Milk Tea Vs Black Tea: A Complete Comparison for Better Health

Tea has become an integral part of many people all across the globe. During winter season, the love for tea soars high and individuals often end up sipping several cups of it to get the much-needed warmth. There are varieties of teas available that may include milk tea, black tea, green tea, ginger tea, etc. When it comes to your health, the bigger question is which tea can offer maximum health benefits and should become part of regular drinks. Below is the breakdown of the types of tea that you may consider as part of your daily drink:

Why Tea Holds So Much Relevance In India?

Tea holds a special place for many in India and it is often served as the main drink to guests arriving at home. It has emerged more than just a drink as it has attained the status of comforting beverage that can bring individuals together. It is worth mentioning that India has been ranked as second-largest tea producer all over the world, behind China. India is also a major consumer of the drink using nearly 80% of the production domestically. The major areas producing varieties of tea in India include Nilgiri, Assam, and Darjeeling. The largest production of tea takes place in Assam.  

Black Tea Vs Milk Tea: Key Differences Explained

Black Tea: It undergoes a longer oxidation procedure than regular tea thus giving it dark appearance and more strong taste. Black tea offers 47 to 90 mg of caffeine per cup thus making it an energy boosting beverage. It is rich in polyphenols that may include theaflavins and thearubigins that can support your heart health and fight oxidative stress.  Recently, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with 25 years of experience, trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford University, highlighted some of the benefits and side-effects of black tea on his Instagram channel @doctor.sethi.

In the video he asked, Is black tea a good breakfast drink? The answer is yes, with food. “Avoid on empty stomach. It is gentler than coffee for many due to less caffeine.”

Is it good for fatty liver? Likely yes, it is linked with better insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, added Dr Sethi.

Does It Spike Blood Sugar? No, it does not. Does it reduce post meal sugar spikes? Yes, modestly.

Is it good for belly fat or weight loss? Indirectly, yes. It helps with appetite control and insulin sensitivity.

Does It help with gut health? Yes, Polyphenols reach the colon and feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Is it a prebiotic? Functionally yes,

Can raise cholesterol? No, it does not raise cholesterol like unfiltered coffee can.

Does It lower stress hormones? Yes, regular intake is linked to a lower cortisol.

Linked to cancer protection? Yes, it is linked to lower liver and colorectal cancer risk.

Does it affect iron absorption? Yes. Drink it between meals if your iron is low.

Best way to drink it? Either black or with a splash of milk. Avoid sugar and sugary syrups in tea.

How much to drink? For most people, one to four cups a day is generally well tolerated, emphasised Dr Sethi.  

Milk Tea: The presence of milk can effectively mellow the taste of black tea and can make it smoother with less bitterness. When milk is added, it increases the calories, introduces protein, and fat that can make the drink more filling. The presence of milk can reduce the presence of antioxidants and bring down the effectiveness. Doctor Sethi explained whether adding milk reduces benefits of milk tea or not. “Does adding milk reduce benefits? Yes, but very slightly. Polyphenol absorption drops a little bit, he said.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.