New Delhi, December 11, 2023: If you like nothing more than a hot cup of tea with a plate of eggs at breakfas, we’re really sorry but we have bad news for your health.
While you don’t need to chuck your tea habit or stop having your favourite egg-based breakfast, you might want to change the timings on the two.
This is because according to the food experts at Prepped Pots, while this might seem like the dream breakfast duo to kick off your day, you might not be getting the iron-rich benefits of eggs when you wash them down with a cup of tea. This is because tea and coffee both contain properties that counteract how the body absorbs iron.
Instead, it’s advised that you hold off on the tea and coffee until at least an hour after eating eggs.
Side effects of combining egg and tea or coffee
1) Nutrient absorption interference
When tea is consumed with a meal that contains nutrient-rich foods like eggs, it can potentially interfere with the absorption of certain essential nutrients. The experts highlighted that tea or coffee contains compounds called tannins and polyphenols, which can hinder the absorption of iron and calcium found in egg.
2) Digestive discomfort
Combining egg and tea can lead to digestive discomfort for some individuals. Both egg and tea or coffee can stimulate the production of gastric acid, which may result in acid reflux, heartburn, or an upset stomach. Those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or irritable bowel syndrome may be more prone to these discomforts.
3) Blood sugar imbalances
Coffee, especially when consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach, can impact blood sugar levels. While egg itself has a minimal effect on blood sugar, the caffeine in coffee can interfere with insulin response, potentially leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
4) Dehydration
Both egg and tea or coffee possess diuretic properties, meaning they can increase urine production and potentially contribute to dehydration if not accompanied by sufficient water intake. Individuals can also experience symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, and decreased cognitive function.
5) Interference with medications
The experts said that tea or coffee contains compounds that can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of certain medications. For instance, the acidity of coffee can hinder the absorption of antibiotics or antacids. Combining egg and tea or coffee may further disrupt the proper absorption of these medications, potentially compromising their efficacy.
In fact, there are a number of food combinations that we should be avoiding in our day to day lives.
Food combinations you should avoid
Pizza and soft drink
Is there anything better than a bottle of your favourite soft drink like Coke and Pepsi with a pizza? Well, according to your digestive system, almost anything would be an improvement. The refined carbs in pizza paired with the added sugars in soft drinks can cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar levels.
Additionally, because pizza is greasy, when it’s mixed with carbonated drinks, it can be rough on your digestive system and lead to an uncomfortably full and bloated feeling. Ouch.
Fruits and cereals
If you have a slightly more sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid combining fruits with grains, even if they seem like a natural combo. This is because there is a difference in digestion time for the two — fruits are easily digested while grains take longer. The two together can cause discomfort.
Eggs and meat
Like nothing more than a good old fry up at the weekend? You might want to switch out the eggs or meat for something else because both of these foods contain high levels of protein and combined, they can lead to protein overload and an uncomfortable stomach. Not the best weekend vibes!
Dahee and fruit
Dahee with fruit is a healthy combination but it’s how you have the two that matters. Dahee is alkaline and popular fruits like blueberries and strawberries are acidic so if this is one of your breakfast faves, instead opt for alkaline fruits like the fruits are high in fiber and bananas.
