Tea is a treasured beverage consumed by many across the globe. Some individuals drink it as an evening relaxant, others delight in afternoon tea with friends or family. The worldwide prevalence of this refreshing concoction - a tradition spanning thousands of years for some cultures - prompts us to explore its potential health benefits and any possible damaging effects.
Our exploration led to detailed discussions with numerous registered dieticians regarding daily tea consumption impacts on one's wellbeing. While most effects are attributed to specific kinds of tea, general implications do exist also. For instance, green tea is famous for its distinct antioxidant properties that other herbal teas lack thus giving unique advantages. Apart from this, each variety of herbal teas brings unique benefits owing to the individual flowers they originate from.
This widespread beverage aroused our curiosity inspiring us into probing all facts necessary to uncover daily intake's effect on your physique.Read further on how popular beverages impact your health here.
Tea can be beneficial for your heart health
Drinking tea in the morning or before sleep could provide more than simple enjoyment. Some teas may contribute to cardiovascular well-being.
"Teas like black, green and hibiscus are known to be good for cardiac health as they might aid in lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol levels and improving overall cardiovascular performance," states Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD.
Particularly with black tea consumption, it provides useful compounds such as theaflavins and thearubigins that potentially lowers harmful LDL cholesterol levels and decreases risk factors associated with heart ailments," expounds Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD from Balance One Supplements.
Improved cognitive function is one of the benefits
The consumption of green tea can greatly enhance your mental functioning. This is because it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that when combined with caffeine results in a smoother and more lasting energy surge while enhancing alertness and cognitive abilities," notes Best.
However, the enhancement of cognition isn't solely exclusive to green tea. "Teas containing caffeine can similarly offer a mild boost in energy and amplification of alertness as well as overall brain functionality," remarks Goodson.
Tea has benefits for digestive health
If you're dealing with stomach issues, a variety of teas might be the remedy. Herbal brews like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are known to encourage good gut health and can relieve symptoms such as bloating, indigestion and nausea," according to Lisa Young, PhD, RDN.
In addition to its immediate soothing effects on digestion troubles, drinking tea can improve your gut health in the long term. For instance, "Black tea contains tannins which are mild antibacterial agents that foster healthy growth of beneficial bacteria in our gut," Best explains.
Additional Caffeine Intake May Occur
Variety in tea types implies differences in their caffeine contents. Certain teas, including black, green and oolong are known to be high on caffeine while others like herbal teas have zero caffeine content. If you're prone to react strongly to the presence of caffeine, being aware of your tea type choice is crucial as well as determining which part of the day you take a break for it.
Professional nutritionist Goodson points out that "Indeed, generally Tea has lesser amounts of Caffeine compared to Coffee but overconsumption can manifest unpleasant symptoms such as restlessness, heart palpitations or troubled sleep". Additionally Young shared: 'Excessive intake of caffeinated teas can interfere with one's sleeping schedule and quality so moderation is emphasized'.
Chamomile tea aids in relaxation.
Chamomile tea derives from the dried flowers of chamomile, and is often consumed to aid sleep and promote calmness. As Best explains, "The calming attributes of this tea are due to an antioxidant called apigenin that attaches itself to specific brain receptors, reducing anxiety and fostering a state of relaxation."
Regarding your sleep," Consuming chamomile tea before bedtime could potentially enhance sleep quality and duration due to its natural sedative qualities that may provoke a sense of tiredness."
Increased intake of phytonutrients
Tea is a nutrient-dense beverage, providing nutritional value you may not find in many other drinks, notably coffee.
"Due to their origin from diverse plant species, teas are rich sources of various phytochemicals and phytonutrients," remarks Amanda Sevilla, RDN. As per the information found on the National Library of Medicine, these plant-based nutrients known as phytonutrients exhibit different biological activities that contribute significantly to human health.
Additionally, these phytonutrients can be referred to as antioxidants. Young asserts that "Because tea holds high antioxidant concentrations, it aids in counteracting free radicals thus reducing cell damage within the body." Best further compliments by stating "Green tea is particularly abundant in particular antioxidants named catechins which play significant roles in neutralizing destructive free radicals present in your body thereby decreasing oxidative stress and reducing risk associated with chronic diseases".
Regulating Your Metabolism is Achievable
It's possible to even use specific teas as an aid in aligning your metabolism, particularly if it has been skewed due to various factors. In the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences a publication affirms that green tea specifically possesses a beneficial effect on metabolism regulation. Aside from this, it also contributes to the control of glucose levels and weight management. Interestingly enough, these benefits have been confirmed for diabetic patients too.
According to Sevilla, consuming different types of teas like black or oolong alongside green tea is one approach you can take if you're aiming at readjusting your metabolism.
Inflammation can be reduced
Tea is recognized for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, says Sevilla. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science collates an extensive body of research previously conducted on tea's positive impact against inflammation. It specifically dissects the benefits derived from black and green tea consumption at regular intervals.
The researchers found that both types of tea possessed attributes capable of significantly reducing inflammation within red blood cells. The study even suggests that lupus patients who drank green tea daily over a course of 12 weeks reported less inflammation in their bodies overall.
Increased bathroom visits may be necessary
Certain tea varieties can actually lead to increased urination. As Sevilla points out, teas such as dandelion, green, barley, and hibiscus all possess diuretic characteristics. Diuretics are nutrients that compel our body to expel salt and water through urine. Teas with these properties are often considered beneficial for individuals suffering from kidney issues, diabetes or specific heart conditions. However, due to their potent nature of diuretics, Sevilla recommends steering clear of these teas post 4 p.m., unless you're okay making frequent trips to the loo throughout the night!
Green tea assists in weight management
A considerable amount of research has been conducted that focuses on the impact green tea consumption daily can have on managing one's weight. As reported by International Journal of Molecular Science, women who consumed green tea daily over a span of 12 weeks experienced significant reduction in both overall weight and abdominal fat content. This outcome can be largely contributed to the heightened energy levels regularly associated with drinking green tea, combined with regulated metabolism and assistance in lipid formation.
