Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. There are several kinds of tea and many ways to drink it. It can be consumed hot or cold, with cream or with jellies. And not only is it aromatic or refreshing, drinking tea also has many health benefits.
Here are 10 health benefits of drinking tea:
1. Antioxidants
Tea contains antioxidants which are substances that help prevent or delay oxidative damage. Oxidative damage may contribute to diseases like cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.
2. Less caffeine
If you’d like a little perking up but you are worried about taking too much caffeine, drink tea instead. A cup of black tea has about only 40 mg of caffeine, while a cup of black coffee has an average of 90 mg.
Tea, amazingly, has many health benefits.
3. Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke
Studies revealed that consumption of about three or more cups of black tea daily can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Drinking tea decreases bad cholesterol levels. Moreover, a Harvard study revealed that people who drank a cup or more of black tea daily had a 44% reduced risk of heart attack.
4. Weight maintenance
Several studies reveal that calorie-free tea may help in weight management. Tea contains flavonoids that help increase metabolism, fat oxidation and help improve insulin activity. Catechins in tea can also provide moderate shifts in metabolism and may even help in weight loss and maintenance.
5. Bone health
Caffeine is known to reduce bone mineral density (BMD). However, drinking tea has been linked to higher BMD. A specific study revealed that compared to non-tea drinkers, people who consume tea have higher BMD. Polyphenols in green tea is said to help improve bone quality and strength according to researchers. Moreover, another study suggests that drinking a cup of tea a day lowers the risk of hip fractures by 30% among men and women who are over the age of 50.
6. Oral health
Polyphenols in tea inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, black tea also prevents mouth infections like strep throat and cavities.
7. Boosts immunity
Aside from decreasing the risk of cancer and heart disease, phytochemicals in tea may also boost the immune system.
8. Cancer-fighting
Over 3,000 published researches suggest that tea contains compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may play a role in fighting cancers. A study published on the Journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), helps kill cancer cells through the destruction of the cells’ mitochondria.
9. Digestive health
Teas help digestive problems and gas related problems. Chamomile tea, specifically, has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
10. Natural tea hydrates without the calorie.
Unadulterated tea is a beverage that not only has health benefits, but can also quench our thirst without any calories. So instead of drinking coffee or soda, drink tea.
Sources: Today, Tea USA, Pacific College