Tea and coffee are substances which neither form tissue nor serve as
August 20th, 2007
fuel, and may be banished from the table with decided advantage
Tea and coffee are substances which neither form tissue nor serve as
fuel, and may be banished from the table with decided advantage. Few
people realize that the difference between the drinking of alcohol and
tea is simply a question of degree. It is true that the consequences of
excessive tea drinking are not as severe as those from over-indulgence
in ardent spirits, but the pernicious effects of the constant drinking
of strong infusions of tea justify us in calling the practice a serious
menace to health. Tea leaves contain from 2 to 4 per cent. of caffeine,
or theme, which is an alkaloid, and always found in combination with
tannin. They also contain a volatile oil, which is the source of the
aroma, and in addition possess a sedative quality. Tannin is a powerful
astringent, and hence is strongly provocative of constipation. Its
action upon the mucous surface of the stomach is highly detrimental to
that organ, as it arrests the excretion of the gastric juice by its
contractile effect upon the glands. Its constant use will almost
invariably result in digestive disturbances, and will certainly
aggravate such troubles, if previously existing. It is true that a cup
of hot tea is a refreshing beverage, but not more so than a cup of hot
milk–in fact, it is the heat that imparts the sense of comfort
experienced on drinking it. Children should never be allowed to drink
either tea or coffee, as the seeds of a baneful habit may be sown, for
in tea, as in dram drinking, it is a habit easily acquired.
Entry Filed under: Health Information
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