Watan-In a world dominated by fast-paced routines and accumulating tasks, a moment of relaxation with a warm cup of your favorite drink becomes a rare opportunity to regain balance amidst life’s pressures.
Whether you are a tea or coffee lover, that hot beverage can provide you with a sense of comfort and help relieve stress during your long day. But what if you get distracted for a moment and find that your drink has gone cold before you had the chance to enjoy it?
At that point, you might resort to reheating it using the stove or microwave, believing you will get the same flavor and effect. However, reheating coffee or tea may come with unexpected risks, despite how common this habit is among many people.
The Risks of Reheating Tea
Reheating tea and coffee can lead to undesirable side effects beyond just altering the flavor and losing the original taste. On one hand, repeated heating can reduce the beverage’s antioxidant content, diminishing its health benefits. On the other hand, it can promote bacterial growth, especially if the drink has been left out for a long time before being reheated, posing potential risks to general health and the digestive system.
Some of the most significant effects of reheating tea and coffee include:
1- Impact on Taste
One of the main concerns with reheating tea or coffee is its negative effect on flavor. Freshly brewed beverages contain a delicate balance of compounds that change when reheated, resulting in a distorted taste.
When tea is reheated, whether on the stove or in the microwave, its chemical composition can change, increasing the concentration of “tannins”—the compound responsible for its distinctive flavor and slight bitterness.
As for coffee, it contains natural acids such as chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and caffeic acid, which give it its characteristic bitterness. During the original brewing process, these acids are released in a measured amount, creating a balanced flavor. However, reheating coffee in the microwave can cause an “unintentional re-brewing” process, leading to the release of more bitter compounds, which ruins the taste of the drink.
Due to these chemical changes, tea becomes more bitter, while coffee loses its rich flavor and turns into a dull, overly bitter beverage. Additionally, the natural oils and aromatic compounds that give tea and coffee their distinct aroma may break down or evaporate, making the drink weaker, less flavorful, and less enjoyable to consume.
2- Health Risks to the Body
Beyond flavor, reheating tea and coffee can also affect their nutritional value. Freshly brewed tea and rich, freshly made coffee are usually high in antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.
However, these antioxidants and their benefits may be lost when exposed to high heat for extended periods. As a result, reheating tea and coffee, particularly in the microwave, subjects them to uneven heating, which may cause the breakdown of these beneficial compounds. Consequently, the health benefits associated with drinking these beverages can be significantly reduced.
3- Risk of Bacterial Growth
Another issue to consider when reheating drinks is the potential for bacterial growth. Once tea or coffee is brewed and left at room temperature, the cup can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Reheating might not effectively kill all bacteria, especially if the drink was not stored properly or was left exposed to contaminated surfaces.
4- Risk of Iron Deficiency
Reheating tea, in particular, could contribute to iron deficiency. According to nutrition experts, tannins—the compounds responsible for tea’s color and flavor—can become highly concentrated when tea is reheated.
A high concentration of tannins in a single cup of tea can be harmful to the body, as it affects the absorption of nutrients from other foods consumed throughout the day. It can reduce iron absorption by approximately 30–40%.
5- Acidity and Stomach Issues
Not only that, but reheating tea and coffee can also contribute to acidity and digestive issues, especially if milk has been added to the beverage.
A highly acidic drink can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and a burning sensation in the stomach.
The Ideal Solution to a Recurring Problem
According to experts, reheating caffeine-rich beverages such as tea and coffee will typically have the same negative effects whether done in the microwave or on the stove, making neither option ideal.
Instead, the best approach in such situations is to invest in a high-quality insulated mug or thermos that can keep your drink warm for as long as possible.
Alternatively, you can opt to drink your beverage cold, as long as it hasn’t been left out for more than four hours. You can also enhance its flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or enjoy a refreshing iced drink by adding ice cubes or cream.
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