Tea is an ancient plant that has many uses in the world of today’s society. It is often seen as a healthy substitute to coffee because unlike coffee, tea does not contain caffeine or any other stimulants which cause further stress on the body after it has already undergone enough stress for one day (sleep deprivation or lack thereof).
Health benefits of tea might have been known to you before, such as it is a great antioxidant and can help strengthen bones (which is why we drink tea with milk or lemon) but other health benefits of tea might surprise you. Here is the list of all health advantages that come with consuming tea daily.
Improves Eye Health
You might have heard that the antioxidants in tea help to fight against free radicals that can cause degenerative diseases. This is why herbalists have recommended herbal tea blends for centuries. However, eye health is also one of the benefits you didn’t know about when drinking herbal tea because black and green herbal teas are rich sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds are known to promote healthy vision by protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays, plus they help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Manages Weight Better Than Coffee
Yes, you heard it right. Studies have shown that daily consumption of three cups of green tea can suppress appetite and help with weight loss. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system and causes cravings for food but unlike coffee, herbal tea doesn’t provide such stimulation which means that people who drink herbal teas are less likely to overeat because their digestive system isn’t overstimulated by the excess amount of caffeine. Also, the antioxidants in tea help lower cholesterol and blood pressure which is also a great benefit if you’re trying to lose excess weight.
Boosts Immunity System
Most of the teas that are available today, whether herbal or green tea, contain catechins which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants boost the immune system by ridding the body of harmful free radicals known as oxygen radicals thus preventing colds and other infections. The catechins in tea also help destroy infectious bacteria, prevent growth on tumor cells, and aid in preventing certain cancers such as ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer. It also encourages the production of T cells and interferon which both aid in strengthening the immune system.
Eases Stress and Tension
The stress levels in the body can be elevated even further when a person drinks caffeinated beverages such as coffee or energy drinks because caffeine is a stimulant which means that it raises blood pressure and heart rate, making you feel stressed. However, herbal tea doesn’t have any stimulants which means that it’s suitable for people who suffer from various levels of anxiety to drink daily. In addition to the mental health benefits of tea, herbal teas are also known for their ability to reduce joint pain and muscle tension while soothing the digestive system thus allowing one to relax their muscles without putting them under stress.
Lowers Risk Of Heart Diseases
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in many countries these days. This has been attributed to the consumption of fatty meat, processed meats, and fried food but also because people have replaced healthier drinks with soda, fruit juices, and coffee which are loaded with sugars that raise cholesterol levels over time. Herbal tea however contains no sugar so it can help reduce your risk of heart diseases by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. This is because the antioxidant properties in tea can rid your body of harmful cholesterol levels while helping to prevent plaque build-up on the artery walls.
Prevents Diabetic Complications
Yes, you heard it right! Studies have shown that 3 or more cups of black tea per day can reduce blood sugar levels among diabetics by 25% which means that people who suffer from diabetes can enjoy the benefits of herbal tea just like anyone else. Green tea has also been shown to improve insulin response and lower blood pressure within weeks so for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. This has been attributed to the properties of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that are found in green tea. Drinking green or herbal teas is highly recommended for people with diabetes.
Free Radical Scavenger
Another benefit that you didn’t know about tea is its ability to remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are dangerous compounds that can cause tissue and DNA damage when they interact with healthy cells. But since antioxidants in herbal tea can neutralize these free radicals, it also helps with preventing many degenerative diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the antioxidants also help slow down the aging process by keeping your cells healthy and young.
Flu Fighter
The compounds in tea such as catechins and antioxidants help fight against the flu by destroying infectious viruses so you don’t have to worry about catching a cold or flu when consuming herbal tea. This is because most of the health benefits of tea come from its anti-viral properties which is why it’s also used to treat herpes, hepatitis, and genital warts. When you drink herbal tea daily, your body becomes more resistant to viruses which means that you’re less likely to catch a cold even if someone in the vicinity has one. Some herbal teas such as peppermint and licorice root tea can help fight against the flu even faster because they contain eucalyptol which acts as a decongestant.
Promotes Bone Health
If you’re exposed to sunlight regularly, then green tea can help promote bone health because it contains compounds that are known for their antioxidant properties which also reduce the chances of getting cancer. Also, green tea’s large amounts of catechins make it essential for keeping your bones healthy since they help maintain calcium homeostasis, an important chemical process in keeping calcium deposits at bay. The compound also assists in regulating osteoclasts and osteoblasts which are responsible for bone formation and breakdown respectively.
Prevents Dental Decay
Green tea can help prevent dental decay because of its flavonoids that boost the production of saliva which ensures teeth remain free from bacteria. Additionally, green tea is a natural antibacterial agent so it can also reduce bad breath which makes it a staple addition to most kinds of toothpaste today. More importantly, though, tea protects your teeth by strengthening enamel which reduces the chances of getting cavities or developing tooth decay over time. It also helps in fighting gum disease which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
It’s important to note however that you should not substitute your daily dose of medication for herbal teas just yet. Consult a doctor before you do so just in case it affects other medications that you’re taking. However, if you already have no medical conditions but want to reap the benefits of herbal teas then by all means drink to your heart’s content!