fbpx
Home Bot CategoriesHealthEat Wise ADVANTAGES OF DRINKING TEA

ADVANTAGES OF DRINKING TEA

by wowmagazine

For thousands of years, tea has been and remains a tradition and a ritual rooted deep in cultures around the world. It is estimated that over three billion cups are consumed worldwide every day. Tea’s popularity isn’t just due to its pleasant taste, it is also drunk for its therapeutic benefits.

Tea seems to be the antidote to just about any problem from a stressful day at work to curling up with a warm cup of chai, from feeling sluggish or under the weather to soothe a sore throat. The medicinal benefits of tea irrespective of variety have been known and studied for thousands of years. Listed below are just a few of its many benefits:

Revs up your metabolism. Black, oolong and green tea’s polyphenols have been shown to increase calorie expenditure and reduce body fat. It has been found that tea actually promotes one type of fat called brown fat which is more metabolically active and contains more mitochondria than white fat, which means brown fat can actually burn calories and improve metabolism.

Lower Body Fat. Studies show that those who consumed two to six cups of green tea a day for longer than 12 weeks had lower body fat and body weight than those who did not.

It’s anti-inflammatory. Inflammation has been linked to everything from diabetes to cognitive decline, and is implicated as the root of almost all chronic diseases. The antioxidant polyphenols in tea are powerful inflammation fighters. In fact, the EGCG in green tea is as much as 100 times more potent than the antioxidant power of vitamin C. Research has shown that tea can be beneficial for those with inflammatory bowel disease as well as other inflammation-driven diseases.

Reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases. A study found that regular tea consumption reduced the risk of dying from heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Participants who drank five or more cups of green tea per day had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to those who drank less than one cup per day. Researchers credit green tea’s effect on hypertension and obesity along with potent polyphenols for its protective effect.

Studies show that those who consumed two to six cups of green tea a day for longer than 12 weeks had lower body fat and body weight than those who did not.

Improves insulin sensitivity. Green tea may help reduce complications from diabetes which is a worldwide health concern that has significant risks of complications, early death, and poorer quality of life. Research shows tea can improve insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic cells from further damage, and decrease inflammation, all benefiting those at risk for or already diagnosed with diabetes.

Good for your brain. Regular tea consumption may lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Research confirms that green and black tea drinking improves cognitive scores among those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, it can boost memory and increase attention span to prevent cognitive decline. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea has been shown to improve reaction time, visual processing, memory, and concentration. It even changes the way your brain is organised for more efficient information processing.

May help prevent cancer. Green tea’s catechin EGCG is a potent antioxidant that has major cancer-fighting potential. Lab and animal studies have found that EGCG can reduce metastasis and improve outcomes for cancers of the breasts, lungs, colon, skin, and others.

Good for your mouth. Teas can actually improve oral health. Tea contains fluoride and can improve bacterial populations in the mouth. This reduces the risk of periodontal disease, cavities, and possibly even oral cancer.
May boost fertility. Struggles with fertility are heavily influenced by the degree of oxidative stress in reproductive tissues. The polyphenols in tea have confirmed anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant effects. Therefore ongoing research suggests tea can improve fertility in both men and women.

It’s hydrating. While it was previously thought that tea and coffee promoted dehydration by acting like a diuretic and causing the body to lose more fluid, recent research finds that up to six to eight cups of tea a day is just as hydrating as the same amount of water. 

Good for your gut. Gut health isn’t all just fiber and probiotics. Research shows that tea’s polyphenols can beneficially modify gut bacteria. This can lead to positive health effects like reduced carbohydrate absorption, improved blood sugar levels, and weight loss.

There are four main kinds of teas not including herbal teas, which can be made from a wide variety of plants: black, green, oolong, and white. While tea is considered safe in amounts up to six cups a day for most people, some herbal teas are made from plants that may be allergens to some. Caffeine content varies in teas and among brands but is highest in black tea. Those who are allergic or sensitive to caffeine should choose herbal, white, green, or oolong teas and avoid drinking any caffeinated teas in the afternoon or evening. Tannins and caffeine in tea (and coffee) can reduce iron absorption, especially from plant sources. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with anemia should be cautious about their tea consumption.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment