When you wake up after a good night’s sleep, you may notice you have a dry mouth. That is mostly because you may have not had water or any drink for about seven to eight hours. So, hydrating yourself in the morning is very important. And if you still feel sleepy, you will need caffeine to boost energy. But is drinking tea in the morning the healthiest thing to do? There are also fresh fruit juices that can do the work of hydrating your body in a delicious way. If that leaves you wondering if you should start your day with tea or juice as a morning drink, let us tell you more!

What’s better: Tea or juice in the morning?

Both tea and juice can be beneficial in the morning, but it depends on individual preferences and health goals, says dietician Ekta Singhwal.

Tea, particularly green or black tea, provides antioxidants and a gentle caffeine boost, aiding alertness and metabolism. On the other hand, juice, especially freshly squeezed or 100 percent fruit juice, offers vitamins, minerals, and hydration.

Drinking tea or juice in the morning can offer various health benefits. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support overall health, says the expert. Green tea, in particular, can offer a lot of health benefits. Drinking green tea may benefit brain function and mood, according to a 2017 research published in the Phytomedicine journal.

Juice, on the other hand, provides essential vitamins and minerals, promoting hydration and supporting immune function.

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Here are some of the types of fresh juices you can have in the morning:

• Orange juice: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it supports immune function and skin health. It may reduce several risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol. During a 2013 study published in the Lipids in Health and Disease journal, it was found that drinking orange juice lowered levels of both total and “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
• Apple juice: It contains vitamin C and potassium, aids digestion and may improve heart health.
• Carrot juice: High in beta-carotene and vitamin A, carrot juice promotes eye health.
• Beet juice: Packed with nitrates, beet juice improves exercise performance and may help lower blood pressure.
• Cranberry juice: It contains antioxidants and may prevent urinary tract infections.
• Pineapple juice: It contains bromelain, which aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
• Lemon juice: It has alkalising properties, so lemon juice supports digestion and detoxification.

What are the side effects of tea?

While tea is generally considered a healthy beverage, there are potential side effects of starting the day with it. Some people may have an upset stomach or acidity, especially if tea is consumed on an empty stomach. The variety of tea also matters. Drinking milk tea in the morning is not a healthy habit. Its high lactose content may affect your gut and lead to gas and other stomach problems. Also, excessive caffeine intake from tea can lead to jitteriness, insomnia, or increased heart rate in sensitive individuals. It is essential to listen to your body and adjust consumption of tea accordingly.

What are the side effects of drinking juice in the morning?

As for fresh fruit juices, they can be consumed on an empty stomach, but it is important to be mindful of their sugar content and potential impact on blood sugar levels. Excessive juice consumption can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to its sugar content, so moderation is key. You can also pair them with a source of protein or fiber, such as nuts or whole grain toast, to help mitigate any potential spike in blood sugar and provide a more balanced start to the day.