Cups of Comfort: How Tea Protects Your Body and Mind
DRINK| TASTE HEALTHY
Tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants that can lower cancer and heart disease risk. It contains compounds that boost brain health and aid weight loss. With no calories and caffeine in moderation, tea is a hydrating beverage full of polyphenols for total body wellness.
Tea is one of the healthiest beverage choices a person can make. It contains polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that provide significant health benefits. Tea is linked to reduced risk of many chronic conditions as well as overall longevity. First, tea contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. The most well-known is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, which can reduce cell damage and inflammation. The antioxidants in tea have been shown to help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Black, oolong, pu-erh and white teas also contain polyphenols like theaflavins and tannins that support health in similar ways. In addition to antioxidants, tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine helps reduce stress and anxiety while also boosting alpha waves in the brain for relaxation. It may also boost cognitive function and protect against age-related mental decline. Caffeine provides a mild energy boost while theanine helps avoid jittery side effects. All teas are low in calories too.Studies show regularly drinking green or black tea can aid modest weight loss by boosting metabolism. The catechins in green tea may also help burn fat and reduce belly fat accumulation specifically. For hydration, tea contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Black tea contains more fluoride than other types. Both green and black teas are also linked to bone protection due to their fluoride and vitamin K content. In conclusion, drinking various types of tea regularly provides hydration and is packed with antioxidants, L-theanine and other bioactive compounds. This translates to markedly lower disease risk and overall benefits for total health and longevity. Tea should be part of any health-conscious individual's daily routine.