Why You Should Avoid Giving Your Child Black Tea

For many families, tea drinking is a big part of their daily routine. Many people drink black tea instead of coffee in the morning, and still, other families use herbal teas to treat illnesses and promote overall well-being. For people who are passionate about tea, the entire family likely drinks the same teas, regardless of their age. While there are many great health benefits to be had from drinking tea, there are some factors to consider for children.

While some herbal teas can help kids get over a cold or a case of the sniffles, yet others can treat a mild tummy ache or trouble falling asleep. However, a few teas that kids should not drink and black teas are on that list. Black Tea is Caffeinated: Many experts have suggested that children's smaller bodies and faster metabolisms are not suited to caffeine levels that adults can safely consume. Black tea is more highly caffeinated than many other teas, and for this reason, is likely not a great fit for most kids.

Additional issues related to caffeine consumption in children are hyperactivity, trouble focusing, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping. Black Tea is Acidic: While adult stomachs can often deal with black teas' acidity, many children's tummies are less able to cope with the increased acidity conveyed by adding black tea to their diet. This can lead to tummy aches, headaches and even reflux. Tannins Can Affect Iron Uptake: It has been proven that substances that are high in tannins can block your iron uptake, and this can be a critical health risk of children.

Younger kids are developing daily, and tannins in black teas could prevent them from getting the nutrition they need to support that growth. You might also enjoy: Tea vs Coffee Caffeine . Many experts are not advised that children drink black tea until they are at least eight. Each parent will make their own decisions, but many children will not like the bitter and astringent taste profile of black teas at younger ages, making it easier to eliminate the chance that they will consume these teas before they are old enough to do so safely.

You might also enjoy: Black Tea Benefits. What is black tea? . While black tea might be off the list of safe teas for kids, there are many great herbal teas such as fruit teas and red teas, safe for children to drink in small quantities. Peppermint tea rose tea and fruit teas, are common choices for daily additions to a child's diet and many kids like these flavour profiles so much more than black tea's flavour profile.

You might also enjoy: Best Black Tea for Your Health . Always remember that you should consult with a doctor or nutritionist before adding anything to your child's diet that might cause an allergic reaction or other side effects. Make sure to look carefully at the processing details and any tea ingredients that you purchase for your young child..