Benefits of Tea
Whether you are a veteran tea drinker or looking to introduce something healthy to your diet, there are always new kinds of tea to discover — each with its own health benefits. Check out the many positive roles tea can play in your health!
Benefits of Tea
- Hydration enhancer: Not crazy about drinking water all day long? Try supplementing with a cup of fresh-brewed tea (hot or iced). Freshly brewed teas that don’t have added sugar are calorie free. This means tea can be a great way to change up what you drink without having to worry about excess calories. Although some teas have caffeine, there are plenty of options that have a very low caffeine level or are caffeine free. These include green teas, white teas, and all herbal teas.
- Stress buster: Incorporating a cup of soothing tea into your daily routine can give you a new tool for managing stress. Not only is the act of sipping something warm and delicious comforting, certain types of tea actually possess calming effects.
- Chamomile is a well-known herb that has calming properties. It is said to help relieve feelings of tension and promote an overall feeling of well-being and relaxation. Chamomile teas are often branded as “sleepy-time” teas. Give this one a try as part of your bedtime routine.
- Tulsi (also known as holy basil) is another tea known to have stress-fighting properties. Try it in the middle of your workday as it is said to increase feelings of calm and focus.
- Disease fighter: Most types of teas contain disease-fighting properties. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all known for containing polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help protect your cells from DNA damage.
- Immunity booster: Multiple teas are said to help boost immunity. Some of the more popular kinds are ginger, turmeric, echinacea, and tulsi (holy basil). The antioxidants, along with the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties found in these herbs, can contribute to our immune system’s strength.
- Gut calmer: Peppermint herbal tea and ginger herbal tea are known for soothing nausea as well as supporting our digestive tract health.
Remember, tea cannot replace medication or your doctor’s guidelines for fighting illness. If you find a tea you like, think of it as a healthy habit that can help contribute to your overall health and wellness. It is also important to always discuss with your doctor before adding something new into your diet, especially if you are on any daily medications.
Resources
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16767798
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/
www.timeforwellness.org/blog-view/chamomile-relieves-anxiety-76
