Does Green Tea or Hot Tea Dehydrate You?
Does green tea dehydrate you? does hot tea dehydrate you?As a tea chemistry researcher with years of experience in China, I can responsibly tell you that drinking green tea does not cause dehydration. In fact, drinking tea is one of the best ways to hydrate your body besides drinking plain water. Compared to flavorless water, tea offers natural aromas and rich flavors, which make it much more enjoyable to consume.
The Importance of Hydration
Drinking water is not just a basic physiological need; it is also a key to good health. It enhances the functions of your body, prevents diseases, and gives you energy. Approximately 70%-80% of the human body's cells are made up of water. Water plays a very vital role in nutrient transportation and waste elimination. It acts as a solvent in many metabolic reactions, allowing energy conversions and enzyme activity.
In short, it is water that is demanded by every bodily activity in the human body. This supports the processes of life, regulates body temperature, and enables digestion and nutrient absorption—thereby aiding in the detoxification and excretion of waste. Even mild dehydration can occur with symptoms of thirst, reduced focus, and fatigue. At such times, perhaps your body might remind you to have a cup of tea!
What is in a Cup of Tea?
First of all, in order to understand if it is good to hydrate using tea, one must investigate its composition. 99% of the contents in one cup of tea comes from water and less than 1% comprises the contribution from tea polyphenols, caffeine, theanine, and trace elements. None of those elements hamper hydration but contribute much more to good health.Tea contains a number of aromatic compounds that are responsible for the unique fragrance of this drink. Although present in trace quantities, their presence impacts the flavor and aroma of tea.
Is Drinking Tea a Good Way to Hydrate?
In light of this, drinking tea is essentially drinking water—with added benefits. Compared to plain water, tea is flavorful and more appealing. In southern China, tea is a household staple. People often drink tea before meals because the caffeine in tea, a natural alkaloid, stimulates gastric juice secretion, boosting appetite.
After meals, tea is also preferred. Tea polyphenol in tea possesses strong emulsification that facilitates the decomposition of some oils in food. The molecule structure binds to the fat molecules, reducing their retention time in the mouth and stomach and therefore giving a refreshing sensation.In the Xinjiang province region of China, dark tea is traditionally consumed, especially the ripe Pu'er tea, and is considered very beneficial for digestion. Even the workers who always have to be on their way prepare a large teapot, which satisfies not only thirst but also helps dispel fatigue with its caffeine content.
Conclusion
Drinking tea is highly recommended for hydration. It refreshes your body, quelling thirst and offering several health benefits. So, the next time you plan to drink something, think of tea. It is hydrating, flavored, and full of natural goodness!
SEE MORE ABOUT CHINESE TEAS
If you have questions about selecting tea:
Learn-more-about-chinese-tea
If you have questions about the benefits of tea:
Health-benefits-of-chinese-tea
If you have questions about brewing tea:
How-to-brew-loose-leaf-tea