better to drink plain water or tea? Experts: There are pros and cons, the key is these four points!Under the influence of China's tea culture, many people enjoy drinking tea, but some believe that plain water is the best. The debate over whether plain water or tea is healthier has been a hot topic among tea lovers for a long time
Is it better to drink plain water or tea? Experts: There are pros and cons, the key is these four points!
Under the influence of China's tea culture, many people enjoy drinking tea, but some believe that plain water is the best. The debate over whether plain water or tea is healthier has been a hot topic among tea lovers for a long time. Which beverage is right for us? Today, we will delve into this topic.
I. Which is healthier for the body in the long run: drinking plain water or drinking tea?
Plain water, as the most common drinking water, is refreshing and thirst-quenching, without any extra burden. Long-term consumption can promote metabolism, make the heart healthier, and help prevent constipation and gout. Tea leaves are rich in various beneficial components, such as tea polyphenols and theanine. Studies have shown that people who drink tea regularly have a lower risk of cancer, death, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
So, should we choose plain water or tea?
Wang Bosi, deputy director of the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Peking University People's Hospital, said: "There is no absolute good or bad between drinking tea and plain water. The most important thing is to drink in moderation and choose what is suitable for you. It is generally recommended that healthy adults drink no more than 12 grams of tea per day and avoid drinking strong tea all the time."
II. Clarifying the rumors about drinking plain water and tea
There are many rumors circulating online about drinking plain water and tea, such as "drinking water above 65C can cause cancer, plain water that has cooled down is like chronic poison, drinking tea is the same as drinking pesticide, drinking tea can lead to anemia and osteoporosis, etc. Are these claims reliable?
Zhang Zhaomin, a master of food science and senior engineer, introduced that the key to both drinking plain water and tea is to drink safely. Here, we will reveal the truth behind these rumors one by one:
1. Is it true that drinking water above 65C often can cause cancer?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified hot beverages above 65 degrees Celsius as a 2A carcinogen. This is mainly based on the fact that high-temperature beverages burn the digestive tract mucosa, and repeated stimulation may increase the possibility of mutations, even inducing cell cancer. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking excessively hot water.
2. Is it true that cooled plain water is like chronic poison?
According to Chinas Drinking Water Hygiene Standard, drinking water does not contain pathogenic microorganisms. After disinfection, some chemical components may remain in the water, but they generally do not pose a health risk. Therefore, boiled plain water that has cooled down generally does not pose a significant food safety risk, although the taste may be affected.
3. Does drinking tea mean drinking pesticide?
During tea cultivation, due to the warm and humid environment, it is susceptible to pests and diseases. Some tea farmers may choose to use pesticides to control pests and weeds. However, the currently permitted pesticides are low-toxicity, fat-soluble pesticides, and the National Food Safety Standard has strict requirements for pesticide residues in tea. Generally, tea purchased from regular channels is safe.
4. Can drinking tea lead to anemia and osteoporosis?
Anemia is mainly caused by iron deficiency, while osteoporosis is related to insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake. Both diseases are related to intake and metabolism, and have little to do with drinking tea. Although tea contains polyphenols, organic acids, etc., which can bind to iron and calcium, affecting their absorption, the content of these substances in tea is not high, and the impact is minimal. It should be noted that strong tea contains more caffeine, and long-term consumption of strong tea can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to excessive nerve excitement. Therefore, avoid drinking strong tea for long periods.
III. Whether drinking tea or plain water, remember these four points for healthier hydration
Both drinking tea and plain water can replenish the body's fluids. Choosing the right beverage depends on individual preferences and needs. Regardless of the choice, the following hydration principles should be kept in mind:
1. Don't drink too hot
Whether drinking tea or plain water, avoid drinking beverages that are too hot to avoid long-term repeated stimulation that can lead to esophageal mucosal damage, inflammation, and even induce cancer.
2. Special groups need to control their intake/avoid tea
Special groups such as patients with uremia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and gastrointestinal ulcers who are undergoing medication need to control their water intake to avoid exacerbating their condition. People with hyperthyroidism, intestinal ulcers, neurasthenia, heart disease, lactating women, pregnant women, infants, and those with insomnia are not suitable for drinking tea.
3. Drink water proactively
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water, because thirst already means your body is dehydrated. It is recommended to drink water proactively, ideally every half hour.
4. Swallow slowly
Even if you're thirsty, don't gulp down water. Drinking large amounts of water at once can lead to a short-term increase in blood flow, increasing the burden on the heart. It is recommended to take small sips and swallow slowly, and consume it in small amounts multiple times.
Conclusion
No two leaves are exactly alike, and people are the same - everyone has different preferences. Drinking tea or plain water is fine, the key is to choose what is suitable, drink in moderation, avoid drinking beverages that are too hot, and try to consume them in small amounts multiple times. Hopefully, this article helps you better understand the pros and cons of drinking plain water and tea and find a healthy hydration method that suits you.
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