10 Underrated Effects Of Drinking Tea

Tea is an integral part of the daily routine for many people around the world. For many different reasons people choose to imbibe the warm beverage throughout their day. For some it gives them a kick of energy in the morning and for others it is the perfect soothing antidote to a stressful day.

The primary effects of drinking tea are relatively well known. However, there are several health benefits of tea that have gone under the radar. Drinking tea everyday can affect your mind as well as your body. The psychological and physical benefits of drinking tea on a regular basis may be different from person to person. But the results are overwhelmingly positive.

Here we discuss some of the most underrated effects of drinking tea so that you may approach your next cup with more knowledge.

1. Antioxidants

Some kinds of tea have a higher percentage of antioxidants. Tea like rooibos and other herbal tea is caffeine-free because they are not derived from the traditional Camellia sinensis tea leaf. While getting all the benefits of an antioxidant infusion you also miss out on the negative effects of caffeine.

Antioxidants help your body avoid illnesses. Green tea, in particular, has been shown to have several antioxidant effects that may provide protection against chronic diseases. The health benefits of tea are plain to see. However, in order to benefit from these antioxidants, you will need to be drinking at least three or four cups of tea per day.

2. Anxiety Reducing

Tea has always been a great way to calm your nerves and rid yourself of stress. The process of brewing itself is simple and this too contributes to improving one’s mood. Once you have developed a daily tea drinking routine it can be disturbing when this is interrupted.

Drinking tea can be a safe and natural response to anxiety. Certain teas like Peppermint, Chamomile and Green tea have developed a reputation for inducing a meditative and calming state in their drinkers. There is no doubt that many people have reached for a cup of tea at the end of a long day because of the calming effect of tea.

3. Soothe Digestive System

Drinking tea is also a great way of soothing your digestive system. An unhappy stomach can be greatly relieved by a sip or two of Peppermint or Ginger tea. Herbal teas are especially known for dealing with digestive issues. Obviously, they are an easy natural remedy if you are experiencing mild digestive issues but they are not a solution to serious stomach pain.

Different teas help soothe the digestive system in a number of ways. “Compounds in ginger, known as gingerols and shogaols, can help stimulate stomach contractions and emptying”(Healthline). Whereas Fennel tea may protect against the development of stomach ulcers.

If you have a sore tummy try changing the type of tea you drink and experiment with some new soothing flavors.

4. May Reduce Risk of Heart Problems

Tea has been cited as a preventative measure to combat heart problems. Certain teas that are served without milk, like green and black, are often cited as being beneficial for your cardiovascular system. These teas are a good source of compounds known as “catechins and epicatechins, which are thought to be responsible for tea’s beneficial health effects.” (Harvard Health)

As with digestive issues, tea isn’t a cure but can help to reduce the risk of future problems. Catechins and epicatechins belong to a group of plant chemicals called flavonoids. “Research suggests that flavonoids help quell inflammation and that in turn may reduce plaque buildup inside arteries.”(Harvard Health)

It is important not to consume excessive amounts of tea in the hope of reducing the risk of heart issues. Instead, choose wisely to ensure you receive the proper health benefits of tea. Green tea has slightly higher amounts of helpful chemicals than black tea. So green tea might be for you if you are worried about potential heart problems.

5. Hydrates the Body

This may seem obvious but dehydration is more common than you think. If you are starting to feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. A cup of tea is a great drink to quench your thirst. After water, it is the best drink you can have to hydrate your body. Tea is a great alternative if you are not fond of drinking plain water and are looking for a bit of flavor with your daily hydration.

Herbal tea is probably the best bet if you are feeling thirsty. However, normal caffeinated teas are also a viable option that will lead to proper hydration.

6. May Reduce Blood Pressure

Some teas possess properties that may help to reduce blood pressure. “Researchers say hibiscus tea has anthocyanins and other antioxidants that may help blood vessels resist damage that can cause them to narrow.”(EatingWell) Plenty of available herbal teas contain hibiscus so it is an easy natural remedy. A few cups of tea a day can make an observable difference to your blood pressure.

Ideally, if you are looking to reduce your blood pressure you will steer clear of too many caffeinated products. It is best to stick to herbal teas rather than regular teas if you are worried about your blood pressure! Ideally, a switch in tea drinking habits should also be accompanied by other lifestyle changes if you want to stay healthy.

7. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Some teas have also been shown to enhance the use of insulin in the body and help to lower blood sugar levels. “Researchers concluded that several compounds in tea were shown to improve insulin levels, specifically catechin called epigallocatechin gallate”(Healthline).

It is important to be aware that the positive blood sugar effects of drinking tea would be diminished if you load your tea with sugar or sweeteners. So if you are looking to lower your blood sugar levels you may want to drink more black tea. As with everything we have mentioned moderation is key!

8. Help with Memory and Focus

Coffee or energy drinks are often the beverages people turn to when they need to study or focus for a sustained period of time. Despite being a great solution tea has largely flown under the radar. Even Caffeine-free teas like rooibos can potentially aid concentration and focus.

A breakfast tea in the morning or before a meeting has been shown to help with memory and focus because of the presence of caffeine and L-Theanine. This L-Theanine is  “a naturally-occurring amino acid found in tea that improves reaction time and memory while increasing focus and concentration.”(Standard)

9. Helps Your Metabolism

Drinking green tea may help to speed up your metabolism. The compounds called catechins found in green tea can increase your metabolic rate which in turn can lead to a boost in energy levels and weight loss. Green tea is the staple hot drink for a healthy lifestyle.

Recently it was suggested that black tea can also help to boost your metabolism as well. But it is still one of the benefits of drinking tea that requires some further scientific research. We all react differently to tea. If you start drinking tea everyday you will be able to measure whether tea improves your life.

10. Brain Booster

Lastly, the benefits of drinking tea may also be extended to your overall brain health. Recent studies suggest an association between drinking tea and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The exact causes of Alzheimer’s remain unclear but both green and black tea have been shown to potentially slow cognitive decline.

Ultimately, tea can be good for your brain. Whether your tea of choice is black, green or some colorful herbal infusion drinking regularly can have a myriad of positive effects.

Tea For Body and Soul

A good cup of tea can dramatically improve your mind and body. As we highlighted there are many underrated effects of drinking tea. Consuming traditional tea on a regular basis has the potential to lower health risks and heighten brain function. There is still more research to be done to determine the exact psychological effects of tea.

Obviously, everything must be done in moderation. There are side effects of drinking tea especially if you load your cup with too much milk and sugar. However, the benefits of drinking a couple of cups of tea a day are numerous and too exciting to ignore.

Whether you wish to soothe your ailing body or relieve a restless mind a good cup of tea can do the trick!

How often do you drink tea?

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