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Bubble tea is a craze, very popular among the young and foodies everywhere. In fact it has become a common ‘lepak’ drink in the malls with the opening of many outlets from different bubble tea players. Since it has the word ‘tea’, it is supposed to be healthy right? Yes, tea has its multiple benefits but beware of the sweeteners, creamers and add-ons.
Benefits of Drinking Bubble Tea
To point out, drinking tea (black, green tea, white team, oolong and pu-erh) every day has health benefits; because tea is a rich source of antioxidants called polyphenols. In particular, polyphenols in tea contain a unique antioxidant group known as flavonoids, which are potent against damaging free radicals that can contribute to cancer, heart disease and clogged arteries. In addition, caffeine and theanine are also present in tea. These compounds are beneficial to brain health and increase mental alertness.
Reasons Why Bubble Tea is not so healthy:
“Drinking unsweetened black or green tea daily has health benefits, but drinking pearl milk tea regularly may not be a healthy choice if you are watching your weight or controlling your calorie and sugar intakes” pointed out a nutritionist.
So food for thought: a 400g serving of bubble milk tea with pearls holds 231 calories, compare it to a 330ml can of soft drinks holding about 140 calories.
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Very high sugar content
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 50g as the maximum amount of sugar we should consume per day. Downing a cup of bubble tea with regular sweetness is an intake of 34g (around 300-400 calories) of sugar, hence making up 68% of the recommended amount.
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High calorie pearls
The pearls that we all craze about are basically made from tapioca starch and brown sugar. In other words, pearls are essentially pure carbohydrates with no minerals or vitamins. So, adding of the bubbles adds up to 100 calories to the drinks. Hence, with the addition of pearls to a cup which is already loaded with sugar, the calorie count to your drinks can easily add up to over 300 calories – which is more than a coke or even a bowl of rice. -
Non-diary creamers containing trans-fats
Bubble tea creamers contain trans-fats which we should avoid, given that it increases the risk of getting heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Trans-fats raise our bad cholesterol level (LDL) and lower our good cholesterol level (HDL).
How to Make your Bubble Tea a Healthier Drink:
Due to the fact that it is an appealing and enjoyable beverage, you may find it hard to resist bubble tea. You don’t need to drop drinking it, as the old adage goes, consume your food and drinks in moderation. In any event, if you want your bubble tea fix, ask for healthier variations and do not drink it excessively.
- Ask for a bubble tea which has much less sugar (50% or less) or no sugar.
- Opt for fresh milk instead of the non-dairy creamers.
- Ask for bubble tea without or lesser chewy tapioca pearls.
Reference
- Bubble tea pearls. [Internet][cited 2019 March 5] Available from:
- Is bubble tea bad for you. [Internet][cited 2019 March 5] Available from:
https://www.menshealth.com.sg/weight-loss-nutrition/bursting-bubble-tea-fad/
- Bubble tea is unhealthy drinks. [Internet][cited 2019 March 5] Available from:
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by Leelah
'' The first step towards a change is awareness !'' The saying which inspired the medical graduate to reach the public through GetDoc. View all articles by Leelah.
