As it is sometimes heard that caffeinated drinks cause dehydration, it makes us think whether this statement is logical or not. To solve this ambiguity of thoughts, after studying many research reports of esteemed health and tea research organizations like the Tea Advisory panel of the UK we came to some factual conclusions that are shared in this article.

According to these reports, drinking 4-5 cups of moderately caffeinated tea-like black or, Oolong tea and 6-7 cups of caffeine-less tea-like herbal tea are equally hydrating as one liter of water is (where one cup is equal to 180ml). Let us deal with some other myths and the facts related to dehydration caused by tea.

Is Tea a Diuretic?

A diuretic is an element that promotes the discharge of water and salt(sodium) content out of the body by urination. Caffeine is considered to be a mild diuretic. Some teas are moderately caffeinated like black teas, Green tea, or Oolong teas which will not affect diuresis unless consumed in a high ratio. But herbal teas are completely caffeine-less which have no diuretic effect on your body.

Does Tea Count as Water Intake?

The water requirement for a person per day is two to three liters, that is, approx 8 to 9 glasses. Drinking plain water could be boring and it will resist you to fulfill the daily fluid requirement of the body. Fluid requirements can be fulfilled by fruits, vegetable soups, teas, and others. But the most interesting beverage among them, popular for taste and mood-enhancing quality along with several other health benefits is tea.

It will help to fulfill the daily water intake ratio without being boring. But there is a myth that could compel you to ask yourself- does tea dehydrate you? Let’s know about some facts before jumping to some conclusions.

Although teas with less or moderate levels of caffeine should not be made a complete substitute to water, herbal teas or, caffeine-less teas can be made as to the nearest substitute of water without any side effects.

Moderately Caffeinated Teas

Black Teas:

Since black tea leaves are fully oxidized, they are moderately caffeinated which gives them regularly a bold and sharp flavor. If consumed in a higher proportion it may have a very mild diuretic effect. It is advised to be taken two to three cups a day to balance the hydration level.

Green Teas:

It has an amino acid L-theanine that has milder caffeine content. It does not go through the oxidation process. Green tea has twenty times less caffeine content than coffee. It is a major source of energy and has a negligible diuretic effect.

Oolong Teas:

Partially oxidized Oolong teas have low caffeine content. It shows a mild to negligible diuretic effect. Dehydration is not noticed unless consumed in a high proportion regularly.

Black teas, Green teas, Oolong teas are moderately caffeinated to give an instant energy boost and stimulate the central nervous system that results in increased alertness and healthy brain function. Intake of these teas has a slight diuretic property if consumed in excess.

People with high blood pressure, heart or, kidney problems are suggested to take these variants of teas minimally. But, people suffering from hypertension are especially recommended for these teas as diuresis is a method to treat hypertension. In addition to this, these teas are completely hydrating for everyone if taken in smaller proportions two to three times a day.

Caffeine-less Teas

Herbal Teas:

Naturally, they are caffeine-free as they are made from parts of herbal plants, botanicals, spices, and natural flavors that have no diuretic property at all. Studies have proved that herbal teas are as hydrating as water. It helps the body to hydrate as well as induces in it numerous health-boosting elements that strengthen the immune system in a gratifying way. Chamomile, Rooibos, Sage, Ginger, Chrysanthemum, Echinacea, Peppermint, Rosehip, Lemon Balm, Hibiscus are some of the examples of herbal teas. You should add one of these to your diet to be hydrated throughout the day.

Hybrid Teas:

Any hybrid of teas (Camellia Sinensis) with other related plants like Hybrid Rose tea has no caffeine content in it. They are mostly recognized for their high-centered blossom and, notable, unique stemmed elegance. Some of its popular variants are Blue Girl, Wimmi, Rose 'Oregold’. It provides immense hydration in a fragrance-full way. It has no diuretic property like herbal teas.

What Liquids Dehydrates You?

All alcoholic beverages like wine and others have huge diuretic effects. It drains out a large amount of water from the body through frequent urination. Also, highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee, soda show mild to high dehydrating properties. Drinks with higher sugar content also are less able to absorb water making your body dehydrated. 

Type of Teas that Helps in Hydration

Iced Teas

Additional water content in the form of ice in a chilled state helps to retain water for a longer period helping in deep hydration.

Herbal Teas 

As herbal teas don’t go through the process of oxidation it has a natural presence of water content. It keeps you hydrated naturally in addition to several other health benefits.

Green Teas 

It is an immense source of instant energy with milder caffeine content. It keeps you hydrated and helps you lose weight more than water as proved through various researches. 

Is Tea an Acceptable Substitute of Water?

Studies conducted by Daily Mail, a reputed UK-based newspaper have revealed that Tea is the nearest substitute of water with similar hydrating effects. Being an interesting alternative for plain water it is widely recommended by hydration experts. After every 250ml of water, it is advised to have approx 180ml of tea. More or less quantity is perfectly acceptable.

Signs of Dehydration

• Frequent urination in a short time interval.
• Yellowish color of pee.
• Dry lips.
• Less than four to five pees a day.
• Feeling tired very often.
• Feeling thirsty in a shorter period.

Why is Hydration so Important for Your Body?

Hydration is a lubricant of our body that helps the smooth functioning of organs and tissues throughout the body. More than sixty percent of our body is made up of water and other fluids. This level needs to be balanced to avoid wear and tear of muscles, resist fatigue conditions and other health issues. But it is not always possible to have plain water every time in the whole day. So, since tea is the best substitute for water, it could be taken to balance the fluid requirement of the body without any side -effects. Proper hydration in the body keeps check on timely delivery of nutrients to the cell, prevents infections, keeps a check on body temperature, and keeps joints lubricated.

Final Words

After knowing the facts regarding all the common myths such as does tea dehydrate you? Does iced tea dehydrate you? Does green tea dehydrate you? Does herbal tea dehydrate you?. Still, if you have any doubts unresolved or any more questions in this context, mention them in the comments. We would appreciate attending and resolving them for you. 

Moreover, according to information gathered from authentic sources as mentioned, it can be stated that Teas are not dehydrating at all. Although some teas have diuretic properties if consumed in excess, they can be easily checked out and controlled. But it has nothing to do with dehydration. So, keep your body hydrated not only with plain tasteless water but also with delicious instant energy-boosting teas of your choice.