Is Tea Just As Hydrating As Water? We Asked The Experts - Yahoo Health

What the report says

Delish.com, in a Yahoo Health article, reports that dietitians say tea can generally be counted toward daily fluid intake, even when it contains caffeine. The article addresses a common concern: because many teas are caffeinated and caffeine can increase urination, some people assume tea is dehydrating. The experts cited by Delish said that effect is usually small at ordinary intake levels.

Nutritionist Lauren Manaker told Delish that research comparing black tea with water did not show meaningful differences in hydration in the amounts studied, suggesting black tea can hydrate similarly to water despite its caffeine. Jessica Clancy-Strawn, another dietitian quoted in the article, said caffeine’s diuretic effect typically does not offset hydration unless tea is consumed in very large quantities. The article also notes that added sugar may affect blood glucose but does not stop the body from hydrating.

The article identifies caffeine-free herbal teas, including peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, hibiscus and ginger, as the most straightforward hydration options because they do not contain caffeine. Dietitian Angel Luk told Delish that these herbal varieties may be relatively more hydrating, while emphasizing that the difference compared with caffeinated tea is minor.

Delish places the advice in the context of many adults not drinking enough plain water, citing CDC data that adults average about 5 to 6 cups daily and noting broader recommendations that total fluid intake may be higher. Manaker said moderate tea consumption, described as roughly 3 to 5 cups a day, is generally safe for many people, while excessive intake may cause digestive issues, caffeine sensitivity or interfere with nutrient absorption because of tannins.