Expert explains impact of tea, coffee, and milk between meals

The Russian Academy of Sciences has stated that consuming beverages between meals can affect daily fasting periods—the intervals between meals—highlighting that milk ends this fasting window due to its nutrients and calories, while unsweetened tea does not necessarily have the same effect.

Which drinks break a fasting period?

According to Alexei Moskaliov, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the fasting period refers to the time between meals when a person refrains from consuming food and calories, limiting intake to water and calorie-free drinks.

He explained that giving the body regular breaks from food helps regulate energy consumption, as metabolism is not designed to process food continuously from early morning until late at night. Overeating throughout the day may be linked to health problems.

Moskaliov noted that the body responds to fasting periods with metabolic changes, and clinical studies have shown potential benefits to restricting eating to an 8-10 hour window during the day, which can improve certain metabolic indicators.

He added that meal timing, along with good sleep and physical activity, are factors with scientific evidence supporting their role in promoting health and reducing the risk of early death.

Moskaliov said that adding sugar, milk, cream, juice, or any sweetened beverage introduces nutrients and calories to the body, effectively ending the fasting period in practical terms.

However, he cautioned against being overly strict, emphasizing that it is more important to maintain a regular and sufficient period of calorie abstinence rather than obsessing over every drop of milk or striving for a metabolically perfect fast.

The expert also noted that the effects of artificial sweeteners and calorie-free additives still require further research, as there is limited information about their impact on metabolism.

Moskaliov warned against regular use of sweeteners, citing some studies that suggest potential negative health effects. However, he said the impact varies depending on the type and amount of sweetener, so results cannot be generalized to all sweeteners equally.

Regarding the best time to eat, Moskaliov explained that the common rule of not eating after 6 p.m. is not based on a fixed time suitable for everyone.

He pointed out that more important factors include regular meal times, the duration of the daily eating window, and how well these align with sleep schedules and the body's daily rhythm.