^why^ is tea a bad drink?

[colditz]

I understand the "no fizzy"

I understand why "no squash"

I understand why "limit juice"

They are all to do with sugar, acids and additives, right?

But can anyone tell me what is really wrong with tea? I know you shouldn't give it to children, but why not?

caffine.

caffeine

tea contains the same amount as coffee

Because the tannin in it interferes with the absorption of zinc, and children's brains need lots of zinc to develop properly.

Right! now I know then.

I didn't know it interferes with the absorption of zinc, how interesting.

It can interfere with the absorption of iron as well.

it's the reduction in iron absorption that is the main problem with tea (I've never heard of its link with zinc absorption)

It's for grown-ups to drink out of china cups in the parlour. That's why.

Tea only affects the absortion of iron if you have it within about half an hour of a meal. Brewed tea has about half the amount of caffiene as coffee, mug for mug (obviously depends how strong you like it!). Green tea has other positive benefits, but I'm not sure if those apply to children. I give tea to my 6 year old on occassion, but then it's the only way to get him to drink milk - and he does love the dainty china tea cups