Generally the classic Irish response to any visitor is â€ËœSure I’ll put the kettle on for a cuppa’. Both tea and coffee are refreshing drinks that perk you up on their own or after mealtimes. However, many of us wonder what quantities we should ideally be drinking and indeed if they are any good for us at all.
Coffee
Coffee as we all know contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. This is why it perks us up in the morning or during the day when we need a little lift. However if we overdo it and drink too much coffee it over stimulates our nervous system leaving us â€Ëœon edge’ or jittery perhaps even with heart palpitations!
Tea
Tea also contains caffeine but in reduced amounts. However it does have tannic acid in it. If, and only if, you have a history of creaky joints or arthritis in the family then drinking too much tea is going to exacerbate the problem. In effect the tannic acid will dry the joints even more (if taken in excess). Have you ever scoured or bleached the stains from your teacups? Imagine those stains in your insides if you drink big quantities of strong tea?
The Good News
Three cups of tea and coffee a day are great! Very refreshing and no harm at all. So all you have to do is decide which is your favourite time of the day for them. For example many people love to kick start their day with a good cup of coffee. Remember if you are cutting down to lesser amounts do treat yourself to some good beans. Then perhaps you love a morning coffee and afternoon tea with your friends for a chat. That’s your quota of three cups (or small mugs) per day. So this may mean you drink water or herbal tea with your meals. Herbal tea is not in fact a tea at all but plant, fruit or herb extracts infused with water so it actually hydrates the body.
The Science Bit
Our bodies are made approximately of 70% water so we need to replenish this every day. If you are drinking more than three cups of tea and coffee then you can’t be getting enough water in your system. Both tea and coffee are diuretics, which dehydrate the body. So sticking to the three cups or small mugs with herbal teas and water will make a difference to your body. Lots of water does wonders for you by flushing out any toxins in your system therefore increasing your energy levels and rejuvenating your skin.
Do remember that if you are cutting down drastically you will experience headaches for the first day and a half. Not pleasant but it does show how much of a detox you need & they will pass quickly. Soon you will feel an upsurge in energy & feel terrific & of course, quite virtuous!
For details of Karen’s Yoga and Weight Management classes, Holistic Therapy Clinics & Yoga weekends & check out her website www.karenwardholistictherapist.com
