What happens when milk and tea are mixed

Milk and tea can be mixed for consumption, but it may affect the absorption of some nutrients. Tannic acid in black tea may bind with protein in milk to reduce calcium absorption, while mixing green tea with milk may weaken the antioxidant effect of tea polyphenols. After mixing the two, the taste becomes richer and more suitable for lactose intolerant individuals to relieve gastrointestinal irritation. When black tea is mixed with milk, the tannic acid in the tea soup forms a complex with the casein in the milk, leading to protein precipitation. This combination may make it difficult for the body to absorb about one-third of the calcium in milk, but it will not completely offset calcium intake. From a digestive perspective, this combination can actually reduce the irritation of tea tannins on the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially suitable for people with weaker digestive function. Traditional drinks such as Indian milk tea have confirmed the feasibility of this combination, and it is recommended to choose whole milk to balance taste and nutrition. When green tea is mixed with dairy products, active ingredients such as epigallocatechin gallate will bind to milk protein. Experiments have shown that this may reduce the antioxidant activity of green tea, but it is still within an acceptable range for the human body. Japanese research has found that matcha latte with added milk still retains some catechin effects. For those who pursue the health benefits of tea, it is recommended to drink it separately every 2 hours; If you pay attention to taste, you can choose low-fat milk to reduce the masking of tea flavor.

Special populations need to pay attention to pairing details: Osteoporosis patients should avoid drinking milk tea immediately after meals to prevent affecting calcium absorption, and it is recommended to have an interval of 1 hour; Patients with gastric ulcers can choose warm milk and black tea to reduce stomach acid irritation; People who are trying to lose weight should prioritize using skim milk to control their calorie intake. When drinking daily, control the single dose within 200 milliliters and avoid adding refined sugar. Individuals with chronic kidney disease or iron deficiency should consult a nutritionist to adjust their drinking intake, and if necessary, consume two separate drinks to ensure nutrient utilization.