When we wake up in the morning, we head to the kitchen because nearly everyone starts their day with a beverage. According to a recent study, 12% of people drink a cup of tea immediately after waking up, and in the UK, research shows that by 9 AM, 53 million cups of tea have already been consumed. Among tea enthusiasts, 10% start their day with not one, but three cups of tea. But have you ever wondered how this tea affects our health and weight?
Health experts have shed light on the benefits of different beverages and pointed out that tea is not always the best choice. Harley Street nutritionist and author of The Science of Nutrition, Rhiannon Lambert, says, “Green tea is my first choice in the morning because it is rich in antioxidants like catechins. It reduces inflammation, and I feel like I’ve had a great start to the day.” She explains that it is hydrating, which is essential in the morning since the body gets dehydrated overnight. The polyphenols in it provide protection against diseases.
She further adds, “Another benefit of green tea is that it contains L-theanine, which helps to calm the mind.”
Celebrity personal trainer Cecilia Harris states, “For me, the first drink of the day is always water. Hydrating the body after sleep is crucial, especially if you exercise in the morning.” She mentions, “Adding milk to tea ruins the fasted state of exercise because milk contains calories. I drink black coffee 20 minutes after water, but never on an empty stomach.”
Diet coach Sarah Bokhart says, “In the morning, I drink sweet herbal teas like strawberry and vanilla. They hydrate the body and are calorie-free, giving the body a chance to relax. Another benefit of sweet herbal teas is that they reduce cravings for sweet foods.”
Lisa McFarlane, host of The Gut Stuff podcast, shares, “I don’t drink coffee in the morning; I have it around 11 AM. This break is beneficial for our gut bacteria. Coffee contains polyphenols that are good for gut bacteria and provides a small amount of fiber.”
Dr. Sarah Garst, a GP and working mom, says, “My day starts with tea. It’s soothing, and it contains less caffeine than coffee. I don’t add sugar because increasing blood sugar in the morning is not good. Tea with milk, without sugar, is the best for me, as it provides protein and natural fats.”
