Looking to opt for tea for hydration but not sure what percentage of tea is water? This article will debunk all myths and give you the right answer.
Tea can be broken down into two types: caffeinated and non-caffeinated. If you consume non-caffeinated tea such as herbal tea, the entire amount of liquid you chug is water.
Caffeinated teas can be counted as three-quarters of the volume of water. However, it’s nearly impossible to nail down the exact percentage. The amount of water compared to caffeine in tea fluctuates depending on how much water you add and what kind of tea you consume.
While you shouldn’t swap water for tea completely for hydration, tea, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated, are stellar choices to spruce up your drinking habit once in a while.
Can You Count Tea As Water Intake?
Tea can be counted as a fluid intake instead of a “water intake.”
There is a wide range of substitutes that contribute to our daily fluid intake other than just plain water. The percentage of water in each type of liquid also varies.
Therefore, you don’t need to stick to plain water to stay hydrated. Coffee, tea, soda, milk, vegetables, and fruit can improve your overall hydration.
The amount of caffeine in tea can have a diuretic effect and contradict your hydration. However, it’s much more likely to do more good than harm if you keep a close eye on your daily tea intake. You might also be interested in green tea hydrating or dehydrating.
Does Tea Dehydrate You?
No, tea won’t dehydrate you if you don’t excessively consume it regularly. The diuretic effect in caffeinated tea is much lower than the amount of water in tea that you absorb.
Keep in mind that urinating also flushes out toxins from your body.
How To Stay Hydrated With Tea The Right Way
Drinking a cup of tea counts towards water intake if you stick to the healthy side. The best way I recommend is to get rid of any unnecessary added preservatives or processed sugar when drinking tea. I’m not saying you’re not allowed to add anything to your tea, but keep it under control; otherwise, these refined substances would do you more harm than good.
Tea is a great alternative to water to keep you hydrated while bringing in nutrients such as antioxidants. Drinking enough water helps our skin glow and steer clear of headaches. Tea also keeps you awake and reduces stress.
Other than antioxidants, tea also supports cholesterol-lowering properties in your body. Drinking tea improves your state of being, sleep quality and helps shed some more pounds.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially before a meal, will reduce hunger and prevent overeating. The same can be said for tea; green tea and other herbal teas are natural fat burners.
How Many Liters Of Water Should You Drink A Day?
Last but not least, how much water should we drink a day? There’s no exact answer to this question. The recommended amount of water varies depending on age and health status.
The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends six to eight glasses of fluid a day. The maximum amount I recommend for a healthy adult is up to three liters, but you can lower it to a minimum of two liters.
You don’t need to stick to plain water only. Switch to green tea, black tea, rose bud tea, or chamomile tea if you’re not comfortable with caffeine.
The British Dietetic Association states that children under 14 need less water than adults. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should drink more water than others. Consult your home doctor or nutritionist when possible.
