Replace Your Tea/Coffee With A Healthier Beverage

Majority of Indians like to begin their day with a cup of tea, followed by a heavy breakfast. But, what to eat and how much, is not clear to all and can also affect one’s health. Here is what an Uttarakhand based nutritionist, Dr. Mithali Chand Sahu informed us.

Most of the people around the world like to kick start their day with some coffee and Indians, with a cup of tea. However, experts believe that drinking tea or coffee early in the morning on an empty stomach is not good for health. Not just tea or coffee, there are many foods and beverages that, if consumed on an empty stomach, can impact one's health in a negative manner, but people generally do not know much about it. Therefore, to understand more about the first thing to eat in the morning, the ETV Bharat Sukhibhava team spoke to Dr. Mithali Chand Sahu, a nutritionist based in Uttarakhand.

Why No Tea/Coffee As Soon As You Wake Up?

Dr Mithali says that consuming tea or coffee on an empty stomach, early in the morning, can cause stomach irritation and acid problems. It is rather beneficial to have green tea or 1 tbsp honey in warm water, which helps in removing the toxins from the body. Also, apart from keeping the immune system strong, it also improves digestion.

Not only this, consuming hot water or hot milk on an empty stomach in the morning is also beneficial for the body. But if someone has a cold or cough, then milk should be avoided on an empty stomach. Apart from this, there are certain other beverages that are a healthier option over tea and coffee, these are:

• Drinking water mixed with wheatgrass powder instead of tea in the morning provides great relief to the digestive system and helps get rid of problems of constipation and indigestion. Wheatgrass powder contains antioxidants, which protects the body from the free radicals.
• Amla juice too can be consumed on an empty stomach and it is very beneficial. 1-2 tbsp of Amla juice mixed with lukewarm water is highly effective.
• Protein and vitamins are found in abundance in Aloe Vera which helps in keeping the body strong. It boosts the immunity of the body. Therefore, consumption of aloe vera juice mixed with water on an empty stomach is good for health.

Dr Mithali says that one should never take cold cold drinks, alcohol or other cold beverages on an empty stomach in the morning.

What Should Be In The Breakfast?

Dr. Mithali says that breakfast is the first meal of the day and our whole day’s energy depends on it. Hence, it is necessary to have a nutritious and wholesome breakfast. First, you can begin your day by eating some overnight soaked almonds on an empty stomach. Almonds contain many nutrients and vitamins which strengthen the body.

Oatmeal (daliya) is considered to be the best morning breakfast. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which prevents problems like constipation. It is also beneficial in reducing cholesterol. You can also eat eggs on an empty stomach, as it will make you feel full throughout the day. It contains small amounts of calories which aids in weight loss.

Very oily or spicy breakfast should not be the first thing you eat in the morning, because it can lead to gastrointestinal issues like acid problems, indigestion or heartburn, abdominal pain or cramps throughout the day.

Consumption of fruits like apple, banana, pomegranate, orange etc. in breakfast is a healthy option. Apart from this, smoothies prepared using these fruits can also be consumed. Dry fruits too can be added to it. Some other morning breakfast options include peanut butter, oats, upma, bread-jam, as well as vegetable juice and other low calorie foods can be consumed.

Also see:7 Fit Tips For You