Tea has been an essential beverage since ancient times. It has always been one of the most consumed drinks worldwide. From the calming effect of caffeine to the antioxidants to the anti-inflammatory properties, tea is a powerful ingredient when it comes to health. Therefore, making it a habit to drink tea every day can be an easy and effective way to improve your overall well-being. Here are some unbeatable reasons why you should drink tea every day;
Boost the Immune System
Drinking tea can help flush out toxins from the body and boost the immune system. Green tea, for example, contains a potent compound called catechin, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties. According to a 2003 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, taking five cups of green tea every day for over four weeks enhances the immune system. Therefore, drinking tea can keep your immune system healthy and prevent you from getting infections.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Several studies have shown that tea contains compounds that reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Green tea has polyphenols that prevent the buildup of plaque in blood vessels and prevent cardiovascular diseases. According to a 2013 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking three cups of tea per day can decrease the risk of heart disease by 20%. However, black tea, which is fully fermented, has theaflavins and thearubigins that lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Drinking tea daily can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Fights Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the primary causes of chronic diseases. Tea contains flavonoids, a group of antioxidants that fight inflammation. Green tea, for example, contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has anti-inflammatory properties. A 2012 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, discovered that drinking tea daily for 12 weeks reduced inflammation in the body. Therefore, drinking tea every day can help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.
Promotes Weight Loss
Tea can be an excellent addition to your weight loss journey. Tea can boost metabolism and increase fat burning. The catechins in green tea increase metabolism and promote fat oxidation. A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that taking green tea with exercise increases fat oxidation than exercise alone. Additionally, drinking tea can make you feel full and reduce appetite hence consuming fewer calories. Drinking tea can support your weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite.
Enhances Mental Health
Tea can enhance mental health by improving cognitive function, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. Green tea contains caffeine and l-theanine, which enhances cognitive function and alertness. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that green tea improved cognitive function and reduced stress in elderly women. Additionally, herbal teas like chamomile have compounds that induce relaxation and reduce anxiety. Drinking tea can improve your mental health and well-being.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tea is rich in antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and cause chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Tea has polyphenols that neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to cells. Green tea is rich in catechins, while black tea is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, all of which have antioxidant properties.
Promotes Hydration
Drinking tea can help promote hydration, which is essential for proper body function. Tea contains water, and the body absorbs it quickly, making it an effective hydrating agent. Additionally, tea has compounds like theanine that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Therefore, drinking tea can promote hydration and support overall well-being.
Aids in Digestion
Tea can promote digestion and prevent digestive issues like constipation and bloating. Herbal teas like peppermint have compounds that promote digestion and reduce bloating. A 2016 study published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology discovered that taking peppermint tea two times per day for over four weeks improved digestion and reduced bloating. Additionally, green tea has catechins that reduce inflammation in the gut, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and prevent digestive issues. Drinking tea can improve digestion and prevent digestive issues.
Useful Tips and Advice
To reap the health benefits of tea, it’s essential to prepare and drink it correctly. Here are useful tips and advice on how to make the most out of your tea drinking habit;
- Drink tea in between meals to avoid the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium.
- Avoid adding sugar or cream to tea, as it can negate its health benefits.
- Choose high-quality teas that have undergone minimal processing and have no added chemicals or flavors.
- Steep tea for about 2-5 minutes to prevent bitter taste and release optimal health benefits.
- Drink tea moderately to avoid caffeine overdose, which can cause jitteriness and anxiety.
Summary
In summary, tea is a fantastic beverage with numerous health benefits. It has compounds that promote immunity, reduce inflammation, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance mental health. Drinking tea can also promote hydration, aid digestion, and promote weight loss. With these excellent benefits, it’s essential to make drinking tea a habit. Therefore, choose high-quality tea and prepare it correctly to reap the maximum health benefits.
