World Heart Day 2023: These Evening Tea Snacks Can Cause Heartburn

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World Heart Day is observed every year on the 29th of September, by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD). Through this global campaign, the federation unites people in the fight against CVD burdens and inspires and drives international action to promote heart-healthy lifestyles.

It's World Heart Day 2023, and what better time to talk about a common issue that many of us face - heartburn. We Indians - be it the South, the North or Eastwest - have a deep love affair with evening tea, and it's often accompanied by delicious snacks.

Sadly, these beloved treats might not be as friendly to our hearts as we'd like them to be.

Do Indian Snacks Cause Heartburn?

Have you ever experienced that burning sensation in your chest after indulging in samosas or pakoras with your evening tea? The culprit behind this discomfort is often the spices and oil used in Indian snacks, highlights the National Institutes of Health.

The high content of spices like chilli, garlic, and onion can irritate your oesophagus and lead to heartburn. Additionally, the deep frying process can make these snacks heavy and greasy, further contributing to the problem.

The Role of Tea in Heartburn

While tea is a soothing beverage for many, it can also play a part in causing heartburn. The World Gastroenterology Organisation states that the caffeine in tea can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, resulting in that uncomfortable burning sensation.

This is why pairing tea with spicy and oily snacks can be a recipe for heartburn.

Which Evening Tea Snacks Are The Worst For Heartburn?

Some notorious culprits include samosas, pakoras, bhel puri, vada pav, and spicy chutneys. These snacks often contain a combination of ingredients that can relax the LES (lower oesophagal sphincter) and lead to heartburn.

Samosas can be especially bad for heartburn because the spicy fillings can also irritate the oesophagus lining, worsening heartburn symptoms.

Bhel puri's tangy tamarind chutney and spicy seasoning can be a heartburn double whammy. Also, eating it quickly can lead to you swallowing air, increasing the chances of reflux.

Pakoras, with their crunchy exterior and tasty fillings, are definitely a tea-time favourite. However, excessive oil absorption during frying can cause heartburn. The high fat content can relax the oesophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux.

Vada pav, with its spicy chutneys, fried vada, and buttery pav can all be nothing but trouble for your heart. The spicy chutneys, rich in acid-producing ingredients, maybe a prime contributor to heartburn.

Healthy Alternatives For Tea Time

If you love your evening tea but want to protect your heart on World Heart Day 2023 and beyond, consider these alternatives:

• Opt for baked snacks like baked samosas or baked namak pare instead of their fried counterparts. This reduces the fat content and makes them less likely to trigger heartburn.
• Replace spicy chaats with fresh fruit chaats. Fruits are rich in fibre and antioxidants, which can promote digestive health and reduce the risk of heartburn.
• Choose snacks with milder spices or use herbal seasoning to add flavour without the burn. This can help in reducing the likelihood of heartburn.
• Swap your regular tea with ginger tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the stomach and reduce heartburn.

On A Final Note...

On this World Heart Day 2023, let's make it a point to cherish our hearts just as we cherish our favourite Indian snacks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have specific concerns about heartburn or heart health, please consult with a healthcare professional.