Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a sub-tropical, evergreen plant native to Asia. Drinking tea is prepared by adding tea leaves to hot water and is generally consumed with or without milk. Some people who have sensitivity toward milk products choose not to add milk to their tea.
The antioxidants present in tea and the various nutrients in milk, such as proteins, calcium, and potassium, provide better health benefits.
Most people consume tea at the start of the day. Some add ginger and cardamon for flavor and health benefits. You can have milk tea in moderate amounts daily because it does not have a severe impact on sleep cycles and other daily activities. Avoid high amounts of sugar in your tea.
The origins of milk tea are certainly not restricted to a particular culture, but the British greatly influenced adding milk to tea. The popular Indian “chai” tea is made by adding milk to tea and has been influenced by the British. Bubble tea and masala chai teas are famous milk tea types and are popular worldwide. There are Bubble tea kits available to make them at home. One can also buy masala chai mix to make them easily at home.
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Benefits of adding milk to tea
Adding milk to tea will have greater benefits when consumed in moderate quantities. Many add several other ingredients, such as ginger, cardamom, holy basil leaves, peppermint leaves, or cloves, which have great benefits.
Tea tastes a little bitter and dry, which is called astringency. Adding milk or any sort of dairy to tea mellows and smoothens the flavor of the tea.
4 health benefits of adding milk to tea
- Strengthens the body: Tea is rich in antioxidants, and milk is rich in calcium, potassium, and vitamins D and B12, which are important for healthy bones and muscles.
- Energy Source: A glass of milk has carbs, protein, and other contents to help boost your energy levels.
- Improve skin health: Having milk or low-fat milk in moderation has great skin results. Essential fats and antioxidants present in the milk improve skin health, provide glowing skin, and prevent early aging.
- Stress reliever: Milk tea has antidepressant effects due to the presence of nutrients, such as tryptophan, which help enhance mood and memory and reduce stress. Milk tea has caffeine that refreshes the body. It may trigger anxiety when taken in excess.
How to make milk tea
Ingredients
- Milk: 1 cup.
- Tea leaves: 2 tablespoons.
- Sugar: 1 or 2 teaspoons (optional).
- Water: ¼ cup.
Preparation
- In a vessel, bring water to a boil.
- Add tea leaves and turn off the heat.
- Let it brew for 2 to 3 minutes, and then strain.
- Add warm milk and mix well.
- Serve.
Several types of tea are found throughout the world, such as masala chai, Hong Kong tea, boba tea, Bubble milk tea, and Thai iced tea.
3 possible side effects of milk tea
- Stomach problems: Milk tea is made with dairy, which can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. The caffeine present in tea can dehydrate your body and leads to constipation.
- Sleep disturbances: Milk tea contains caffeine, which results in difficulty sleeping. Adding sugar to this drink can even make the condition worse.
- Weight gain: Milk tea contains significant amounts of fats and sugars. The fats and sugars present in milk tea may result in weight gain.
Milk tea has great health benefits, mood-uplifting capabilities, and limited downsides. Avoid adding sugar to tea to reap all its benefits.
