For some people, the idea of drinking black tea (tea without milk) is simply out of the question. While for others, drinking pure tea with no additions is the way to go.
Back to the question: can you add milk to green tea?
Well, the simple answer is YES. You may add milk to your green tea. In any case, milk is good source of protein and it is rich in magnesium, calcium, zinc and other minerals. Consuming these nutrients can go a long way to boost your health.
However, adding milk to green tea is acceptable, but not a very good idea. Apart from negating the natural taste of the tea, adding milk will decrease or delay the health benefits that you stand to gain from drinking green tea on its own.
How Does Milk Affect Green Tea?
The essence of drinking green tea is to enjoy the acerbic taste and the health benefits the beverage has to offer. Considering this, adding milk to green tea can greatly alter the taste and reduce the benefits.
Green tea consists of phenolic compounds known as catechins, which are part of the chemical family of flavonols. These compounds act as natural antioxidants, which help prevent cell and tissue damage.
Milk on the other hand consists of proteins known as caseins. When you add milk to green tea, the proteins in the milk will inhibit the chemical makeup of the catechins thus reducing its effectiveness. The proteins and fats bind onto the catechins of the tea thus reducing the potency of the drink, and making it difficult for the body to absorb the health benefits. For this reason, you won’t be able to enjoy the full benefits of drinking green tea by adding milk in it.
Another reason why you should not add milk to green tea revolves around the taste. The flavor and taste of green tea is best enjoyed in its natural form, with no sugar or milk added.
Moreover, considering the fact that green tea has a laxative effect, adding milk will only increase your trips to the washroom.
What are the benefits of drinking green tea separately?
Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages available today. The drink consists of antioxidants and bioactive compounds that deliver powerful effects on the body when consumed in its pure form.
Some of the most important ingredients of green are catechins. In case you are not aware, catechins are natural antioxidants that prevent cell and tissue damage. They also reduce the creation of free radicals in your body thus slowing down the rate of aging and the onset of a wide range of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Various studies also indicate that green tea sommeliers have a lower risk of developing chronic conditions such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. Catechins are also good for your heart, blood flow and brain function.
To enjoy all these benefits and many more, it is advisable that you avoid adding milk to your green tea.
Related Article: How to Make Green Tea Taste Better?
What Are the Alternatives to Regular Cow’s Milk?
Let’s face it. Many people do not like the astringent, grassy taste of green tea. Moreover, it might take a few sips before your taste buds become accustomed to the bitter flavor. For this reason, it is not surprising that the idea adding milk or other sweeteners to mask the bitterness of green tea, always comes up.
However, health experts suggest that this is not a good. If you really must have milk in your tea, then you are advised to pick a suitable, healthier alternative. Some of the most mooted alternatives include
- Soymilk
- Cashew milk
- Almond milk
- Rice milk
Related Article: What Kind of Milk is Better for Tea?
Just as the name implies, soymilk is a plant-based drink extracted by soaking, grinding and boiling soybeans. Unlike dairy milk, soymilk contains low saturated fat and plant protein, which have very little effect on the catechins found in green tea. Moreover, soymilk has plenty of natural ingredients, including Lecithin, which blend well with the bioactive compounds of green tea.
Cashew milk is another great option for your green tea. The milk is rich in nutrients and creamy, and above all, it is dairy-free. As with soy, you can easily obtain cashew milk by soaking and blending cashew nuts. The only problem is that cashew nuts are hard to come by, and some people tend to be allergic to cashews.
Given than cashew milk is a rare commodity, you could consider almond milk for your green tea. As with the above-mentioned options, almond milk is plant-based and it is extracted by crushing creamy almonds. The milk is not only nutritious but also low in calories. Moreover, it has very little effect on catechins given that it does not have the usual proteins found in dairy.
Another viable option would be to drink matcha or macha. Matcha refers to finely ground powder of processed, high-grade green tea leaves. Adding milk to matcha is likely to have less impact given the high content of polyphenols and catechins found in the drink. However, it is advisable that you consume the drink in small amounts preferably in the evenings given that the high caffeine content in matcha may trigger specific side effects such as headache, irritability and heartburn.
Related Article: Matcha vs Green Tea, How Are They Different?
Lastly, if you really have to drink milk in your green tea, then consider doing so in small portions. Reducing the amount of milk added to green tea will have less impact on the benefits of the tea. Alternatively, you may add a little milk to your green tea for breakfast, but avoid milk for your evening green tea.
Final Thoughts
Many tea-heads would likely squirm at the thought of adding milk to green tea. In any case, the reason why most people drink green tea is for the taste and health benefits.
To get your taste buds acquainted, start by trying one sip then two until you take in all the flavors, and allow the taste and aroma to fill your senses. As you begin to appreciate the taste, you wouldn’t think about adding milk to green tea. You are advised to do this each time you drink green tea in order to learn how to value the drink on its own.