There are few things Brits love more than a cup of tea. That is why it has become synonymous with British culture.
But experts are warning that cups of tea could lead to health issues if it is paired with some kinds of food.
Pharmacist and nutritional therapist Deborah Grayson warns that foods like red meat and green vegetables could increase your chance of developing severe nutrient deficiencies if they are eaten alongside a cup of tea.
She told The Mirror: “If you always have tea with your meal, you could become anaemic.”
Ms Grayson added that women who have their menstrual periods are especially at risk of anaemia.
Iron-rich foods like steak and roast beef, and green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and kale, are among those to avoid, Ms Grayson warned.
Research suggests tea and coffee have chemicals that block the absorption of iron, including polyphenols, which can help with preventing inflammation.
Polyphenols are found, at much lower levels, in fruit and vegetables as well.
Anaemia can lead to horrible symptoms such as severe fatigue, hair loss and repeated infections.
Ms Grayson says people should avoid drinking too much of any liquid with meals if they are looking to gain weight or muscle.
She said: “The presence of liquid in the stomach can actually reduce the amount of food you’re able to eat.
“So if you are someone who has a poor appetite then only have sips of water, if needed, can help you to eat a more normal amount of food.”
The expert added that alternative salad options like rocket and chicory could be better as they “stimulate the digestive process and can help the body prepare to fully digest the food we eat.”
Other advice includes not eating three hours before you go to bed and staying stood up after a meal to avoid reflux.
Even sitting at a table rather than on the sofa can help with digesting food.