Health Benefits of Tea

For over a century we have immersed ourselves completely into the rich and fragrant aroma of tea which resulted in a unique teatime culture that indulges in varied tastes and experiences with this beverage. Of course tea has no rules, no rituals and with all its casualness it embraces numerous health benefits that make it such a fast evolving beverage.

Whether you are looking to burn off a few extra calories or simply get a little more energy during your day, numerous health benefits have been attributed to tea since time immemorial. In folk medicine, the health benefits of tea were already recognized 5 centuries ago and it was used as a treatment for infectious diseases, colds, and also as an aid to the digestive and nervous systems.

Studies that support the health benefits of tea drinking keep filling the headlines. There’s simply no denying that a daily spot of tea does the body good. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins, and all of which take on the “free radicals” in the body and prevent them from harming the healthy cells on board. Here are some well researched health benefits of tea.

Heart benefits
Studies suggest that drinking oolong tea or green tea can lower blood pressure, protect against heart disease, and guard against stroke and blood clotting. Tea has been found to be a great antidote for high cholesterol as they contain a compound known as flavonoids. These flavonoids contain anti-oxidant properties very similar to vitamins E and C. A study led in Japan in which 9,000 women participated, shows that women who drank less than 5 cups of tea per day were twice as prone to suffer strokes.

Improves focus and concentration
Tea leaves contain an important protein building block called L-Theanine. L-Theanine affects the central nerve system, causing certain substances to be released which cause a sense of euphoria, optimism and serenity. It stimulates cerebral activity but doesn’t over-stimulate it like coffee does.

Teeth and bones
Originally, drinking tea was associated with loss of teeth and weakening of bones. While tea can also stain your teeth if you are not careful, the beverage supplies the body with both tannins and fluoride, which can support good dental health. Tea leaves contain fluoride which helps strengthen bones and teeth and fights cavities.

Immunity boost
Tea believed to boost the body’s defenses (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2003)

Common cold
Probably the most commonly suffered ailment in the world, common cold can also be tackled by the judicious drinking of tea. Adding lemon to the brew does wonders and adding honey to tea works wonders on sore throats. Inhaling the aroma of tea brewed with a hint of lemon juice greatly relieves one of nose congestion.

Effective hydration of body and energy drink
Hydrating the body without adding extra calories definitely puts another feather in the tea’s cap! The main advantage of tea lies in the fact that it is a completely natural product, without any added flavorings, colors or preservatives. Tea has the ability to boost metabolism, which not only helps provide energy, but also is a low calorie drink unlike colas or any other aerated water.