Can leftover tea from the previous night be consumed the next day?
Nov 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended to drink tea that has been left overnight, as it may affect intestinal health. Additionally, the taste and flavor of overnight tea may deteriorate, potentially developing an off odor or bitterness, which can impair the tea-drinking experience. Therefore, to ensure both health and a pleasant tea-drinking experience, it is advisable to brew tea fresh and avoid consuming tea that has been left standing for extended periods.
Generally, it is not recommended to drink tea that has been left overnight, as it may negatively affect intestinal health. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Tea contains various components such as polyphenols, amino acids, caffeine, and others. When tea is left overnight, these substances are easily oxidized in water and air, forming a residue known as "tea rust." This brown, gelatinous substance contains multiple elements including cadmium, lead, iron, arsenic, mercury, and others. The longer tea is exposed to air, the more polyphenols oxidize into tea rust. Once ingested, these harmful substances may bind with proteins, fats, and vitamins in food, causing precipitation and thereby impairing nutrient absorption and digestion.
In addition, vitamins in tea left overnight have largely degraded, significantly reducing its nutritional value. Moreover, such tea can easily breed various bacteria and fungi. Microbial growth in the tea causes spoilage, and drinking it may lead to gastrointestinal discomforts such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it might even contribute to diseases of organs like the liver and kidneys.
Furthermore, the taste and flavor of tea left overnight deteriorate, possibly developing unpleasant odors or increased bitterness, which diminishes the overall tea-drinking experience. Therefore, to safeguard health and ensure an enjoyable tea experience, it is advisable to brew and drink tea fresh, avoiding consumption of tea that has been stored for extended periods.
