Avoid Milk Powder & Limit Tea, Coffee Intake, ICMR Issues Guidelines

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also advised Indians to limit their tea and coffee consumption. According to the medical body’s new dietary guidelines — in partnership with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) — excessive intake of tea and coffee should be avoided as they contain “caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and induces physiological dependence”.

According to the ICMR, excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, including milk tea, can have adverse effects on health. The guidelines advise against consuming tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks during or immediately after meals. It's suggested that individuals should refrain from drinking tea at least an hour before or after meals to optimize its benefits. 

150 ml of coffee contains 80-120 mg caffeine while instant coffee has 50-65 mg, and tea contains 30-65 mg. ICMR has advised a daily intake of just 300 mg of caffeine and not more.

Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, dept of gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said that drinking tea or coffee before or after meals may prevent the body from absorbing important minerals, such as iron, “which could eventually result in deficiencies." Apart from concerns regarding iron absorption, drinking beverages with meals can dilute stomach acid, which is crucial for proper digestion, said Dr Jindal. “This could limit food breakdown and nutritional absorption and would ultimately have an impact on overall digestion and nutrient absorption,” said Dr Jindal.

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