Besides avoiding protein supplements, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also advised Indians to limit their tea and coffee consumption. According to the medical body’s new dietary guidelines — in partnership with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) — excessive intake of tea and coffee should be avoided as they contain “caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and induces physiological dependence”. It notes that a 150 ml cup of brewed coffee contains 80-120 mg of caffeine while instant coffee has 50-65 mg, and tea contains 30-65 mg. ICMR has advised a daily intake of just 300 mg of caffeine and not more. It has also advised against having these beverages at least an hour before and after meals because they contain tannins, which can reduce iron absorption in the body. “Tannins tie to iron in the stomach, making it harder for the body to absorb iron properly. This may lead to iron deficiency and health problems like anaemia. Excessive coffee consumption can also cause high blood pressure and cardiac irregularities,” it stated. …