Understanding and Neutralizing Tannins in Food & Beverages

Tannins are polyphenols that are of plant origin and can be found in coffee and tea. Additionally, tannins are used in refining beer and wine, and are sometimes added to processed foods such as ice cream and caramel. Tannins are often referred to as anti-nutrients because they lower the absorption of important nutrients such as iron and calcium. According to ImmuneHealthScience.com, drinking a cup of tea with a meal can reduce the absorption of iron by 70 percent. A shortage of either iron or calcium can lead to serious health problems such as osteoporosis and anemia, so it's important to neutralize tannins. If you're a big coffee or tea drinker, protect yourself against tannins by taking some of these precautions.

Things You'll Need

• Milk
• Lemon juice
• Vitamin C supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  Add milk to your coffee and lemon juice to your tea.

• 2

  Eat foods rich in Vitamin C or take a supplement daily. Vitamin C will help neutralize the effect of the tannins on iron.

• 3

  Drink your tea or coffee in between meals instead of with your meals. This will give your body a chance to absorb the nutrients from your food.