Tea is a tasty beverage for any season. It can be served either iced or hot. But beyond providing refreshment, tea has many other health benefits. Research shows that drinking tea can improve your health. There are different kinds of teas and the type of tea you take can make a difference. Green teas are the least processed teas and thus have high amounts of polyphenols and catechins. The other types of herbal teas have proven medicinal values such as soothing the digestive system.
Some of the health benefits of tea include:
- Protection from cell damage
Teas are rich in antioxidants which are the only compounds that can neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the cause of oxidation stress in the cells which leads to the damage of cell structures including DNA. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals to prevent this cell damage. As a result, your risks of developing diseases like some types of cancers is significantly reduced.
- It is less caffeinated
Teas have less than 50% of the caffeine typically found in tea. Thus consuming tea has no pesky effects on your nervous system like coffee. The lack of caffeine does not mean that tea cannot stimulate you. Chicory root tea is a great substitute for coffee since it stimulates and gives a kick of energy as caffeine would. In addition, it helps to reduce stress.
- It may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
Tea especially green tea reduces the risk of heart attacks by 20% and stroke by 35%. Tea helps to lower the levels of LDL cholesterol thus reducing any chances of heart disease and stroke.
- It helps with weight loss
Though there is not much research into the benefits of tea in weight loss, some studies have shown that drinking tea can help with weight loss. For example, green tea helps to increase metabolism and the oxidation of fat especially belly fat.
- It helps to protect your bones
Drinking tea helps to prevent bone loss. Many herbal teas such as moringa tea contain nutrients like calcium, iron and vitamins A and K which help to keep your bones strong.
- It can protect your teeth
Some research studies show that tea can helps in decreasing tooth loss. One of the reasons for this is that drinking tea changes the pH in the mouth which prevents cavities. Furthermore, tea is not among the beverages that erode the enamel.
- It may boost the immune system
Tea can boost the immune cells. For example, holy basil and tulsi teas have been in use for centuries to help keep the immune system strong after injuries and illnesses since they contain antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It may soothe the digestive system
Herbal tea like chamomile and ginger tea are good for calming nausea and treating irritable bowel syndrome.
Tea is great substitute for coffee. It offers more health benefits and doesn’t leave you with unwanted nervous effects.
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