There is no shortage of tea lovers around the world who prefer to enjoy different variations of this very popular drink. One of his such options is bubble tea, also known as boba or pearl milk tea. Bubble tea, a Taiwanese drink, is fun to make, bursting with flavor and rich in ingredients to boost your mood and energy levels. Highly customizable, bubble tea is made by adding milk, ice, sugar, fruit, and any other sweet toppings of your choice to classic or green tea. Although it’s the ultimate indulgent sensation, bubble tea is high in sugar, fat, and simple carbohydrates, so consuming too much on a regular basis can be harmful to your health. On National Bubble Tea His Day, nutritionists discuss the health benefits, side effects, and recipes of Tapioca His Tea. (Also read | Drink a cup of cinnamon tea every day to prevent blood sugar spikes. Know all the benefits)
Bubble tea, a Taiwanese drink, was invented by Liu Hanjie in the 1980s and began being served in his teahouses. Another claim is that Mr. Tu Tsunho is the inventor of this wonderful drink. The idea is to combine the creaminess of milk with the chewy texture of tapioca to give your taste buds a unique and refreshing experience. Over time, this cold drink became popular all over the world.
What is bubble tea made of?
Bubble tea is made by mixing black tea with milk, fruit, and fruit juice, and then adding tapioca at the end. Then shake well to mix.
Is bubble tea hot or cold?
Bubble tea is usually made cold, but those who want a creamy, delicious cup of tea in the winter can also prepare a steaming hot version to keep them warm.
Why is bubble tea so popular?
Versatile, bubble tea is a rich, refreshing and indulgent beverage. It is a tea that you can enjoy a different taste every time depending on the ingredients you add. Because they’re high in fat, sugar, and simple carbohydrates, they don’t offer much benefit and can increase your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. However, it may be safe if taken in moderation and occasionally.
Is bubble tea good for your health or harmful?
Nutritionist Abhilasha says bubble tea has few benefits and can only be enjoyed in moderation. Excessive intake can put you at risk for several chronic diseases.
Abhilasha V (HRBR Layout), Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine Hospital Group, Bangalore, talks about the health benefits and side effects of the popular beverage. She also shares recipes for enjoying in moderation.
High sugar content: Bubble tea often contains a lot of sugar, especially if you choose sweet flavors or toppings like tapioca pearls. Eating too much sugar can lead to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and dental problems.
Calorie intake: The calories in bubble tea can be quite high due to added sugar. Regular consumption of high-calorie drinks without considering them in the overall diet can lead to weight gain.
Tapioca pearls: The chewy tapioca used in bubble tea is made from cassava root and is usually high in carbohydrates. Although they are not inherently unhealthy, they add extra calories and carbohydrates to your drink.
Nutritional ingredients: Bubble tea does not have any significant nutritional benefits. It is a source of empty calories primarily from sugar and carbohydrates and contains no essential vitamins or minerals.
Caffeine content: Some bubble teas contain tea and therefore may contain caffeine. While moderate caffeine intake has several health benefits, excessive caffeine intake can cause problems such as insomnia, nervousness, and increased heart rate.
Bubble tea benefits
Hydration: Like other drinks, bubble tea contributes to your daily water intake and helps you stay hydrated.
Antioxidant: Bubble tea made with tea (such as green tea or black tea) can provide antioxidants such as catechins and flavonoids, and may have health benefits such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Flavor: Bubble tea is a fun way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, contributing to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the meal.
potential side effects
High sugar content: Many tapioca drinks contain sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
calorie intake: Bubble tea can be high in calories, especially if it’s made with sweet syrup or sweetened condensed milk, or topped with high-calorie ingredients such as tapioca pearls.
caffeine: If bubble tea contains tea (such as black or green tea), it may also contain caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, increased heart rate, and other side effects.
Tapioca pearls: The tapioca used in bubble tea is primarily composed of starch and is high in carbohydrates. Consuming large amounts of tapioca on a regular basis can lead to excessive calorie intake and digestive problems for some people.
The correct way to drink bubble tea
portion control: Bubble tea should not be drunk every day, but should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
customization: To reduce your calorie and carbohydrate intake, choose reduced sugar or sugar-free options when possible, and choose healthier toppings such as fruit jelly or aloe vera instead of tapioca.
balanced diet: Bubble tea should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Hydration: Bubble tea can help you stay hydrated, but drinking enough water throughout the day is essential to meet your body’s hydration needs.
Bubble tea is a fun and enjoyable drink, but it’s important to consume it in moderation and be aware of its potential health effects, especially its sugar and calorie content. By making informed choices and considering healthier alternatives, you can enjoy bubble tea responsibly as part of an overall balanced diet.
bubble tea recipe
Here’s a basic recipe for classic milk bubble tea (also known as boba tea) with instructions, ingredients, and estimated preparation time.
material
for tea base
2 cups of water
2 tea bags (black or green tea, depending on your preference)
Sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or simple syrup)
About bubble (tapioca) pearls
1/2 cup dried tapioca
water for boiling
For milk tea
1 cup of freshly brewed tea (from the tea base)
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk or oat milk)
Sweetener (optional)
If provided:
ice cube
Extra wide bubble tea straw
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tea base. Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes or until desired consistency. Remove the tea bag and let the tea cool. Add sweetener to taste while the tea is still warm. Let’s set it aside.
2. Boil the tapioca: Bring a pot of water (about 4 cups) to a boil. Add tapioca to boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pearls are soft but still have a bit of a bite. Wash the cooked tapioca pearls in cold water to remove excess starch. Let’s set it aside.
3. Make milk tea: In a glass, mix 1 cup of freshly brewed black tea (cooled) and 1/2 cup of milk. Add sweetener if desired and stir well.
4. Assemble the bubble tea: Place a handful of cooked tapioca pearls in the bottom of a serving glass. Add ice to glass (optional). Pour milk tea mixture over pearls and ice.
5. Serve and enjoy: Insert a wide bubble tea straw into a glass. Stir the bubble tea to combine the flavors of the tea, milk, and tapioca pearls. Drink your homemade bubble tea and enjoy!
Estimated time:
Preparation time: 5-10 minutes (tea brewing method and tapioca cooking time)
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes (for tapioca)
Total time: approximately 20-30 minutes
Please adjust the sweetness and milk ratio to your liking. You can also customize your bubble tea by adding flavored syrups, fruit purees, or different types of tea. Enjoy delicious homemade bubble tea.
As long as you enjoy bubble tea as an occasional snack and keep an eye on its calorie and sugar content, it can be part of a balanced diet. However, if you’re looking for healthier options, choose unsweetened varieties, reduce the amount of sugar, or choose alternatives like green or black tea that don’t contain added sweeteners. You may consider.
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