English breakfast tea is a black tea blend that is typically robust, full-bodied and goes well with milk and sugar. It is made from a blend of Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan teas and has a malty, brisk flavor profile. Many tea drinkers enjoy English breakfast tea daily as part of their morning routine. But is it safe and advisable to drink English breakfast tea every day?
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about drinking English breakfast tea daily:
- Is English breakfast tea safe to drink everyday? Yes, English breakfast tea is generally safe to consume daily in moderate amounts (2-3 cups). The caffeine content is similar to other black teas.
- Does English breakfast tea have any side effects? Drinking too much can cause headaches, jitteriness and insomnia due to the caffeine. Those sensitive to caffeine may experience side effects.
- Is English breakfast tea healthy? In moderation, it can provide antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. But added milk and sugar can reduce the health benefits.
- Does English breakfast tea have calories? Plain tea has minimal calories. With added milk and sugar, a cup can have 30-60 calories.
- Can English breakfast tea help with weight loss? Black tea mildly boosts metabolism which can aid weight loss. But weight loss depends on overall diet.
Caffeine Content in English Breakfast Tea
The main consideration with drinking English breakfast tea daily is the caffeine content. English breakfast tea contains approximately 40-75 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup depending on the brewing time, water temperature and amount of tea used.
This is similar to the caffeine content of other popular black teas like Assam, Ceylon and Darjeeling teas. It is less than the 95-200 mg of caffeine found in the same serving of brewed coffee.
For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered a safe amount according to organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This equals around 4-5 cups of English breakfast tea.
Drinking more than 4-5 cups of English breakfast tea daily could potentially cause adverse side effects in some people due to excess caffeine. Side effects can include:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Nervousness and jitteriness
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
People who are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine may experience side effects after drinking less tea. Each person can have varying tolerance.
Who Should Drink Less English Breakfast Tea
The following groups of people should limit English breakfast tea intake to 2-3 cups per day or less:
- Pregnant women – Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect the fetus
- Breastfeeding mothers – Caffeine passes to infants through breastmilk
- Children and teenagers – They tend to be more sensitive to caffeine’s effects
- Those with anxiety, headaches, insomnia, hypertension
- Those taking certain medications that interact with caffeine
Benefits of English Breakfast Tea
Drinking English breakfast tea can provide some benefits when consumed in moderation. Tea contains various polyphenols, antioxidants and other plant compounds that can offer health advantages.
Antioxidants
All types of tea, including English breakfast tea, contain antioxidants called polyphenols. The most abundant antioxidant is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
Heart Health
The antioxidants in English breakfast tea may improve heart health by reducing LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and improving blood vessel function.
Cancer Prevention
Studies show the polyphenols in English breakfast tea may slow the growth of tumors and certain cancers like colorectal cancer. More research is needed.
Oral Health
Compounds in black tea like catechins and tannins have antibacterial properties that inhibit growth of bacteria and viruses that cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath and other oral issues.
Digestive Health
The polyphenols in English breakfast tea have prebiotic effects which support the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This can aid digestion.
Potential Downsides of Drinking English Breakfast Tea Daily
There are a few potential downsides associated with drinking English breakfast tea everyday:
Caffeine Sensitivity
Consuming too much caffeine can prompt side effects in those sensitive to its effects. Anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, irregular heartbeat and migraines are possible.
Interactions with Medications
The caffeine in English breakfast tea may interact negatively with certain medications including lithium, clozapine, disulfiram and ephedrine. Consult a doctor.
Anemia and Iron Absorption
Tea polyphenols can bind to iron making it harder to absorb. People with iron deficiency may need to avoid drinking English breakfast tea with meals.
Blood Sugar Control
Caffeine may decrease insulin sensitivity and affect blood sugar control. Those with diabetes should monitor blood sugar closely when drinking tea daily.
Bone Mineral Density
Heavy tea consumption may contribute to reduced bone mineral density and risk of osteoporosis. But this effect is not seen with moderate intake.
Staining of Teeth
Over time, regularly drinking English breakfast tea can cause slight staining of the teeth. But this is mainly an aesthetic concern.
Nutrition Facts of English Breakfast Tea
Plain English breakfast tea contains minimal calories and nutrients. Here is the nutrition information for one 8 ounce cup of brewed English breakfast tea:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
Adding milk and sugar will increase the calorie and nutrient content. With 2 tablespoons of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar the nutrition profile changes to:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 34 |
| Total Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 29mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
Tips for Drinking English Breakfast Tea
Here are some tips for getting the most enjoyment and benefits from your daily English breakfast tea habit:
- Use fresh, filtered water and bring it to a rolling boil. This helps extract the maximum amount of flavor and nutrients.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes. Steeping too long can make the tea bitter.
- Try different milk options like whole milk, skim milk, soy milk or almond milk.
- Experiment with different sweeteners such as sugar, honey or stevia.
- Drink your tea plain to get the most health benefits.
- Buy loose leaf teas instead of tea bags for fuller flavor.
- Store tea in an airtight container away from light and moisture.
- Brew your tea with breakfast or enjoy it between meals rather than with meals if you have iron deficiency.
- Pay attention to how your body reacts and reduce intake if you experience any side effects.
The Bottom Line
Having a cup or two of English breakfast tea daily can be a healthy habit as part of a balanced diet. Moderate tea intake provides hydration and antioxidants. But drinking more than 4-5 cups per day may cause potential side effects in some people due to the caffeine. Sensitive groups should limit intake to less than 2-3 cups per day. Listen to your body and adjust your tea drinking to amounts that make you feel good.
