Tea is a drink the world over – for its taste and immense health benefits. Not only do the antioxidants in tea help boost the immune system and fight inflammation, but it also helps keep dreaded diseases like cancer at bay. Everyone has a different way of making tea and while you may like it hot, sometimes when left unattended for long periods of time you want to reheat it and do it all over again.

According to experts, while refilling tea has its benefits – like saving money and energy – it can also reduce your carbon footprint. However, drinking tea all the time can be dangerous for your health in the long run. Here’s what happens when tea is overheated and why you should avoid it happening.

What happens to tea when you heat it,

Steeping or boiling tea again after some time can rob the drink of its taste, nutritional properties and even aroma. If the tea is kept for more than four hours, it is not advisable to reheat it as it may start accumulating mold and bacteria. However, experts say that tea, which contains sugar and milk, gets contaminated with added speed, while also depending on the outside temperature. Doctors say bacterial contamination occurs when the pathogen multiplies rapidly between 41 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, causing upset stomach, diarrhea, cramps, nausea and other digestive issues, which if recurred can compromise your digestive health. Can cause harm.

Some volatile compounds, such as essential oils and labiles, are also present in tea, and they escape when subjected to too much heat.

Additionally, when the tea is reheated, the concentration of tannins—chemical compounds that bind to proteins, cellulose, starch, and minerals—increases, leading to a more bitter taste. While tannins are not harmful, excessive consumption may interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients such as iron.

Even if you have prepared an herbal tea, it may lose nutrients and minerals when reheated. Essential oils and beneficial compounds are destroyed, making the tea less nutritious and potentially harmful.

Important things to note

• According to experts, keep in mind that while you can reheat tea after 15 minutes of preparation, it may still not be toxic.
• Also, always keep in mind to never steep tea that has been left out for more than 4 hours to prevent any bacterial growth.
• Always prepare only as much tea as you will need immediately; Don’t try to save money or energy at the cost of your health.

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