In India, the majority of our population across the country drinks tea regularly, in southern states coffee is the preferred drink. There are many benefits of drinking tea that we may not know about. The Chinese and Japanese have been consuming tea to improve health for centuries. It is being promoted now even in western countries as medicine for treating the symptoms of cold and flu.
What is Tea?
Tea is one of the most frequently consumed beverages in the world. There are two main categories of tea: true teas and herbal teas. In addition, there are flavoured teas that combine a true tea base with herbal infusions.
True Tea
True teas are made using the leaves of a tea plant known as Camellia Sinensis. These teas include green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and black tea. The difference in colour and taste arises from the production process.. Green tea and white tea are the true teas, which undergo the least processing. These are not oxidized. The leaves are harvested and dried to prevent the chemical reaction that turns leaves to dark brown or black. As a result, these teas retain their natural green colour and are considered the healthiest teas. Black tea is fully oxidized while oolong tea is partial. The Caffeine content of true tea varies between the different types and how the tea was produced.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are made by infusing fruits, roots, herbs, leaves, and stems of a variety of plants. Some of the most popular teas include ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea.
Let us know the health benefits of drinking tea:
1 Protects Heart Health
Research indicates that tea drinking may significantly lower the risk of serious heart disease. Tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe tissues in arteries. This helps in blood circulation. Tea consumption may also help decrease high blood cholesterol. Studies say that people who drank four cups or more of green tea each day had a 32% decreased risk of heart attack and significantly lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
2 Boosts Energy
Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine that can help increase energy. The low caffeine amounts make green tea a good choice for people who wants to cut down on their caffeine intake. The green tea’s energy-boosting properties are further driven by an amino acid known as L-theanine. This amino acid slows down the absorption of caffeine. By this, the energy boost from green tea is longer lasting and more steady than a cup of coffee. L theanine also increases alpha waves in the brain, helping to increase focus while same time offering calming and relaxing effects.
3 May Aid Weight Loss
Green tea may help accelerate weight loss thanks to its chemical composition. Amino acids present give a signal to the body to burn stored fat. Green tea extract is a popular weight loss supplement that is promoted to accelerate weight loss. By drinking green tea, you can get the same weight loss benefits as taking a supplement. Green tea also helps to keep you hydrated and may satisfy a sweet tooth. Green tea is a calorie-free drink so you can drink as many cups as you would like without feeling guilty.
4 Supports Mental Health
Regular tea consumption has been linked to a lower risk of neurological disease and decreased stress levels. Green tea consumption has also shown promise in preventing the cognitive decline associated with brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Tea contains antioxidants that work to prevent oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells. Antioxidants in tea eliminate free radicals caused by pollution and other factors, which can cause oxidative stress, and this type of stress has been linked to dementia and depression. Tea drinkers have been shown to have lower stress levels and improved overall health with regular consumption.
5 May Regulate Blood Sugar
Drinking tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent or control diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Black tea has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels after eating a meal. The effects were demonstrated for up to 120 minutes after meal consumption. Researchers attribute these health benefits to polyphenols in tea, which boast anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers.
6 Aids digestion
Tea helps streamline digestion and can treat a host of issues ranging from nausea and upset stomach to diarrhea. Ginger tea is an herbal tea that has long been used in China and India to treat an upset stomach. The ingredients gingerol and shagaol help to soothe the stomach lining to prevent vomiting. Peppermint tea also helps to soothe an upset stomach thanks to high levels o antioxidants and menthol. Tea also contains tannins, which have been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation. This can help soothe stomach cramps and treat irritable bowel syndrome.
The potential health benefits of tea go far beyond simply improving immune system health. Drink tea daily to prevent the onset of neurological decline and help protect heart health.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
28th November 2022.