How Long After a Meal Should a Person Drink Green Tea?

Green tea is well known for its health benefits.

Wait an Hour

According to the nutritionist and author Diana Dyer, drinking green tea too soon after a meal can inhibit the absorption of iron. This can lead to anemia, especially in those with concerns about red blood counts. Waiting at least an hour after a meal will avoid this effect.

With a Meal

For those who are more concerned about triglycerides than iron, green tea can be drunk either with or directly after a meal. Green tea may affect pancreatic enzymes, which in turn may reduce the level of triglycerides, thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

Bottom Line

The factors determining when you should drink green tea after a meal depend on the individual. Those at risk for anemia should avoid green tea less than an hour after eating, while those worried about heart disease should consider drinking green tea with or immediately after a meal.

References

• WHFoods: Green Tea
• Diana Dyer: Frequently Asked Questions