Can Drinking Tea Benefit My Health?

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

Mmm…tea. I never used to be a tea enthusiast until more recent years. During the colder months of the year, you can often find me in my favorite living room chair, wrapped with a blanket and a book, with a steaming cup of freshly infused tea in hand. The aroma of it brings memories of crisp fall days to mind. The warmth soothes your bones throughout the chilliest of winters. And not only does it taste delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits.

Throughout the years, numerous studies have been conducted on the benefits of teas and the antioxidant polyphenols they possess. Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants that have been shown to offer significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of gastric, esophageal, or skin cancers. One study showed that two cups of tea a day may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by nearly 46 percent in women. Green tea can lower the risk for heart disease, and the polyphenols found in other teas can prevent blood clotting and help aid in lowering cholesterol [1].

So which teas are some of the best ones for you?

* White tea has more antioxidants than any other tea
* Green tea has more catechin antioxidants than black tea
* Teas of higher quality may have more catechin antioxidants than lower quality teas
* Freshly brewed teas have more polyphenol antioxidants than bottled or instant teas [2]

What are some of the other benefits that drinking tea offers?

* Less caffeine: It contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee does, so if drinking too much caffeine can give you the jitters, indigestion, headaches, or sleep problems, try switching to tea.

* Brighter smile: Tea contains a fluoride and tannins that can help keep plaque away. This is no substitute for regular brushing or flossing, but adding it into your daily routine can help make your teeth and gums healthier.

* Increased metabolism: Green tea in particular can increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories.

* Stronger immune system: Regular tea drinkers can enjoy a stronger immune system that is better equipped to fight off bacteria and infections. The antioxidants in teas can also help protect against a variety of cancers.

* No calories: Calories are non-existent in tea, unless you add milk or sweetener. [3]

Clearly there is no denying that tea does a body good. Make time for tea time. Your body will thank you for it.

References


[1] Health Benefits of Tea. HealthCastle.com. Accessed on the Web September 27, 2009. http://www.healthcastle.com/tea.shtml

[2] Health Benefits of Tea. 2BASnob. Accessed on the Web September 27, 2009.
http://www.2basnob.com/health-benefits-of-tea.html

[3] Health Benefits of Tea. Ode Magazine. Accessed on the Web September 27, 2009.
http://www.odemagazine.com/blogs/readers_blog/4756/the_health_benefits_of_tea