Diet Debate
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Hidden Danger of Polyphenols in Coffees & Teas
technosp1ce posted:
Recently I went to the doctor to try to get on Xolair for my asthma. I'd been on it before and it's a miracle drug when it comes to asthma combined with allergies. When the blood tests came back, I was very surprised to find out I was anemic enough to have a lowered red blood cell count and had a Vitamin D deficiency which has put off the opportunity. I was surprised; eat lots of fish (which is supposed to have Vitamin D) and eat lots of leafy greens (for iron). Well, at least that explained why I was always so tired. So after the doc put me on supplements, I went on the hunt for information.
The internet will tell you all about how great polyphenols in coffee and tea are, that they are antioxidants and will fight cancer and so on and so forth and all the ways you can boost your polyphenol intake. What isn't spoken of so much is that caffeine decreases nutrient absorption and polyphenols bind with iron and other minerals. I'll admit, I go through tea like a seive and like a cup of coffee now and then, too. I thought I was alright because I prefer rooibos tea which is caffeine-free (I suspect it contains crack instead for addictivity). But the real culprit is in the polyphenols. I had no idea it especially binds to non-Heme iron sources like that of leafy greens. If you're not big on red meat (like me), apparently having a coffee/tea habit is enough to give you a deficiency.
I have tried to cut back on tea intake and switch to the lowest polyphenol tea I could find (chamomile) but discovered it makes me sleepy. On top of my iron deficiency, I found myself nearly narcoleptic so that isn't going to work. Hot chocolate and cider are both very rich to drink casually. I drink lots of water, but hot beverages are a creative stimulus for me. I study better and focus on writing better when I have one at hand. Tea and coffee was one of the few luxuries I can indulge in as a poor student. Can anyone think of any good hot beverages that don't contain polyphenols? Or am I doomed to a life drinking only water?
The internet will tell you all about how great polyphenols in coffee and tea are, that they are antioxidants and will fight cancer and so on and so forth and all the ways you can boost your polyphenol intake. What isn't spoken of so much is that caffeine decreases nutrient absorption and polyphenols bind with iron and other minerals. I'll admit, I go through tea like a seive and like a cup of coffee now and then, too. I thought I was alright because I prefer rooibos tea which is caffeine-free (I suspect it contains crack instead for addictivity). But the real culprit is in the polyphenols. I had no idea it especially binds to non-Heme iron sources like that of leafy greens. If you're not big on red meat (like me), apparently having a coffee/tea habit is enough to give you a deficiency.
I have tried to cut back on tea intake and switch to the lowest polyphenol tea I could find (chamomile) but discovered it makes me sleepy. On top of my iron deficiency, I found myself nearly narcoleptic so that isn't going to work. Hot chocolate and cider are both very rich to drink casually. I drink lots of water, but hot beverages are a creative stimulus for me. I study better and focus on writing better when I have one at hand. Tea and coffee was one of the few luxuries I can indulge in as a poor student. Can anyone think of any good hot beverages that don't contain polyphenols? Or am I doomed to a life drinking only water?
4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Hidden Danger of Polyphenols in Coffees & TeasRecently I went to the doctor to try to get on Xolair for my asthma. I'd been on it before and it's a miracle drug when it comes to asthma combined with allergies. When the blood tests came back, I was very surprised to find out I was anemic enough to have a lowered red blood cell count and had a Vitamin D deficiency which has put off the opportunity. I was surprised; eat lots of fish (which is supposed to have Vitamin D) and eat lots of leafy greens (for iron). Well, at least that explained why I was always so tired. So after the doc put me on supplements, I went on the hunt for information.<br /><br />The internet will tell you all about how great polyphenols in coffee and tea are, that they are antioxidants and will fight cancer and so on and so forth and all the ways you can boost your polyphenol intake. What isn't spoken of so much is that caffeine decreases nutrient absorption and polyphenols bind with iron and other minerals. I'll admit, I go through tea like a seive and like a cup of coffee now and then, too. I thought I was alright because I prefer rooibos tea which is caffeine-free (I suspect it contains crack instead for addictivity). But the real culprit is in the polyphenols. I had no idea it especially binds to non-Heme iron sources like that of leafy greens. If you're not big on red meat (like me), apparently having a coffee/tea habit is enough to give you a deficiency. <br /><br />I have tried to cut back on tea intake and switch to the lowest polyphenol tea I could find (chamomile) but discovered it makes me sleepy. On top of my iron deficiency, I found myself nearly narcoleptic so that isn't going to work. Hot chocolate and cider are both very rich to drink casually. I drink lots of water, but hot beverages are a creative stimulus for me. I study better and focus on writing better when I have one at hand. Tea and coffee was one of the few luxuries I can indulge in as a poor student. Can anyone think of any good hot beverages that don't contain polyphenols? Or am I doomed to a life drinking only water?
jc3737 responded:
What about herbal teas like hibiscus or naturally decaffeniated coffee?They don't block iron absorption do they?
I think you are on to something in looking for what may have blocked your iron absorption.I have the same problem and I think it may have been all the herbs I was taking.I have also read the too many sweet potatoes can block iron absorption and I was eating sweet potatoes at very meal.
I
I think you are on to something in looking for what may have blocked your iron absorption.I have the same problem and I think it may have been all the herbs I was taking.I have also read the too many sweet potatoes can block iron absorption and I was eating sweet potatoes at very meal.
I
Report This| Share this:Hidden Danger of Polyphenols in Coffees & TeasWhat about herbal teas like hibiscus or naturally decaffeniated coffee?They don't block iron absorption do they?<br /> <br />I think you are on to something in looking for what may have blocked your iron absorption.I have the same problem and I think it may have been all the herbs I was taking.I have also read the too many sweet potatoes can block iron absorption and I was eating sweet potatoes at very meal.<br /> <br />I
I almost forgot....where did you get the idea that herbal teas can block iron absorption?
Report This| Share this:Hidden Danger of Polyphenols in Coffees & TeasI almost forgot....where did you get the idea that herbal teas can block iron absorption?
I just found it...you are correct.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/32697-foods-block-iron-absorption/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/32697-foods-block-iron-absorption/
Report This| Share this:Hidden Danger of Polyphenols in Coffees & TeasI just found it...you are correct.<br /> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/32697-foods-block-iron-absorption/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/32697-foods-block-iron-absorption/</a>
I asked your question to a friend of mine in the health field and here is his reaponce:
"It is not just the polyphenols, more specifically tannins, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, berries, etc. Many of these, such as coffee, tea and chocolate also contain oxalates that also bind iron.
There are many teas out there that be drunk safely as they contain little to no tannins or oxalates. My favorite is nettle leaf with a little lemon grass and stevia steeped overnight. There is also rooibos (red bush, honey bush, red tea), mints, hibiscus, diluted and sweetened jiaogulan (Gynostemma), red clover blossom, etc.
Another option is to get the flavored stevia extracts to make flavored waters with. The come in many different flavors such as peach, mango, orange, cherry, grape, coffee, champagne, etc."
"It is not just the polyphenols, more specifically tannins, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, berries, etc. Many of these, such as coffee, tea and chocolate also contain oxalates that also bind iron.
There are many teas out there that be drunk safely as they contain little to no tannins or oxalates. My favorite is nettle leaf with a little lemon grass and stevia steeped overnight. There is also rooibos (red bush, honey bush, red tea), mints, hibiscus, diluted and sweetened jiaogulan (Gynostemma), red clover blossom, etc.
Another option is to get the flavored stevia extracts to make flavored waters with. The come in many different flavors such as peach, mango, orange, cherry, grape, coffee, champagne, etc."
Report This| Share this:Hidden Danger of Polyphenols in Coffees & TeasI asked your question to a friend of mine in the health field and here is his reaponce:<br /> <br />"<b>It is not just the polyphenols, more specifically tannins, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, berries, etc. Many of these, such as coffee, tea and chocolate also contain oxalates that also bind iron.</b><br /><b>There are many teas out there that be drunk safely as they contain little to no tannins or oxalates. My favorite is nettle leaf with a little lemon grass and stevia steeped overnight. There is also rooibos (red bush, honey bush, red tea), mints, hibiscus, diluted and sweetened jiaogulan (Gynostemma), red clover blossom, etc.</b><br /><b>Another option is to get the flavored stevia extracts to make flavored waters with. The come in many different flavors such as peach, mango, orange, cherry, grape, coffee, champagne, etc."</b>
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