You can drink milk after green tea, but it might not be ideal if you're looking to maximize the health benefits of green tea.
Why Wait?
According to the provided reference, it's generally recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after drinking green tea before consuming milk. This is because components in milk can interfere with the absorption of beneficial compounds found in green tea.
Potential Interactions:
While the exact mechanisms are complex, it's believed that:
- Milk proteins may bind to green tea antioxidants: This binding could reduce the bioavailability of antioxidants like catechins, which are responsible for many of green tea's health-promoting effects.
Practical Considerations:
- Timing is key: Waiting 1-2 hours allows for better absorption of the green tea's beneficial compounds.
- Individual preferences: Ultimately, whether or not you choose to combine milk and green tea is a matter of personal preference. If you're not particularly concerned about maximizing antioxidant absorption, the combination is unlikely to be harmful.