Tea and Its Acidic Nature - An Overview

Introduction:

People around the world have been drinking tea for thousands of years. Research shows that various types of tea can boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and prevent heart disease. The first recorded use of tea was in China in the third century, and it was described as a medicinal beverage. It is considered the cheapest beverage consumed by humans, next to water.

How Is Tea Made?

Tea is a simple preparation made by pouring hot water over the processed leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, herbal teas are not made from the Camellia plant. Instead, they are made from flowers, dried herbs, spices, roots, seeds, or leaves of other plants and do not contain caffeine. The concept of afternoon tea was popularized in Great Britain during the 19th century.

What Are the Types of Tea?

Based on the processing, there are three types of tea. They are as follows:

• Black Tea: It is made by initially exposing the tea leaves to air, which transforms the leaves into a dark brown color. The flavor of the leaves intensifies. The leaves are left as such or heated, dried, and crushed. Black tea supports the healthy functioning of the immune system.

• Green Tea: Green tea is made from young tea leaves. They are processed by pan frying or steaming, followed by drying and grading. Green tea is rich in flavonoids that are useful in boosting heart health by reducing blood clotting and lowering bad cholesterol.

• Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is made by the partial oxidation of the tea leaves. It is an intermediate step between the processes of making black and green tea. It is believed to contain amino acids that increase attention, reduce anxiety, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. It is also beneficial for preventing cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What Is the PH Level of Tea?

The pH is a measure of how acidic an object is. It is measured with the help of a pH scale that has values ranging from zero to 14. Zero is considered the most acidic value, and 14 is the most basic value. Objects that are not extremely acidic are known as "basic." Pure water, which has a pH value of 7, is neutral as it is neither acidic nor basic. The pH level of beverages that are considered safe and do not cause damage to the teeth is 5.5. The pH value of different types of teas is as follows:

• The pH value of black tea is between 4.9 and 5.5.

• The pH value of green tea is between 7 and 10.

• The pH value of lemon tea is 3.

What Are the Factors Affecting the PH Level of Tea?

The factors that affect the pH level of the tea are as follows:

• The extent to which the tea has been diluted.

• Presence of additives like milk, herbs, and citrus flavoring.

• The duration of soaking the tea leaves.

Is Tea Acidic?

The acidity of any substance is determined by its pH value. Any substance with a pH level below four is considered to be very acidic in nature. Considering the pH values of different types of teas, most teas are mildly acidic in nature. However, certain varieties of tea have a pH value below three, making them very acidic. Generally, it is believed that the more “sour” a tea tastes, the more likely it is to be more acidic. However, it is not always true because fruit teas that are sweet in nature are considered to be more acidic than herbal teas. Home-brewed teas are not as acidic as drinks like fruit juices. Adding more neutral water may decrease the acidity of the tea.

Is Tea Extra Acidic Than Coffee?

The acidity levels of coffee and tea depend on the source and processing method. A study showed that coffee was more acidic than black tea and less acidic than lemon tea. Usually, green and black teas are considered less acidic than coffee.

Can the Acidity of Tea Damage Teeth?

An average person does not drink enough acidic tea in his lifetime, which could damage his teeth. According to the ADA (American Dental Association), a pH level between two and four is considered very harmful to the teeth. But most of the teas do not fall within this range. According to the British Dental Journal, after consuming black tea, the pH level is restored after two minutes. This period is not sufficient to cause any damage to the teeth. But people with extremely sensitive teeth who consume excessive amounts of tea might face problems related to their teeth. The damage to the teeth caused by the acidic nature of tea depends on the following factors:

• The kind of tea.

• The substances added to the tea.

• Frequency of drinking tea.

• The way of consuming the tea.

How Does the Acidity of the Tea Affect the Stomach?

Consumption of tea has been associated with a higher risk of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) due to the presence of theophylline, which is a component of tea. Theophylline contributes to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which causes the stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Theophylline also has a dehydrating effect on stools and can lead to constipation. But herbal teas are good for the stomach, as they help with conditions like acid reflux. However, certain herbs, like spearmint and peppermint, present in herbal teas can worsen heartburn symptoms in certain people. Tea also stimulates gastric acid secretion, especially if consumed on an empty stomach, which can contribute to acidity or ulcers in the long run.

How to Reduce the Effects of the Acidic Nature of the Tea?

The ways in which the acidic nature of the tea can be reduced are as follows:

• People with extremely sensitive teeth can drink cold tea using a straw.

• Avoid swishing tea inside the mouth.

• Do not brush one’s teeth immediately after consuming acidic or hot tea. This is because drinking an acidic beverage leads to the softening of the enamel on the teeth. So immediate brushing following this can end up causing damage to the enamel.

• Avoid holding tea for prolonged periods before swallowing.

• Plain tea can irritate the stomach by stimulating gastric acid secretion. Hence, adding sugar or milk to the tea can reduce the acid production in the stomach.

Conclusion:

Tea is a beverage that is not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits, like lowering the risk of chronic diseases and inflammation. A moderate intake of tea is fine for most people. But consuming too much tea can lead to many side effects, like digestive issues, headaches, anxiety, and disturbed sleep patterns. Since black tea can stain the teeth easily, it is important to visit the dentist every six months for dental cleanings. People can try shifting to healthier options of low-acidic teas containing saffron, holy basil, ginger, etc., which are not harmful to the teeth or stomach.