The worst time of day to drink tea, according to science

Tea lovers around the world indulge in the aromatic beverage for its health benefits, its unique clean taste, or just to unwind after a long, stressful day.

But did you know that there is a particular time of day that you should avoid drinking the beverage?

New study findings from Ireland found that drinking tea at a certain time in the day actually interrupts your body‘s ability to absorb certain minerals that you need, especially for tea drinkers that are in a specific age demographic.

Turns out that drinking strong tea during meals could affect how some nutrients are ignored - but don’t worry, if you’re young - you’re probably fine. It’s when you get older that you need to pay attention.

The Food Safety Authority in Ireland was asked by Ireland’s Department of Health to conduct a study that would assess and encourage stringent dietary guidelines for adults over the age of 65.

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The study found that in adults 65 and older, a protein-dense diet is required to prevent frailty. They also examined nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and, vitamin D, iron, and zinc.

One of the significant findings in the study is that adults who drank stronger tea during their meals had a harder time absorbing iron and zinc as the tea blocks absorption.

As a result, researchers suggest that strong tea should only be consumed between meals.

Iron and zinc are essential for the body to absorb. Iron is a part of the hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Zinc is also a major component in the immune system fighting off bacteria and viruses.

Other interesting findings within the study are the recommendation of using herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt as taste diminishes with age, consuming things like fish and eggs to ensure muscle protein, and taking a Vitamin D supplement, which helps with teeth and bone health.