6 Surprising Health Benefits Of Drinking Tea
What are the health benefits of tea?
For decades, tea has been a widely consumed beverage, and for good reason. Different teas may improve the immune system, reduce inflammation, and maybe offer protection against cancer and heart disease.
Numerous studies have shown that drinking tea regularly can enhance one's health over time, while some teas may have more health benefits than others. So get ready to prepare some tea as we're about to uncover some of the most prominent health benefits found in the world's favorite teas.
Tea stimulates your metabolism
The polyphenols found in black, oolong, and green tea have all been proven to enhance calorie expenditure and decrease body fat. Interestingly, tea specifically promotes the development of brown fat, a type of fat that is more metabolically active and contains a higher number of mitochondria compared to white fat. As a result, brown fat can effectively burn calories and improve metabolism.
Tea stimulates your metabolism
A comprehensive analysis involving 15 studies revealed that individuals who consumed two to six cups of green tea daily for a period exceeding 12 weeks had lower body weight and reduced body fat when compared to those who did not consume tea. If you are not particularly fond of brewed tea, you may consider using green tea extract, which is available in concentrated forms such as powders or pills. This extract has demonstrated weight loss benefits by boosting metabolism.
It effectively aids in hydration.
Contrary to previous beliefs that tea (and coffee) could lead to dehydration due to their diuretic effects, causing increased fluid loss from the body, recent research14 suggests that consuming up to six to eight cups of tea per day can be equally hydrating as drinking an equivalent amount of water. This surprising finding challenges the notion that tea may have a dehydrating effect and highlights its potential role in maintaining adequate hydration levels.
Related: The Best And Worst Drinks To Keep You Hydrated
It possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is associated with a wide range of conditions, including diabetes and cognitive decline. In fact, it is believed to be the underlying cause of nearly all chronic diseases. The polyphenols present in tea act as robust agents against inflammation. Notably, the EGCG compound found in green tea exhibits antioxidant power that can be up to 100 times more potent than vitamin C.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of tea for individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and other diseases driven by inflammation.
It decreases the likelihood of death from specific chronic illnesses.
In a study in Japan, it was discovered that regular tea consumption reduced the risk of mortality from heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Notably, individuals who consumed five or more cups of green tea daily had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death compared to those who drank less than one cup per day. Researchers attribute this protective effect to green tea's impact on hypertension and obesity, as well as its potent polyphenols.
Given that chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death in the U.S., incorporating tea into your daily routine becomes even more vital. Furthermore, individuals who consumed three to four cups per day experienced greater benefits compared to those who only drank one cup or no tea at all. So, go ahead and sip your way to better health!
It has the potential to enhance insulin sensitivity.
Green tea has shown promise in mitigating complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes is a global health issue that poses substantial risks of complications, premature mortality, and diminished quality of life. Studies indicate that tea consumption can improve insulin sensitivity, safeguard pancreatic cells against further harm, and reduce inflammation – all of which provide advantages for individuals at risk of or already diagnosed with diabetes.
It promotes brain health.
Consistent tea consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Although the exact causes of Alzheimer's remain uncertain and no cure has been found, studies have demonstrated that consuming green or black tea can enhance cognitive performance in individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Promotes brain health.
Furthermore, it possesses the ability to enhance memory and extend attention span, thus preventing cognitive decline. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine present in tea has been proven to enhance reaction time, visual processing, memory, and concentration9. Additionally, it even reorganizes the brain's structure to optimize information processing for greater efficiency.
What are the benefit of different types of tea?
Alright, now that you're longing for a comforting cup of tea, which variety should you choose? Among the plethora of teas available (excluding herbal teas, which can be derived from various plants), four primary types stand out: black, green, oolong, and white. Although all four are crafted from the leaves of the evergreen shrub known as Camellia sinensis, each type undergoes distinct processing methods, contributing to their unique flavors and characteristics.
Benefits of White Tea
White tea is known for its delicate flavor and is the least processed of all tea varieties. It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to China and India.
Benefits of White Tea
According to studies, white tea is particularly beneficial in fending against many cancers because of its high antioxidant content. Additionally, the combination of catechins, tannins, and the high fluoride concentration of this food can help to maintain dental health by strengthening teeth, preventing plaque, and improving resistance to acid and sugar.
White tea is also the least caffeinated of all the teas, making it a great option for people trying to limit or eliminate their caffeine intake.
Benefits of Green Teas
Originating from China, where the leaves are pan-fired or roasted, and Japan, where steaming is more typical, green tea has a long history. Green tea, which is high in flavonoids, helps reduce blood clotting and bad cholesterol while also lowering blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
Benefits of Green Teas
According to studies, green tea may have an impact on colon, liver, breast, and prostate cancers. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics also help to maintain clear skin.
Matcha, a premium green tea powder prepared from leaves that were cultivated in the shade, has become more well-known in recent years. Some claim that one cup of matcha is equivalent to 10 cups of the conventional variety of green tea because of the special way matcha is consumed, which allows for even higher antioxidant content.
Benefits of Black Teas
Similar to green tea, black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is dried and fermented to give it a darker color and a stronger flavor. Black tea has caffeine, so it's important to limit your intake, but it also contains flavonoids that fight inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
Benefits of Black Teas
Black tea can be used topically to treat small cuts, scrapes, and bruises to reduce pain and swelling in addition to drinking it, taking a black tea bath can help reduce inflammation brought on by skin rashes and disorders like poison ivy.
Benefits of Oolong Teas
The same plant produces green, black, and oolong teas, but oolong is partially oxidized, giving it a distinct color and flavor. With l-theanine to reduce anxiety and enhance focus, oolong tea may protect against cognitive disorders. It's also abundant in polyphenols, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and inflammation.
Benefits of Oolong Teas
Benefits of Herbal Teas
Similar to white teas, herbal teas, usually referred to as tisanes, also contain herbs, spices, fruits, or other plants in addition to tea leaves. They lack caffeine, which gives them their well-known soothing effects.
Benefits of Herbal Teas
These teas come in several varieties, each with special advantages:
- Chamomile tea: Improves sleep and relaxation, eases menstruation discomfort and muscular spasms, and lowers stress.
- Rooibos: Boosts good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol, improves blood pressure and circulation, supports strong hair and healthy skin, and relieves allergy symptoms.
- Peppermint: This herb contains menthol, which calms unsettled tummies and is used to treat motion sickness, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, it provides relief from migraines and tension headaches.
- Ginger: Prevents morning sickness, manages persistent indigestion, and eases osteoarthritis-related joint pain.
- Hibiscus: Lowers blood pressure and lipid levels, enhances the general health of the liver, reduces the desire for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent kidney stone formation.
Some teas you should avoid
While most teas have health benefits, it is better to avoid the following varieties:
- Detox teas connected with fad diets, as they may contain dangerous laxatives for fast weight loss.
- Fancy tea lattes and chain store drinks, despite appearances, frequently contain excessive sugar.
- Trendy bubble teas with high sugar, calorie, and carb content but minimal nutritional benefit.
- Be aware of herbal teas that may cause adverse reactions; some may contain fruits, herbs, spices, or flowers that may cause allergic reactions. Check the ingredients before attempting a new herbal tea, especially if you have allergies.
Thank you for reading!
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, jamanetwork.com
