Can You Drink Tea on a Carnivore Diet?
Posted by FAISAL TOOR
"Can you drink tea on a carnivore diet?" Have you ever wondered this question? Many followers of this zero-carb, animal-based lifestyle grapple with this question. The carnivore diet restricts all plant-based foods, making tea—a plant-derived beverage—a subject of debate.
The thought of giving up their favorite brew might be daunting for tea lovers. This article dives into whether tea can fit into a carnivore diet and examines different acceptable tea types.
We'll explore the various kinds of tea, their Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml)s, and why some herbal teas might be permissible for those on a carnivore diet.
Can You Drink Tea on a Carnivore Diet? A First Look
What is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is an extremely stringent eating regimen that excludes all plant-based meals and concentrates only on animal items. This means consuming only meat, organ meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy products.
Advocates claim that this strategy may result in major health advantages including decreased inflammation, weight reduction, and enhanced mental clarity.
The diet is grounded in the idea that humans thrive on animal-based nutrition, which offers all the essential nutrients our bodies need without the antinutrients in plants.
Learn more: The Carnivore Diet Meal Plan.
What Are the Kinds of Tea?
Tea is generally categorized into two main types:
1. True Teas: These include black, green, white, and oolong teas, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The different types of true tea are distinguished by their processing methods, which affect their flavor, caffeine content, and antioxidant levels:
- Black Tea: Fully oxidized, rich in flavor and caffeine.
- Green Tea: Unoxidized, known for its high antioxidant content and lower caffeine levels.
- White Tea: Minimally processed, with delicate flavors and low caffeine.
- Oolong Tea: Partially oxidized, balancing black and green tea.
2. Herbal Teas: These are not true teas but infusions made from herbs and spices. Examples include peppermint, chamomile, and ginger teas. Generally devoid of caffeine, herbal teas are well-known for their many health advantages, which range from facilitating digestion to fostering calmness.
Can You Drink Tea on a Carnivore Diet?
For strict carnivores, the answer is "No" because the diet excludes all plant-based foods, including tea. The carnivore diet primarily focuses on animal-derived nutrition, and including plant-based beverages like tea can contradict its principles.
However, some variations of the carnivore diet might allow for certain exceptions. For instance, herbal teas, which are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and often have medicinal properties, might be permissible.
These flexible approaches recognize that certain herbal teas can offer health benefits without significantly impacting the diet's objectives.
Herbal Teas That You Can Drink on a Carnivore Diet
For those following a less rigid version of the carnivore diet, certain herbal teas can be acceptable. These teas typically contain no sugar, carbs, or very low carbs. Here are ten herbal teas that fit well within the dietary framework:
#1. Peppermint Tea
The invigorating taste and digestive advantages of peppermint tea make it a popular herbal tea. It's made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, which has been used medicinally for centuries.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 0-2.4
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Caffeine: 0 mg
Its digestive properties can help alleviate symptoms like bloating and indigestion, making it a suitable choice for a carnivore diet. Additionally, its refreshing taste can be a pleasant addition without compromising dietary principles.
#2. Ginger Tea
The root of the ginger plant is used to make ginger tea. It is celebrated for its spicy flavor and medicinal properties. Ginger has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits for thousands of years.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 2-5
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
Its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits support the carnivore diet's focus on reducing inflammation and promoting gut health. Additionally, ginger tea can be a warming, comforting beverage that adds variety to the diet.
#3. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, native to South Africa, is known for its rich antioxidant content and naturally sweet flavor. It is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Caffeine: 0 mg
Its antioxidant properties and low calorie count make it a good fit for the carnivore diet. Rooibos tea can also support heart health and improve overall wellness.
#4. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root tea is a herbal tea with numerous health benefits, including liver detoxification and digestive support. It is made from the dried roots of the dandelion plant.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 0-10
- Carbohydrates: 0-4g
- Protein: 0-1g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 0
- Sugars: 0-0.3g
Its detoxifying properties and low carb content make it a fitting choice for those on a carnivore diet. Dandelion root tea can also aid in digestion and support liver function, which is beneficial for overall health.
#5. Nettle Leaf Tea
The leaves of the nettle plant are used to make nettle leaf tea. It is well-known for its high nutritional content and therapeutic uses, which include the treatment of inflammation and allergies.
Nutritional Profile per 1 tea bag:
- Calories: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Protein: 0
- Fat: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Sugars: 0
Its high nutritional content may balance out the diet of a carnivore by enhancing the nutrient-dense meals. Nettle leaf tea is a beneficial supplement to the diet since it has anti-inflammatory qualities as well.
#6. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is prepared using the dried blossoms of the chamomile plant. It is well renowned for its relaxing properties and is often used in the evening to encourage rest and sleep.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 2.3-2.5
- Carbohydrates: 0.4-1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
Chamomile tea's calming effects can help improve sleep quality, an important aspect of overall health. Its anti-inflammatory properties also align with the goals of the carnivore diet.
#7. Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is often used for its calming and stress-relieving properties. It is made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant, providing a soothing experience.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 0.7
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 0g
Its relaxing qualities may aid in lowering stress and enhancing sleep, both of which are critical to general health. Lavender tea is also beneficial for its anti-inflammatory properties.
#8. Sage Tea
Sage tea is known for its earthy flavor and numerous health benefits. It is made from the leaves of the sage plant and is often used for cognitive support and anti-inflammatory effects.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: ~ 2 calories
- Carbohydrates: <1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: < 1 gram
Its anti-inflammatory properties support the carnivore diet's goals of reducing inflammation. Sage tea can also improve memory and brain function, making it a valuable addition to the diet.
#9. Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is well-known for its antioxidant and digestive effects, and it tastes pleasant and lemony. It is made from the leaves of the lemongrass plant.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: < 1 gram
- Protein: < 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Its digestive benefits and low carb content make it suitable for the carnivore diet. Lemongrass tea can also help in detoxifying the body and improving skin health.
#10. Red Clover Tea
Red clover tea is well recognized for its health advantages, which include the possibility of enhancing hormone balance and heart health.
Nutritional Profile per 8-ounce (240ml):
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Its potential heart health benefits and low carb content align with the overall goals of a healthy carnivore diet. Red clover tea can also help in reducing menopausal symptoms and improving bone health.
True Teas that You Should Avoid on the Carnivore Diet
While herbal teas, which are made from herbs and spices, can be acceptable on the carnivore diet due to their non-tea plant origins, true teas are not. True teas, including varieties derived from the Camellia sinensis plant.
These teas contain plant-based compounds and antinutrients, which are incompatible with the strict animal-based approach of the carnivore diet. Here’s a closer look at why these specific true teas should be avoided.
#1. Green Tea
Green tea, made from unoxidized leaves, is one of the least processed types of tea. Therefore, it contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.
While green tea is lauded for its health benefits, it is not acceptable on the carnivore diet. Green tea contains various plant compounds, including catechins and tannins, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and digestion.
Additionally, green tea has caffeine, which some carnivore dieters prefer to avoid to minimize plant-derived substances in their diet.
#2. Black Tea
Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a dark color and rich flavor. It is commonly consumed worldwide and comes in various types, including Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
Like green tea, black tea contains numerous plant compounds, including theaflavins and tannins. These compounds are known to bind to proteins and minerals, potentially reducing the absorption of essential nutrients.
The high caffeine content in black tea can also be a concern for those on the carnivore diet, as it may cause digestive issues or other adverse effects.
#3. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, placing it between green and black tea in terms of oxidation and flavor. It has a unique taste profile, often described as floral or fruity.
Oolong tea contains polyphenols and other plant compounds that the diet aims to avoid. These substances can interfere with the body's natural processes and nutrient absorption.
Oolong tea also has caffeine, which can be problematic for those looking to avoid stimulants derived from plants.
#4. Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is a type of green tea made from powdered young tea leaves. It is known for its vibrant green color and is consumed either as a tea or added to recipes for its flavor and health benefits.
Matcha tea, despite its popularity for health benefits, is plant-based and contains several compounds that are not suitable for the carnivore diet. These include catechins, chlorophyll, and various antioxidants.
Matcha also has a higher concentration of caffeine compared to regular green tea, which can be an issue for those on the carnivore diet.
#5. White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all tea varieties, made from young leaves and buds of the tea plant. It has a delicate flavor and is known for its subtlety compared to other teas.
White tea, being a product of the tea plant, contains various plant compounds such as catechins, tannins, and caffeine.
These substances are not aligned with the principles of the carnivore diet, which seeks to eliminate plant-based foods due to their potential antinutrient properties.
#6. Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is typically made by infusing green tea with the fragrance of jasmine blossoms. It has a delicate floral aroma and is enjoyed for its soothing properties.
Jasmine tea, usually based on green tea, inherits all the plant-based compounds that green tea contains, such as catechins and tannins.
These compounds are not compatible with the carnivore diet, which excludes all plant-based foods to avoid potential antinutrients and toxins.
Tips for Choosing the Right Teas on a Carnivore Diet
Choosing the right teas on a carnivore diet requires careful consideration. Here are some tips to help you select acceptable teas:
- Opt for Herbal Teas: Choose herbal teas that are caffeine-free and have no added sugars or carbs.
- Check Ingredients: Ensure the tea contains only the herb or flower, without any additives.
- Monitor Your Body’s Response: Pay attention to how your body reacts to the tea and adjust accordingly.
- Limit Consumption: Stick to one or two cups per day to minimize potential negative effects.
- Avoid Sweeteners: Drink your tea plain to maintain the purity of the diet.
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If you're not sure whether to include tea in your diet, speak with a medical expert to be sure it fits your requirements and dietary objectives.
- Stay Hydrated: Remember that water should be your primary source of hydration. Herbal teas can be a supplementary beverage but should not replace your water intake.
- Avoid Highly Processed Teas: Opt for organic, high-quality teas to avoid pesticides and other contaminants that could interfere with your diet.
- Be Mindful of Portion Sizes: Even if the tea is acceptable, overconsumption can lead to adverse effects. Keep your portions moderate.
Closing Remarks
So, can you drink tea on a carnivore diet? How closely you follow the diet's guidelines and your own tastes will determine the answer in significant part.
While strict carnivores may avoid tea entirely, others might find that certain herbal teas, which are low in carbs and have health benefits, can fit into their dietary regimen without compromising their goals.
You may take advantage of a range of tastes and health advantages from herbal teas without straying from the carnivorous diet by selecting the appropriate varieties and drinking them sparingly.
For those looking to supplement their carnivore diet with nutrient-dense options, consider exploring products like One Earth Health's Beef Organs.
These supplements provide essential nutrients from animal sources, aligning perfectly with the carnivore diet's principles.
