Whether you like your tea fancy with a scone, cold in a to-go cup, or hot in your favorite mug, drinking tea every day is good for you. According to a 2019 review in Nutrients, tea is the second most-drunk drink in the world, after water. More than two-thirds of the global population sips on this antioxidant-rich beverage. But why is tea so special and what does it do for our health? Let's find out the wonders of tea and its possible benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Tea is the second most-consumed beverage worldwide after water.
- Tea comes in both true teas (like green, black, oolong, and white teas) and herbal teas.
- True teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant and provide special health perks.
- Herbal teas are created by soaking herbs, flowers, roots, or other plants in water.
- The health pluses of tea depend on the kind and how it's made.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Tea Daily
As we know, drinking tea every day is a great habit. It can help our hearts and brains stay healthy. Teas like green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea are packed with good stuff called flavan-3-ols. This stuff is known to do good things for our bodies.
Tea as a Rich Source of Antioxidants
In 2022, a study in Advances in Nutrition found that green tea is a big source of flavan-3-ols, with 319 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup. Black tea isn't far behind, offering 277 mg of the same good stuff. One specific flavan-3-ol in tea, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), seems to fight inflammation. This was shown in a 2023 study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Boosting Metabolism and Aiding Weight Loss
Tea contains a useful amino acid called L-theanine. In 2021, a review article in Cureus noted that it can make us feel sharper. The flavan-3-ols in tea might also be good for our hearts. They are said to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar. A 2020 study from Advances in Nutrition even suggested that tea could protect against oral cancer.
Supporting Heart Health and Reducing Disease Risk
Green tea has L-theanine, which can help our brains. A 2021 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggested that this L-theanine boosts focus and memory.
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Enhancing Cognitive Function and Brain Health
Drinking tea every day can do wonders for our health. It supports our hearts and brains. Starting a morning tea ritual or teatime tradition is an easy way to stay well.
Drink Tea Every Day: Potential Drawbacks and Side Effects
The health advantages of tea are many. But, we should also know about its potential downsides. Drinking too much or not the right kind of tea can cause problems.
Reduced Iron Absorption
Tannins and oxalates in tea can block iron from being absorbed. Iron is vital for the blood's oxygen-carrying protein. A study in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine pointed this out in 2023.
Anxiety, Restlessness, and Sleep Disturbances
Caffeine, if you're sensitive, might not let you sleep well after having caffeinated tea. It can also make your stomach produce more acid. This extra acid might cause problems like heartburn or make acid reflux worse.
Digestive Issues and Heartburn
Tannins and caffeine could upset your stomach. This might give you heartburn, or you might feel bloated if your stomach is easily annoyed.
Precautions During Pregnancy
Drinking too much caffeine in tea while pregnant could lead to serious issues. This includes a higher risk of miscarriage and having a low birth weight baby. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests not having more than 200 mg of caffeine a day when you're expecting.
Conclusion
Drinking tea brings many health benefits we can't ignore. Having tea every day can really boost your health in many ways. It's not just a drink with few calories. Teas like black, green, oolong, and white are full of healthy compounds. They help keep our hearts strong.
Making tea every day part of your routine is an easy and smart choice. It needs little effort but gives so much back to your health.
But, we need to think about some possible downsides. These can include less iron getting into our bodies, anxiety, tummy problems, and extra care for women expecting a baby. The key to enjoying tea is moderation. This way, you get the best health boosts without the bad effects.
No matter if you like starting your day with a warm cup of green tea, sipping on iced tea when it's hot, or relaxing with a herbal tea before bed, tea can fit well into any daily plan. It's a simple, effective way to look after yourself.
The choice to include tea in your life is up to you. But, the facts show it's great for a healthy, varied eating plan. Knowing about the good and not-so-good sides of tea consumption helps you decide wisely. This way, you get the most out of tea, your favorite drink.
FAQ
What are the health benefits of drinking tea every day?
Tea is full of antioxidants that are great for your heart. They also boost your brain and lower your risk of diseases. Drinking tea every day can help speed up your metabolism. This makes losing weight a bit easier.
What are the potential drawbacks and side effects of drinking tea every day?
While tea has good things, it also has tannins and oxalates. These can keep your body from absorbing enough iron. Too much tea can make you anxious or restless, and it may even mess with your sleep. Drinking a lot can lead to stomach problems and heartburn. Pregnant women should be careful with how much tea they drink.
What is the difference between true teas and herbal teas?
True teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant. They include green, black, oolong, and white teas. Herbal teas, however, are not made from the same plant. They use different parts like herbs, flowers, and roots. Both types can have their own health benefits.
How can I incorporate tea into my daily routine?
Tea can be part of your day in many ways. Enjoy it with a scone or take it in a to-go cup while you're out. Or, sip it from a favorite mug at home. Having tea every morning or during teatime can be a great healthy habit.
What are some tips for choosing high-quality tea?
Choosing good tea means looking for whole, loose-leaf tea leaves. They are often higher quality than tea bags. Try different teas like green or herbal to see what you like best. This way, you also get the health benefits that fit you.