To prevent these problems and reduce any discomfort, Suhani suggests starting the day with light, stomach-friendly options like herb-infused water. “Water infused with cinnamon, fennel, or cumin can gently stimulate digestion, balancing stomach acid and preparing the body for food without causing irritation.” You can enjoy your regular tea after hydrating with these soothing options, she says. “But it’s best to pair it with a light breakfast. Including foods like whole grains, fruits or nuts helps protect the stomach lining, prevent acid buildup and provide a balanced source of energy. This ensures a more comfortable and healthy start to the day.” She gives advice. In addition to potential digestive effects, tea offers many health benefits, including antioxidant-rich properties, hydration, and calming or energizing effects.
How many cups can you drink a day?
Ideal caffeine intake from tea or coffee depends on individual tolerance. Whereas 3-4 cups While safe daily for most adults, those more sensitive to caffeine should consider reducing their intake. “A balanced approach would be to limit consumption to two cups a day, especially if each is around 125 ml,” Gives advice to Suhani. This moderation helps keep caffeine levels manageable, reducing the risk of side effects like jitteriness, insomnia or acidity. “It also reduces the chances of sleep disturbance or stomach irritation,” she adds. Culturally, it is common to enjoy tea or coffee first thing in the morning and afternoon, either to start the day or to relieve post-lunch fatigue.
Is it okay to drink tea and coffee after dinner?
Drinking coffee after dinner may not be the best choice, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or struggle with sleepCaffeine stays in your system for hours, with a half-life of about 5-6 hours, which means it can interfere with your sleep cycles. “Caffeine disrupts the body’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality and, ultimately, sleep loss.” Divya tells Suhani. For those who enjoy coffee after dinner, switching to decaf coffee offers a way to enjoy the flavor without the stimulant effects.
If you suffer from acid reflux or indigestion, Suhani recommends choosing mild-flavored digestive teas, a popular tradition in many cultures. Varieties like Sulaimani tea in the Gulf countries, Kahwa in Kashmir, Rasam in South India and buttermilk in dry states are known to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. “These beverages use spices and herbs that enhance digestion without overstimulating the nervous system, making them suitable for post-meal recovery,” She says.
For better sleep, Suhani suggests herbal teas like chamomile, hibiscus, fennel, lavender or rose. “These extracts promote relaxation, improve digestion and support restful sleep. Their natural compounds gently soothe the mind and body, making them ideal for relaxing after a long day.” she adds.
An expert’s guide to drinking tea and coffee in the healthiest way possible
Here’s how Divya Suhani suggests you should have tea and coffee in a day:
1. Morning (7:00 – 9:00 am)
Suhani recommends starting your day with a glass of water To rehydrate after sleep, then enjoy a caffeinated beverage — like coffee or tea — along with a nutrient-rich breakfast. Mixing caffeine with food helps balance blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of jitters. A complete breakfast might include a combination of protein like eggs or yogurt, healthy fats like avocado or nuts, and complex carbohydrates from whole grains. This balanced approach ensures steady energy throughout the morning while meeting your caffeine intake.
2. Mid-morning (10:30 – 11:00 am)
For your mid-morning kick, Suhani recommends consuming non-caffeinated beverages like water or herbal tea. “This allows time between meals for proper digestion without the excessive stimulation of caffeine,” she says.
3. Afternoon (1:00 – 2:00 pm)
If you need a drink with your meal, Suhani suggests having your second caffeinated drink with lunch to maintain alertness and a smaller amount to prevent post-lunch fatigue. .
4. Late afternoon (3:30 – 4:00 pm)
“Choose a non-caffeinated beverage like herbal tea or water with a light snack to maintain energy without disrupting sleep patterns in the evening,” she says.
