Milk Nulls Benefits of Tea

(London, UK) For a healthier heart, don't drink tea with milk say researchers at the Charite Hospital at the University of Berlin in Mitte.

From TimesOnline.co.uk:

Previous studies have shown that drinking green or black tea can be good for you as both types contain an abundance of antioxidant substances called flavonoids. These improve blood flow and help to prevent heart disease, and are also thought to protect against some cancers.

However, adding a splash of milk to a cup of black tea counteracts the beneficial effects, the researchers say.

The study, published today in European Heart Journal, found that when black tea was drunk on its own, cardiovascular function improved. But certain proteins in milk appeared to nullify the effect of catechins, the particular flavinoids in tea.

There you go. If you want to harness the flavonoids, stay away from the cow juice. Interestingly, the results of the study are believed to have global public health repercussions since tea is second only to water in worldwide consumption.

Fortunately, since the study only researched the effect of milk on black and green tea, those people who consume Long Island tea are apparently free to add milk without sacrificing any health benefits.