Ever wonder why that cup of tea seems to hit the spot so well? We look into the science behind what makes tea so good (and good for you!).
THERE’S NO DENYING — DRINKING TEA IS A RELAXING AND UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE, BUT ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY OF THE MANY TEA BENEFITS? HERE ARE 5 REASONS WHY TEA IS JUST SO GREAT!
1. TEA IS LOADED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Our tea benefits countdown begins with probably one of the most well-known reasons behind what makes tea so great: tea is a beverage which is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are great for your overall health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that antioxidants help combat the body’s natural aging process. They prevent the creation of free radicals, harmful carcinogenic molecules created from damaged cells in your body. Although all teas contain antioxidants, green tea is particularly known to be abundant in them. Getting your daily dose of antioxidants by way of tea will help you feel younger, stronger, and more full of energy!
2. TEA GETS RID OF STRESS
There may be some solid science behind why your nightly cup of tea helps you unwind from the daily grind. Studies suggest that tea helps you de-stress. In a 2006 study, researchers in the United Kingdom found that subjects who consumed tea daily had lower levels of cortisol compared to those subjects who went without. Cortisol is produced by the body in response to stress, and is associated with all sorts of negative symptoms such as higher blood pressure, weight gain, blood sugar fluctuations and insomnia.
3. TEA HELPS YOU WARD OFF WEIGHT GAIN
As part of a healthy, active lifestyle, tea is a great weight loss and weight maintenance tool! This is one tea benefit causing a lot of buzz recently in Western countries. Tea is naturally high in polyphenols. These are naturally occurring compounds in tea providing the colour, taste, and smell of brewed tea. Regular daily consumption of foods high in polyphenol is believed to prevent weight gain. Along with the added caffeine in tea, daily consumption can be an effective addition to a weight loss or healthy lifestyle strategy.
4. TEA GIVES YOU AN ENERGY BOOST
Tea is produced from the Camellia sinensis, or tea tea plant, which naturally contains caffeine. It’s well known that caffeine gives the body a quick and convenient energy boost. Brewing up a cup of tea can help to wake you up in the morning, and is a great mid-afternoon “pick me up”. It can also give you a boost before or during your workout routine. Sensitive to caffeine? Don’t worry — caffeine-free tea is readily available too.
5. TEA IS A PLEASURE TO THE SENSES!
All science and other tea benefits aside, the experience of drinking a cup of tea itself is pleasurable and relaxing! The aromas, tastes, and textures that are provided by tea are complex. Tea is processed in a myriad of different methods, providing for endless flavours and tastes. This means each and every cup of tea is like a journey. It’s easy to sit back and let the aromas, tastes, and mere experience of drinking tea envelope us, which provides a pleasurable “pause” from the busy, hectic daily grind.
What tea benefits have you head over heels?