I received an email asking if adding honey to green tea would reduce the health effects of the green tea, perhaps somehow reduce or lower the absorption of the antioxidants in the green tea.
According to an article I found on WebMD here, called Green Tea for Prostate Health, honey, sugar, lemon, and milk “do not interfere with absorption of the antioxidants”:
“Having a few cups of green or black tea daily (Dr. Mukhtar thinks "about four cups a day may be sufficient") seems a good bet. To derive the most benefit, drink freshly brewed tea and avoid powdered or instant tea. Add milk, lemon, honey, or sugar as you see fit: These do not interfere with absorption of the antioxidants.”
This is great news for 2 reasons:
- I know a lot of people who like to add honey or sugar to their tea.
- A lot of green tea drinks and even green tea products, like green tea lozenges and cough drops, have sugar and honey in them to appeal to a wider audience.
So, if you like sugar or honey in your green tea, it appears they do not lessen the health effects of the green tea.
The person also asked as to how much honey is too much honey?
Each person's health is different and only your doctor would be able to tell you how much sugar or honey in your green tea is too much for you. You may also want to talk to your dentist, because the honey will also promote tooth decay.
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