Author: Alexander Bruni
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Tea contains high levels of substances that help reduce cholesterol and the amount of fat absorbed by the intestines. Proteins in cow's milk, however, neutralize ...
Drinking tea helps to lose weight, but the positive effect is significantly reduced when milk is added, according to a British study.
Tea contains high levels of substances that help reduce cholesterol and the amount of fat absorbed by the intestines. However, proteins in cow's milk neutralize their beneficial effects, scientists have found.
When tea is taken in combination with milk, the polyphenols theaflavins and thearubigins form a complex with milk protein, which leads to their precipitation. This means that the substances remain in the cup without being absorbed, from which the body loses its effect.
Older research has found that these substances help reduce weight. Scientists are currently working on developing new types of tea with higher levels of these compounds. At the same time, ways are being sought to reduce the neutralizing effect of milk when combined with tea.
British researchers also found that the type of milk used in tea also affects the level of healthy substances.
Skim milk reduces active ingredient levels much more than whole or low-fat milk, says Dr. Lisa Ryan, a professor at Oxford Brooks University. Her team looked at 5 different brands of black tea, measuring the activity of antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds after adding different types of milk.
The results show that the fat content in milk suppresses antioxidants and polyphenols. Caseins bind to polyphenols and reduce their action. Although the addition of milk affects the presence of polyphenols, tea is still a significant source of nutrients, scientists say.
Other studies have shown that low doses of regular tea extracts reduce cholesterol and fatty acid levels in the blood.
According to a new Japanese study, tea leaf extracts suppress the absorption of fat in the intestines in people eating high-fat foods. As a result, the fat content in the liver is reduced.