A cup of tea in the morning can wake you up and help you feel revitalised. It can also relax you after a hard day, cheer you up when you’re feeling glum or bring you together with your closest friends. In fact, tea is so ingrained into our culture that it features in story books, nursery rhymes, movies and even theatre for preschoolers such as the hit production The Tiger Who Came To Tea. This is based on the popular picture book by Judith Kerr. 

The question is - how do you like your tea served?  While some people prefer theirs black or with plenty of sugar, others like it either white or slightly milky. While there are no set rules of how tea should be served in the UK, here are five benefits of adding milk. 
 

1. It can increase your calcium intake 

As milk is a rich source of calcium, adding it to your tea can improve bone and teeth health, reducing the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. It’s an easy way to increase your calcium intake, especially if you don’t eat many other sources of calcium such as yoghurt and cheese.
 

2. Milk can enhance antioxidant absorption 

Believe it or not, the proteins in milk can bind with antioxidants in tea known as catechins. This enhances their absorption in the body and can amplify the antioxidant benefits of tea. So a milky tea can essentially improve your overall health by helping to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. 

3. Sustained energy boost 

Many people drink tea in the mornings to benefit from its caffeine content. Like coffee, it can improve energy levels and alertness, making it a go-to beverage during long days at work. That said, tea can also result in energy spikes and slumps. Milk stops this from happening by moderating the absorption of caffeine, resulting in a more sustained energy boost. 

4. Milk can reduce acid reflux 

If black tea causes acid reflux or other digestive problems, try adding a splash of milk. This neutralises the acidity of the tea and can prevent stomach problems from occurring - so long as you don’t also have a sensitivity to dairy.
 

5. Enhanced enjoyment  

When something tastes nice, endorphins are released into the body. This helps you to feel happy, energetic and content. So, if you love tea with a milky, creamy texture, keep adding it to your brew as it’ll keep you feeling positive throughout the day. You might even want to add a biscuit or two for an extra endorphin boost. Which biscuit is your favourite to dunk? 

If you’re looking for family theatre tickets to the much-loved production of The Tiger Who Came To Tea, you’ve come to the right place. This theatre family show is aimed at kids aged three and up, being just 55 minutes long with no interval. Get your tickets today to avoid missing out.