Tea is hailed as one of the most beloved beverages globally, renowned for its potential health benefits. Across various cultures, the enjoyment of tea takes on different forms; for instance, in Great Britain and several other regions, it is traditionally paired with milk. Yet, the impact of adding milk on tea's health properties remains a subject of debate. Some research suggests that milk may alter the effectiveness of the beneficial compounds found in tea, while other studies indicate that the combination could still offer health advantages. This article explores the implications of incorporating milk into your tea-drinking routine.

Health Benefits of Tea and Milk

Numerous types of tea offer various health advantages, but the most extensively studied are the green and black varieties. Both teas are derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant; however, they undergo distinct processing techniques that influence their properties. Rich in plant compounds known as flavonoids, both green and black teas serve as potent antioxidants, combating cellular damage inflicted by harmful molecules termed free radicals. Elevated levels of these free radicals can lead to serious health concerns, including heart disease and cancer.

Green teas are particularly abundant in flavonoids called catechins, while black teas are characterized by higher concentrations of theaflavins. Research indicates that the consumption of these teas is linked to beneficial outcomes such as reduced blood pressure, anticancer properties, and lower cholesterol levels, observed across both animal and human studies.

Conversely, milk serves as a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential proteins, calcium, and potassium, which are crucial for optimal growth, healthy body composition, and maintaining strong bones. Thus, while teas—especially green and black varieties—are known for their antioxidant effects that may enhance cardiovascular health and offer anticancer benefits, milk contributes vital nutrients that support growth and bone health.

Milk Proteins and Their Interaction with Tea Compounds: A Complex Relationship

The combination of tea and milk might appear advantageous, considering that both beverages are rich in health-promoting nutrients and compounds. However, the scientific community has presented mixed findings regarding their interaction. A notable study involving over 1,800 adults in China revealed that both tea and milk consumption were independently associated with a reduced risk of oral cancer, and the combination of these two may enhance their health benefits when consumed together.

Conversely, some research indicates that the proteins found in milk could potentially interfere with the absorption and antioxidant properties of tea compounds. For instance, a study conducted with 16 adult women demonstrated that consuming 2 cups (approximately 500 ml) of plain black tea significantly improved blood flow, which is beneficial for heart health, when compared to drinking water. In contrast, the addition of skim milk to black tea appeared to negate these positive effects.

The researchers determined that casein, a specific protein in milk, might bind to flavonoids present in tea, thereby inhibiting their beneficial activity within the body. However, another small-scale study involving 9 adults found that drinking black tea did elevate blood levels of antioxidant flavonoids, and interestingly, adding milk did not diminish this beneficial effect.

Moreover, the researchers posited that extending the brewing time of tea could enhance the absorption of antioxidants, regardless of whether milk was added. Given the conflicting results from these various studies, it appears that while milk may interfere with the antioxidant activity of tea to some extent, this effect might not apply to teas that have been brewed for longer durations. Nonetheless, further research is essential to unravel the complexities and better understand the potential advantages and drawbacks of incorporating milk into tea.

In summary, existing limited research suggests that while adding milk to tea may hinder the activity and absorption of antioxidant compounds, there are also studies that present a contradictory viewpoint.

The Influence of Tea Type on Health Benefits

The impact of incorporating milk into tea can vary significantly based on the specific type of tea being consumed. Most existing research primarily addresses black tea. Interestingly, since green teas are also abundant in flavonoids, it is plausible that milk might similarly influence the beneficial compounds found in green tea as it does in black tea.

For instance, a study involving 18 adults revealed that consuming milk alongside green tea capsules curtailed the increase in calorie expenditure that is generally associated with green tea consumption alone. While these findings are intriguing, they underline the necessity for further investigation into how milk interacts with brewed green tea rather than just supplements. Moreover, it is noteworthy that no comprehensive studies have evaluated the effects of milk on teas beyond the black and green varieties. Thus, while milk's influence on the health benefits of tea potentially varies with the type of tea, the majority of research has predominantly concentrated on black and green teas.

The Bottom Line

Tea, particularly the black and green  varieties, is abundant in compounds that function as antioxidants. These beneficial compounds may contribute to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as providing a myriad of other health advantages.

Some research indicates that introducing milk to tea could potentially hinder the effectiveness of these antioxidant compounds, whereas alternative studies have noted a contrasting effect. This divergence in findings highlights the complexity of the interplay between milk and tea consumption.

Moreover, it is important to note that many studies exploring the relationship between milk and tea typically involve small sample sizes and often overlook individuals who consistently enjoy tea with milk over extended periods. Therefore, the impact of combining milk with tea remains ambiguous; however, the overall consumption of tea has been more definitively associated with various health benefits.