Tea is often praised for its calming effects and its array of health benefits, from boosting antioxidants to lowering inflammation.
For many, it’s a daily ritual – one that brings warmth, comfort, and a moment of peace.
But here’s the twist: a simple, seemingly harmless action that many of us do without a second thought might be compromising all that goodness.
An uneven battle
You know the scenario. You brew your tea, get distracted, and by the time you return, it’s lukewarm.
Instead of brewing a fresh cup, you pop it in the microwave. Convenient? Sure. But beneficial? Not quite.
Recent research from University College London has raised concerns about what microwaving your tea actually does to it.
Scientists have found that the microwave doesn’t heat your tea evenly. Instead, it creates hot spots, causing the tea to boil unevenly in certain areas.
This erratic heating process breaks down key compounds in tea – especially flavonoids and polyphenols.
These compounds are not just fancy words. They’re the very elements that give tea its rich taste and are linked to numerous health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
When exposed to high, uneven microwave heat, they degrade. What’s left is a drink that’s not only less tasty – it’s also far less nutritious.
Even tea at 30,000 feet suffers
If you’ve ever sipped tea on a plane and wondered why it tastes flat or bland, you’re not imagining it.
Experts from both University College London and Newcastle University explain that the low air pressure and dry cabin conditions dull your senses of taste and smell.
This means tea loses both its aroma and flavor complexity in the air.
It’s not just a matter of taste – it’s a full-body experience altered by environment, temperature, and even method of heating.
This article is based on information from Nyheder24.