For Indians, tea is more than just a drink. It is a thing that starts the morning or helps you relax after a long day. But the time you drink tea can affect your energy, digestion, sleep, and overall health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Parul Yadav, chief dietitian, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, shared the benefits and drawbacks of drinking tea in the morning versus the evening.
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Parul said, “As a dietician, I think both morning tea and evening tea can be good for you if you choose them based on your body’s needs.”
Benefits of morning tea
According to Parul, morning tea is best for boosting alertness and getting your metabolism going. Teas have some caffeine, like tea or masala tea, which can help you feel more awake and focused after waking up. She highlighted that green tea has a lot of antioxidants that may help your metabolism and heart health. Black tea and traditional chai also give you an energy boost. It can help you focus during busy mornings.
How should you drink tea?
“You should not drink strong tea on an empty stomach because it can make you feel sick or uncomfortable,” warned Paul. It is better to have tea with breakfast or a light snack. Morning is also a time for herbal teas like ginger tea or lemon tea, which can help with digestion and hydration.
Benefits of evening tea
Evening tea is for relaxation, calming your body after a busy day. High-caffeine teas in the evening can keep you awake, make you restless, and even make anxiety worse. So caffeine herbal teas are better in the evening. Parul suggested there are evening tea options, such as chamomile tea, peppermint tea, lavender tea, or tulsi tea. Chamomile tea can help you relax and sleep better, while peppermint tea can soothe your digestion and reduce bloating after dinner. Tulsi tea also manages stress and supports immunity.
Best time for tea
“The best time for tea depends on your lifestyle, how much caffeine you can handle, and your health goals,” Parul told HT Lifestyle. If you need energy and focus, morning tea is best; however, if you want to relax and sleep better, evening herbal teas are more suitable. “Just remember to drink tea in moderation because too much tea can lead to dehydration, acidity, or disturbed sleep,” said Parul. Tea can be a part of your routine when you drink it mindfully. It is not only about what you drink but also when you drink.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
