‘Love the smell but I can’t actually consume it’: Malaika Arora on why she prefers water, chaas, nariyal paani over tea and coffee | Food-wine News

Malaika Arora recently sat down with actor Soha Ali Khan to discuss diet, wellness, and more. During the hour-long conversation, which also featured celebrity nutrition Rujuta Diwekar, Malaika spoke about her preference for water instead of caffeinated drinks for hydration.“I am not a tea or coffee person at all. I have never enjoyed tea, coffee. I have always liked milk while growing up. I have never really felt like having tea, coffee. Literally. I am not someone who needs coffee right after waking up. I would rather have a nariyal paani (coconut water) or a glass of chaas (buttermilk)  later in the day. I cannot answer for someone else. I genuinely feel these things…”
The Chaiyya Chaiyya dancer, however, added that she has tried the popular beverages. “It’s not like I haven’t tried. I have. It doesn’t agree with me. I have had coffee and I have felt awful. The taste was weird, and I felt my tummy was feeling strange. So, I figured it doesn’t work for me. I love the smell of coffee, but I can’t actually consume it. So, everybody is different,” said the 51-year-old.
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Taking a cue from her candid admission, let’s understand if not being a beverage drinker is good for health.
Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, affirmed that tea and coffee are not necessary for good health. “They are popular due to their caffeine content, which provides a quick energy boost, and their antioxidant properties. If someone prefers not to have them, they are not missing anything essential. Staying hydrated with water, coconut water, buttermilk, or even plain milk can be just as, or even more, beneficial for overall wellness,” said Sheikh.
Do you like coffee? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Many people rely on their morning cup of tea or coffee to wake up. Does avoiding it affect energy levels?
Not necessarily, said Sheikh. “That morning boost mainly comes from caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system. If your body has never relied on caffeine, you won’t crave it. Good quality sleep, a balanced diet, and hydration naturally boost energy. In fact, people who don’t consume caffeine often enjoy more consent energy levels throughout the day, without the highs and crashes,” said Sheikh.Story continues below this ad
Is it healthy for everyone to stop drinking tea or coffee?
It depends on individual habits. According to Sheikh, if someone enjoys their cup of tea or coffee in moderation and it doesn’t cause acidity, poor sleep, or anxiety, there’s no harm in it. “Both drinks provide antioxidants and may even have protective benefits for the heart and brain. However, if caffeine causes discomfort like acidity, palpitations, or digestive issues, it’s perfectly fine, even advisable, to avoid it,” Sheikh said.

So, is not being a beverage drinker good for health?
Skipping caffeinated drinks means avoiding the risk of dependency, sleep issues, or digestive discomfort. What matters most is staying hydrated. As long as you drink enough fluids, whether it’s water, coconut water, chaas, or herbal infusions, you are supporting your body well, said Sheikh.Story continues below this ad
“Ultimately, health is very individual. Some people thrive on a cup of coffee, while others feel better without it. Lening to your body, just like Malaika did, is the key to wellness,” said Sheikh.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.