How You Benefit from Drinking Tea

If we start with the obvious, drinking tea is a smart way to give the body what it needs the most, hydration. Getting an adequate supply of water into our bodies always seems hard to plan for, since the recommended amount of water is 8 full glasses per day. But tea helps overcome some of this dilemma by offering countless tasty choices which can become a rewarding adventure throughout the day. Additionally, studies also show that drinking tea may help protect both the heart and teeth while possibly preventing certain forms of cancer. Whether you drink it hot or cold, the climate or season, drinking tea is a delicious way to do your body good. The refreshment aspect may be temporary, however scientific research shows that people who drink tea can also improve their health.

Different Teas – Different Benefits

Not all teas are alike, and the type of tea you choose to drink can result in different benefits. The non-herbal teas are harvested from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and their processing time is what determines whether the end result is green, black or oolong tea.

Green teas receive the least amount of processing time giving them the highest amounts of polyphenols (a type of chemical that, in theory, may protect against some common health problems and possibly certain effects of aging. Polyphenols act as antioxidants). Green tea is the only type that contains the polyphenol, catechin, which is why many studies use only green teas. Certain herbal teas have medicinal value benefiting the digestive system. 

Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants found in tea help to inhibit oxidation; a chemical reaction that produces free radicals, which lead to chain reactions that damage the cells of the body. Antioxidants work to prevent disease and protect the body by keeping the effects of pollution to a minimum. Drinking white tea will give you more antioxidant protection as it is less processed than black or green tea. 

Coffee vs Tea

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THE AVERAGE 8 OUNCE CUP OF COFFEE CONTAINS BETWEEN 100-165 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFIENE. IT ONLY TAKES 30 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE TO START WAKING YOU UP, BUT 10 GRAMS IS ENOUGH TO IGNITE A CARDIAC EVENT. 

Herbal tea blends contain no caffeine, with traditional teas containing less than 50 percent of what is contained in coffee. This means drinking tea is safer for you and your nervous system. Persons who choose coffee over tea because of the taste are advised to try a chicory root tea such as Teeccino, a caffeine free alternative which is reminiscent to the consistency and taste of coffee. The Chicory root in the tea helps reduce stress and benefits the digestive system because of its prebiotic properties. Teeccino tea is said to give you an energy kick without the effects of caffeine. 

Tea Drinkers Reduce Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

A study published earlier this year reports that combined data from multiple reports states close to a 20 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack and a 35 percent reduction of stroke among those who drank up to three cups of green tea a day. For people drinking four or more cups of green tea daily, they showed 32 percent less risk of having a heart attack with lower levels of LDL cholesterol. If 4 cups of green tea per day sounds like too many trips to the bathroom don’t worry-you can get the benefits from drinking one cup of matcha tea. Matcha tea comes from grinding green tea leaves and is said to be as nutritious as 10 cups of regular green tea.

Additional Benefits for Tea Enthusiasts

Diet tea, like other teas, contains catechins (flavonoids that boost metabolism and help break down fats). The caffeine found in a cup of green tea burns more calories as it is digested. Multiple studies on the benefits of drinking tea prove how good tea can be; preventing tooth decay, bone and joint inflammation (arthritis), cardiovascular strokes and cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers. Knowing the numerous and overwhelming health benefits waiting for us in a cup of tea, we shouldn’t be surprised that tea can also support weight loss. A little research will lead you to teas that can help:

• Speed up food digestion
• Reduce bad cholesterol levels
• Help shrink fat cells

Protection for Your Bones

Reports released following recent animal studies show that green tea could help prevent bone loss. Moringa, a plant native to South Asia, is known for containing medicinal properties and is rapidly becoming a well-known superfood. Moringa tea has more calcium than milk without the hormones. It also contains iron, vitamin A and K. Moringa tea is recommended for individuals concerned with keeping their bones healthier and stronger.

Smile! Tea Decreases Tooth Loss

Japanese researchers report that drinking tea can decrease tooth loss by changing the pH in the mouth, and that may be what prevents cavities. Also, drinking tea will not erode tooth enamel like liquids containing artificial chemicals and sugar.

Black/Oolong Tea/Pu-erh Teas

Black tea contains more caffeine than any other tea. It is made with tea leaves that have been fermented. Black teas are used in formulating flavored teas such as chai, and various instant teas. Studies state that black tea may possess properties that protect the lungs from damage due to cigarette smoke. Black tea may reduce the risk of stroke.

Oolong tea was tested in animal studies. Results show those subjects which were given antioxidants from oolong tea were found with decreased bad cholesterol levels.

Pu-erh tea is made from aged, fermented tea leaves. It is known as a black tea whose leaves are pressed into cakes. One study with animals’ states that animals given Pu-erh tea gained less weight and had lower LDL cholesterol.

The Human Body Loves Tea

Scientific studies show that tea can fortify immune cells in the body enabling them to reach invasive targets faster. Holy basil or tulsi tea have been staples used by Ayurvedic practitioners for hundreds of years keeping their immune systems strong following traumatic injuries or sicknesses due to their antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion

Studies on the effects of tea in curing cancer are not conclusive. No one can guarantee a cure. But, what is interesting is patients with a family history of cancer seeking preventative health rituals might consider increasing their daily tea consumption as tea contains polyphenols. These antioxidants can prevent damage to human DNA caused by free radicals, leading to the reason some people think that tea can help to prevent or cure cancer. Tea is just one of the most beneficial gifts you can give to yourself-always benefitting the body for greater health and happiness the natural way.