Real tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and has only 4 varieties: black, green, oolong, and white. Those "herbal tea" you see in stores are mere infusions of a different plant and is technically not tea. Real tea may not easily available but it does have some serious health benefits that make up for its lack of variety. Here are some of the benefits related to frequent tea drinkers:
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants helps the body prevent aging and protects us from pollution damage. White tea is less processed than green or black so it's loaded it's loaded with more beneficial antioxidants.
Less caffeine than coffee
Herbal tea infusions have 0 caffeine, while real tea has less than 50% caffeine than coffee. That means getting the energy without the nervous side effects coffee seems to give, says Leslie Bonci, nutritionist and owner of Active Eating Advice.
Reduce heart attack/stroke risks
Studies published in 2016 found that there is a nearly 20% and 35% reduction risk of heart attack and stroke, respectively, among people who drink 3 cups of green tea a day. Those who drank more cups had a 32% reduction for heart attack and less LDL cholesterol. Drinking four cups a day may get you frequent trips to the bathroom, you can try Matcha instead since it's equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea.
Weight Loss
Tea helps keep your weight in check. Although there is not enough research corelated to this, scientists do speculate that people who drink tea regularly have lower risks of metabolic syndrome (which increases risk of stroke, diabetes).
Healthier Bones
Green tea may help prevent bone loss, based on data from recent animal studies. A native South Asian plant called Moringa has been found to have more calcium, iron, and vitamins A & K than milk. Consider Moringa tea in your routine to help keep bones strong.
Brighter Smile
Tea has the tendency to change the pH level in your mouth and prevent cavities. Japanese researchers found that regular drinkers have decrease in tooth loss.
Boost immunity
Tea can boost immune cells so they reach their targets quicker. Holy basil or tulsi tea has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries to help keep the immune system strong after injuries or illnesses thanks to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helps #fightcancer
Studies on this may not be as backed up as the rest but in the meantime, “if you’ve got a strong family history of cancer and you want to do anything you can, you might increase your tea consumption,” said Lesli Bonci, nutritionist and owner of Active Eating Advice.
Yummy for the tummy
Ginger tea has been found to calm nausea while chamomile helps with irritable bowel syndrome. Real tea is also packed with good bacteria that aids in digestion.
Calorie-free! (if unadulterated)
Not a big water drinker but hate the calories brought about by other drinks? Try tea! It is a great alternative to zero calorie water and it refreshes your body as well. Try infusion teas to serve cold on hot summer days or serve it hot while wrapped up in blankets.
Disclaimer: I'm not a health expert, this is just the things I've noticed when I drink tea. Do consult your physician for more details about drinking tea. Enjoy!
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