Is It Safe to Drink Coffee and Tea When Breaking the Fast?
Nutrition experts advise that plain water is the best drink to break the fast because it helps restore body fluids after long hours of fasting. Coffee and tea may cause dehydration if consumed in large amounts, so they should be limited.
Jakarta – Drinking coffee and tea when breaking the fast is a common habit for some people. However, the question remains: are these beverages safe to consume after fasting all day?
Public Health Nutritionist Tan Shot Yen explained that the body actually needs fluids for rehydration after fasting. After more than 12 hours without food and drink, the body is in a dehydrated condition.
According to her, the best drink to consume when breaking the fast is plain water. Water is easily absorbed by the body and does not cause side effects.
“What we need when breaking the fast is rehydration because the body has been dehydrated for more than 12 hours,” said Tan Shot Yen. She emphasized that plain water is the safest choice to restore body fluids.
She also explained that tea and coffee have diuretic properties, which can increase the frequency of urination. This condition can actually cause the body to lose more fluids.
“If consumed in a considerable amount, it can make us urinate frequently,” Tan Shot Yen said. As a result, the body may not achieve optimal rehydration after breaking the fast.
Tan also suggested that tea should not be consumed at the same time as a large meal, because tea may inhibit the absorption of iron from food.
In addition, drinking tea or coffee during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) can also cause problems. According to Tan, these beverages may interfere with nutrient absorption and increase the risk of dehydration.
If people still want to drink coffee or tea, she recommends consuming it in very small amounts.
“If it is only half a cup, it is fine, but follow it with plain water,” she said.
Tan also reminded that coffee can stimulate digestive movements and trigger the urge to have a bowel movement. For some people, coffee may also increase cholesterol levels and trigger sleep disturbances.
For individuals with hypertension, excessive coffee consumption may worsen their health condition. In addition, consuming very sweet drinks when breaking the fast may contribute to weight gain.
As a healthier alternative, Tan recommends natural drinks that are gentler on the body.
“Coconut water without added sugar is very refreshing,” she said.
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