Every morning when you wake up, there’s a rather good chance that you head to the kitchen for a nice drink. Whether it’s a coffee, water or a nice cup of orange juice, you may want to consider pouring a warm cup of tea.
Tea is not only great for your health, but it has so many great benefits that you probably didn’t even know about!
But, first, let’s look at the different types of tea.
Tea for All Occasions
There are four main types of tea: white, green, oolong, and black. Each type of tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but the leaves are processed differently, resulting in different flavors and characteristics.
White tea is the least processed type of tea. The leaves are simply allowed to wither and dry, resulting in a light and delicate flavor. Green tea is also minimally processed. The leaves are steamed or pan-fried to prevent oxidation, resulting in a fresh-tasting beverage.
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, giving it a darker color and a richer flavor than green tea.
Black tea is fully oxidized, resulting in a strong flavor and deep color. In addition to these four main types of tea, there is also herbal tea, made from herbs, fruits, and spices instead of Camellia sinensis leaves.
The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea
#1. Contains Antioxidants
Medical studies have shown that tea consumption can positively affect human health. Tea is rich in antioxidants, compounds that help prevent cell damage.
Oxidative stress is a leading cause of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, so tea’s antioxidants can help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Indeed, studies have shown that the antioxidants in tea help neutralize free radicals (molecules that can cause cell damage and have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke) and protect cells from damage.
In addition, tea has been shown to improve cognitive function and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. A recent study found that people who drank more than four cups of tea per day had a 26% lower risk of dying from any cause than those who drank less than three cups per month.
These findings suggest that tea consumption can significantly impact human health.
#2. Less Caffeine – Stills Gives a Boost
If you’re worried about having no caffeine throughout the day, you will want to keep in mind that tea does have caffeine. Unless you’re buying uncaffeinated, a glass of tea can contain as much as 35mg per cup.
Compare that to 140mg per cup of coffee, you will find that you probably won’t have the jitters or indigestion issues after drinking a nice glass.
#3. Reduces Many Health Risks
Drinking tea has been linked with several health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to play a role in these benefits.
Antioxidants work by scavenging harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to developing chronic diseases. These effects have been observed in both animal and human studies.
In addition to its antioxidant content, tea contains other nutrients that may contribute to its health benefits.
For example, tea is a good source of catechins, a flavonoid linked with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Drinking more tea may also help to improve cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Furthermore, tea has been shown to boost the immune system and increase resistance to infections. Overall, drinking more tea can provide several health benefits and help to prevent some chronic diseases.
#4. Great for the Teeth
The problem with so many drinks out there is that they can stain your teeth, especially those like coffee.
Well, with tea, you don’t have to worry about your teeth staining or looking bad over time. If you want to keep that sweet smile and plaque away, then it may be best to drink tea throughout the day. Don’t forget to brush, though!
#5. Zero Calories
If you’re the type that likes to watch your figure, you should be happy to know that tea doesn’t have any calories.
Yes, that’s right! Zip, zilch, nada. If you don’t like the taste of tea, consider adding a drop of honey or even consider a natural sweetener such as Stevia. With many drinks out there, you may find that you will have to acquire a taste before you really get used to it.
#6. Keeps you Going
Studies have shown in the past that tea actually does help you with your metabolism rate. If your rate is starting to slack off a little, you may find this drink can actually increase it. Not only that, you can also quickly find that since it doesn’t have any calories, you can lose a lot of weight over time.
As you can see, tea has so many perks. As I mentioned above, you may want to start drinking a few cups every week until you get used to it. Since there are hundreds upon hundreds of tea types out there, it’s best to search until you truly find one that you enjoy.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for freshness and consistency.
Wonderful. I also like to drink tea. But I have a question: Is drinking too much tea good? And how much tea a day is not harmful to the body?