How often do you drink tea? Is it daily, once a week, or just occasionally? If you can’t remember the last time you’ve had a cup of tea, you’re losing out on the health benefits.
This beverage has the power to boost your immune system, increase your energy, and keep stress at bay. Plus, it promotes a good night’s sleep and supports mental well-being.
From green and black tea to oolong tea, there are thousands of tea varieties available. Some fight disease and enhance your natural defenses. Others aid in weight loss and rev up your metabolism. They all are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients that keep your body functioning at its peak.
Need more proof? Let’s take a look at the surprising health benefits of tea:
Fights Inflammation
Inflammation plays a key role in the onset of heart disease, Crohn’s, arthritis, diabetes, gout, and other ailments. The polyphenols in tea can naturally fight inflammation and ward off diseases.
This healthful beverage boosts T cells and regulates the immune response, scavenges oxidative stress, and promotes healing. Fennel, cinnamon, ginger, matcha, and peppermint tea boast natural anti-inflammatory compounds and have high antioxidant levels.
Protects against Heart Disease
A cup of tea might be exactly what you need to keep your heart healthy. Research shows that tea protects against cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and high blood pressure. Moreover, it reduces triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels, which are major contributing factors to heart disease and premature death.
Balances Gut Flora
Certain types of tea, especially kombucha, are rich in probiotics that restore gut flora and boost immunity. A healthy gut is your best defense against infections, digestive problems, and even cancer.
Reduces Cortisol Levels
Cortisol, the stress hormone, promotes fat storage, disrupts endocrine function, and slows your metabolism. It also speeds up aging and affects your energy levels.
Studies indicate that tea has the ability to lower cortisol levels after a stress event in as little as six weeks. It also relieves stress and improves quality of sleep.
Protects against Cancer
Packed with antioxidants, herbal tea strengthens your immune system and may reduce cancer risk. EGCG and other polyphenols fight free radicals and prevent DNA damage. In clinical trials, these natural compounds have been shown to trigger cancer cell death and inhibit tumor growth.
These are just a few of the many benefits of tea. Just one or two cups a day are enough to keep the doctor away. Plus, tea fits into any diet and comes in a wide range of delicious flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
