There are cases where tea is consumed as a substitute for water. In particular, it is common to see people boiling barley tea and drinking it at home instead of bottled water. Is it okay to drink tea as a substitute for water?

 

◇There is no major problem with grain tea

 

Grain teas made from barley, brown rice, or other grains do not have any special side effects, so drinking them instead of water is not problematic. Grain teas are rich in dietary fiber, making them good for dieting and preventing diabetes, as well as effective in improving gut health. Additionally, they contain many mineral components such as sodium and potassium, which help maintain the body's electrolyte balance. In particular, the essential amino acids and vitamin B found abundantly in barley tea are beneficial for relieving fatigue and removing waste products. However, people with impaired kidney function should be cautious, as the potassium in grain teas may not be properly excreted, potentially leading to issues such as heart attack, muscle paralysis, or arrhythmia.

In addition, hibiscus tea and chamomile tea are also good alternatives to water. Hibiscus tea, which has a tangy and sweet flavor, contains catechins and gallic acid, which can aid in weight loss. It also helps regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure. According to a study by Tufts University in the United States, people who drank three cups of hibiscus tea daily experienced a decrease in blood pressure within six weeks.

Chamomile tea also has excellent nerve calming effects and helps with sleep. According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, people who drank chamomile tea experienced a reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to before drinking it.

 

 

Avoid teas containing caffeine

 

There are teas that should not be consumed as water substitutes. Notably, green tea and black tea containing caffeine. According to the Korea Food & Drug Administration, the caffeine content per 100mL of beverage is ▲green tea 25-50mg ▲black tea 20-60mg ▲oolong tea 20-60mg. Although these levels are lower than coffee, drinking them frequently like water can exceed the recommended intake. The daily recommended caffeine intake for adults is less than 400mg. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause various side effects. A study published in the Korean Journal of Food & Nutrition states that consuming more than 300mg of caffeine daily can irritate the stomach, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances, and increase heart rate, which may cause anxiety or insomnia. Additionally, excessive caffeine can act as a diuretic, leading to dehydration. Long-term intake of large amounts of caffeine may result in caffeine addiction, increasing the risk of symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, facial flushing, frequent urination, and muscle cramps.

 

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When the cold wind blows, I also drink barley tea. Chrysanthemum tea.

I'm taking it because I heard it's possible to use it as a water substitute.

 

Chamomile??

I thought it was only good for calming the mind and body.

 

I should have a drink at the office in the afternoon.