Tea has been consumed for thousands of years in many cultures, and for good reason. Several studies have shown that different teas provide a ton of benefits for the body such as boosting our immune system and fighting off inflammation.
Here are the other health benefits of drinking tea that have been backed by science.
It’s a good source of antioxidants
Tea is rich in antioxidants which can help prevent or delay cell damage in our body caused by free radicals. By keeping free radicals at bay, it helps prevent us from developing various health issues such as heart disease and cancer. The powerful antioxidant polyphenols in tea also provide good anti-inflammatory benefits for our bodies. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, tea helps to keep skin clear and glowing too.
Tea helps to boost the immune system
Tea is also believed to be able to boost the immune system due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. While the effects may be minimal, a little goes a long way, especially when we’re coming down with a cold. An amino acid in teas known as L-theanine boosts the production of disease-fighting cells. Based on a study done by Harvard Medical School, the immune system of tea drinkers responded five times faster to germs than did the blood cells of coffee drinkers.
It has less caffeine than coffee
For many who are sensitive to caffeine, switching from a cup of coffee to a warm cup of tea may be beneficial. This is because tea has less caffeine than coffee, so you can consume it without experiencing pesky side effects on your nervous system. If you want to cut out caffeine altogether, herbal tea blends have no caffeine at all, so drink away!
It benefits heart health
Based on a lot of studies, tea has been proven to be able to benefit heart health and stave away diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. In a study of more than 40,000 adults, participants who drank five or more cups of green tea per day had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular death than those who only drank less than one cup per day. Drinking tea helps to prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Tea can help protect your bones
Polyphenols in tea are said to help improve bone density, prevent bone loss and protect against osteoporosis. This is good news for many of us who are ageing and are suffering from brittle bones. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that women who were regular tea drinkers had higher bone density compared to non-tea drinkers.
Tea can prevent tooth loss
According to Japanese researchers, tea can help decrease tooth loss. The pH levels in our mouth change when we drink tea, and it can help prevent tooth cavities from forming. Tea also doesn’t erode our teeth enamels, keeping our pearly whites healthy and preventing the onset of gum disease.
It helps to soothe digestive issues
Our grandmothers aren’t making up stories when they say drinking herbal teas help soothe our digestive issues. Chamomile teas are great at soothing irritable bowel syndrome because it is an antispasmodic, meaning it can help reduce muscle spasms in the bowel wall. Ginger tea is effective in reducing bloat and gassiness too. The polyphenols in tea also modify gut bacteria in a good way which leads to improved blood sugar levels, reduce carbohydrate absorption and help with weight loss.
Tea can help improve insulin sensitivity
Green tea is said to help reduce complications from diabetes. Research shows tea can improve insulin sensitivity, decrease inflammation and protect pancreatic cells from further damage. Another study has also found that black tea significantly reduces blood glucose levels from rising in both healthy and pre-diabetic adults.
It has the potential to prevent cancer
Green tea’s potent antioxidant (catechin EGCG) is believed to be able to prevent cancer. In lab and animal studies, EGCG can reduce metastasis and improved the outcomes for cancers. While study results concerning this for humans are mixed, it doesn’t hurt to drink tea if you have a strong family history of cancer and you want to do anything you can to reduce the risk of having cancer.
Tea is hydrating
Tea and coffee are thought to be diuretics and cause the body to lose more fluid. Contrary to popular beliefs, recent research finds that drinking up to six to eight cups of tea a day is just as hydrating as the same amount of water. This is good news for people who don’t enjoy the taste of plain water and want some flavours in their daily water intake.
This article was first published in theSun Buzz Health-Tea edition. If you like to know more about drinking tea, check out the right way to brew your tea to extract the best flavours and the tea blends you should try at home.
