What should not be consumed with iced black tea?

May 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Seafood is rich in nutrients such as protein and calcium. The oxalic acid in iced black tea may combine with the calcium in seafood to form calcium oxalate, which could increase the risk of kidney stones if consumed in large quantities over a long period. It can also reduce the nutritional value of seafood and potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Milk contains abundant protein and calcium, and the tannic acid in iced black tea can bind with the protein in milk.

  Iced black tea usually should not be consumed with seafood, milk, lamb, coffee, tofu, or other similar items.

  1. Seafood: Seafood is rich in nutrients such as protein and calcium. The oxalic acid in iced black tea may combine with calcium in seafood to form calcium oxalate. Long-term and excessive consumption could increase the risk of kidney stones, reduce the nutritional value of seafood, and potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

  2. Milk: Milk contains abundant protein and calcium. The tannic acid in iced black tea can combine with the protein in milk to produce substances that are difficult to digest, affecting the absorption of protein and calcium, and may lead to symptoms of indigestion such as bloating and abdominal pain.

  3. Lamb: Lamb is warming in nature and has functions such as invigorating qi and nourishing deficiency. Iced black tea, however, is cooling in nature. Consuming them together may weaken the warming and nourishing effects of lamb, and may cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

  4. Coffee: Both iced black tea and coffee contain caffeine. Consuming them together may result in excessive caffeine intake, which can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, mixing the two beverages may affect each other's flavor, resulting in an unpleasant taste and a reduced drinking experience.

  5. Tofu: Tofu is rich in calcium. The oxalic acid in iced black tea may react with the calcium in tofu to form calcium oxalate precipitate. This not only reduces the nutritional value of tofu but may also increase the risk of stone formation over time, adversely affecting health.

  To ensure health and proper dietary combinations, it is recommended that when enjoying iced black tea, attention should be paid to the above-mentioned points to avoid adverse effects caused by improper dietary combinations.

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