There’s nothing more soothing on a chilly day than sipping a piping hot cup of tea. Tea has been around for centuries, and has gained in popularity over the years to become the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. That’s a pretty high rating! But while tea is enjoyed by millions as a social event or simply for its taste, there may be more reason to give this beverage a second glance. Research previously conducted on tea as well as numerous new studies continue to reveal amazing facts about the many ways tea can be a healthy addition to one's diet.
Where Tea Comes From
All tea comes from the camellia sinesis plant, a type of warm-weather evergreen. With just one plant, one may wonder where all the various types of tea come from. The variety of tea is determined by the manner in which the leaves are processed. The leaves can be fermented, steamed, crushed, and/or withered. The means by which the leaf is processed along with the amount of time the leaf undergoes each step of the process determines the end product. There are many different types of tea, and some have been found to contain greater health benefits than others, but regardless of the type one chooses, tea in general is laden with healthful properties.
The Healthful Contents of Tea
Tea is rich in polyphenols, or flavonoids, agents that help the body combat free radicals. What’s amazing about tea is that it contains from eight to 10 times the amount of polyphenols found in fruits and veggies! Not only that, but the polyphenols found in tea also have between 20-30 times the antioxidant potency of vitamin C and E. One specific and unique type of flavonoids found in tea are catechins, which help to ward off disease.
Besides polyphenols, tea is also a rich source of many nutrients, including carotene, riboflavin, folic acid, and potassium, to name just a few. Tea is a completely natural way to get these polyphenols and nutrients. And when drunk without milk or sugar, it’s a calorie-free option too. The best way to get the highest amount of flavonoids out of your tea is to use fresh, loose tea and brew it well- the stronger the tea, the higher the number of flavonoids.
How Tea Can Benefit You
Regular tea consumption (two or more cups daily) can provide an amazing number of health benefits, including the following:
- Tea has been shown to lower cholesterol, as well as decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is largely due to the presence of vitamin M, which helps to decrease the rise of homocysteine, one of the risk factors for heart disease. Vitamin M also provides benefits for the nervous and ocular systems.
- Studies have suggested that tea many help to fight against cancer, specifically forms such as ovarian and breast cancer.
- Tea consumption helps to reduce the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body.
- Drinking tea helps to fight cavities and some antioxidants found in tea are believed to help rid the body of bacteria that causes plaque.
- The fluoride found in tea suggests that tea helps to strengthen bones and teeth.
- Tea actually rehydrates the body rather than dehydrating, provided one consumes less than 250mg of caffeine at one time (the equivalent of five cups of tea).
- Tea works to strengthen the immune system through the presence of the amino acid L-Theanine. L-Theanine is found in largest quantities in green tea and has many other healthful properties, including lowering the risk of cancer, lowering cholesterol, increasing concentration, and aiding in weight loss.
- Tea contains roughly half the amount of caffeine found in coffee. In addition, caffeine found in tea contains theophylline, which works to stimulate the respiratory system, heart, and kidneys, not the brain and muscles, where the caffeine found in coffee takes its effect.
Research keeps on turning up more and more reasons to make regular tea consumption a part of one’s daily routine. And with the variety in types of tea, amazing array of flavors, and different methods of preparation, there’s sure to be a way to make this amazing brew a part of a healthy diet.
Sources:
Medicinenet.com, “The Health Benefits of Tea” (April 6, 2010)
Whatscookingamerica.net, “Tea- Drink to Your Health- Caffeine in Tea” (April 6, 2010)
Wtea.com, “The Health Benefits of Tea” (April 7, 2010)
Teabenefits.com, “Tea: Health Benefits and Wonders” (April 7, 2010)
Inpursuitoftea.com, “Tea and Health” (April 7, 2010)
Teausa.org, “An Overview of Research on the Potential Health Benefits of Tea” (April 7, 2010)
Sarah Lantz - Sarah Lantz is a freelance musician who enjoys writing on the side. She started piano lessons at the tender age of five and has been ...
