In short: no. In the water-versus-tea battle, water still wins. Because water doesn't contain caffeine, sugar, or other additives, it's the purest form of hydration. If you're a regular tea drinker, you can continue drinking tea and it will contribute to your overall hydration level.
Tea is a low-caffeine drink, so the diuretic effect is minimal. On the whole, tea gives your body much more water than it causes your body to lose. So drinking hot tea or iced tea helps to hydrate your body overall.
Now for the main reason you're reading: Does drinking Tea count as drinking water? In a word, yes. Almost all non-alcoholic fluids, including Tea and Fresh Coffee, count towards your fluid intake.
Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.
A recent study conducted by researchers at King's College in London claim tea is better for your health compared to water. Unlike water, tea contains a number of naturally occurring compounds, such as polyphenols, that have many health-promoting properties.
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Water, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. In March 2010, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a report suggesting an adequate total daily intake of 2 litres of fluids for women and 2.5 litres for men.
Herbal Teas
Hibiscus, rose or chamomile are great options because they're caffeine-free and will have less diuretic effects. “All herbal teas are great for hydration,” Giovanni says. “The main thing to look for is that it's a decaffeinated tea – a tea like black tea, for instance, wouldn't be hydrating.”
And did we say rooibos? Yup, it's known to be super hydrating, high in antioxidants and rich in electrolytes—essential minerals that help balance the water content in the body.
Juice, smoothies, iced coffee, ice tea, protein shakes, milk, and other drinks can be excellent alternatives to water. You should avoid relying too much on drinks with a high sugar content, such as soda, certain fruit juces, energy drinks and chocolate milk.
Under the precepts of Chinese medicine, balance is key, and hot or warm water is considered essential to balance cold and humidity; in addition, it is believed to promote blood circulation and toxin release.
Numerous studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease. While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there's plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your wellness.
Mineral, structured, and pure spring water are some of the healthiest water you can drink because they're clean and contain all the essential minerals your body needs. Filtered water removes contaminants but might also remove essential minerals.
“We regularly read that we should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Do other drinks count toward that total if they contain water, like soft drinks, iced tea, coffee and fruit juices?” The answer is yes, all beverages add to your daily fluid intake.
You'll feel less hungry and may even lose weight. You'll probably experience more comfortable digestion (less heartburn). Bowel movements might be easier and more regular. Your teeth and gums will be healthier and more resilient.
The fastest way to hydrate is with an oral rehydration solution. These products are packed with electrolytes which are minerals found in your body that balance fluid levels and maintain optimal hydration. While you can hydrate fast with regular water, focus on electrolytes.
In fact, water may not even crack the top five of the most hydrating drinks out there. According to a study from Scotland's St. Andrew's University, milk, Pedialyte and soda top the list of most hydrating beverages.
Water is the ideal hydration choice because it moves quickly though your digestive system and into your tissues. Stay hydrated by sipping small amounts of water throughout the day; avoid chugging down fluids right before exercising to avoid stomach discomfort and bloating.
Overhydrating can result in what's called hyponatremia, where you retain water but flush out necessary electrolytes like sodium and potassium. This causes cells all over the body to swell and can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness and, in rare cases, even death.