Teatime for a Healthier You: Why Your Daily Brew Matters

Who doesn’t enjoy a cup of tea?  As NIH noted, “drinking tea has been considered a health-promoting habit since ancient times”. Researchers have found this to be true.  Why is tea so healthy?

What are the substances in tea that promote health?

  • Polyphenols include catechins which are antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.  Flavonoids act as antioxidants in our bodies and may inhibit cancer cell growth.    
  • Theanine is an amino acid that helps with relaxation.
  • Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve alertness and focus. A cup of tea provides much less caffeine than a cup of coffee: black tea about 47 mg of caffeine, green tea only 28 mg.  Herbal teas like ginger tea and peppermint tea have no caffeine. 
  • Minerals: Tea can provide minerals like potassium, magnesium, copper, and zinc.     

What are some of the many health benefits of tea?

  • Heart Health: Black tea but especially green tea can help reduce one’s risk of heart disease.  Tea may also help lower blood pressure and may even improve cholesterol levels. Green tea may help lower “bad” or LDL cholesterol levels. 
  • Weight Loss: Green tea may help promote weight loss by boosting metabolism and may even promote fat burning.  But it takes a lot of green tea, like 3-6 cups a day. 
  • Disease Prevention: Because of the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects of tea, the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and some types of cancer may be reduced.  Drinking black tea may help lower blood sugar levels and thus lower the risk of hyperglycemia.  Both green and black tea may lower the risk of developing cancer. 
  • Hydration: Some people think drinks with caffeine are not hydrating. Not true.  Drinking tea counts as your daily water intake and helps you stay hydrated.  (See: What beverage is most effective for staying hydrated?)
  • Brain Function:  How does tea help your brain? The components in tea like the antioxidants, theanine, and caffeine can support cognitive function, help reduce fatigue and may enhance focus.   Researcher Feng noted, “Our study  suggests that tea drinking is effective in preventing or ameliorating cognitive decline and that tea drinking might be a simple lifestyle choice that benefits brain health”. 
  • Bones: How does tea help keep your bones healthy?  It is the catechins in green tea that help increase bone density and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. 
  • Digestion: Both black and green tea may help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.  Teas like ginger and chamomile may help reduce bloating and gas by reducing inflammation in the gut.
  • Immune System: Black and green tea provide antioxidants that may boost your immune system.  This is especially true of green, turmeric, echinacea and elderberry teas. 

In conclusion, tea is more than just a comforting ritual, it’s a powerful tool for well-being.  From heart health and brain function to hydration and disease prevention, each sip offers a dose of nourishment backed by science.  Whether you prefer the calming effects of chamomile, the antioxidant-rich benefits of green tea, or the invigorating boost of black tea, incorporating tea into your daily routine can be a simple yet impactful step toward better health.  So, brew a cup, savor the warmth, and let tea be your ally in wellness—because sometimes, the best remedies come in a teacup. 

Sources:  NIH, tea, Flavonoids, stimulant, caffeine, minerals, heart disease, Green tea, weight loss, chronic diseases, black tea, What beverage is most effective for staying hydrated?, brain, noted, bones, black and green tea, tea  Image Sources:  Health Benefits of Tea

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