One of the oldest beverages that has been served for centuries everywhere around the world, and plays a significant role in many cultures, originating in the East and gaining its royal status in England, is tea. It has been used throughout history for major ceremonies, import ant royal gatherings and surprisingly, even for revolutions. However, besides its grandiose tradition and history, tea is still a super popular beverage in the modern world as well, thanks to the long list of its highly beneficial characteristics. Below we have listed only some of the many surprising health benefits of drinking tea.
1.It is calorie-free
This is one of the best things about drinking tea – you can sip it guilt-free at any time of the day, because it has zero calories. This is why having a cup of tea instead of an energy drink, soda or coffee is always a good idea, especially if you’re trying to lose weight, stay on the right track of clean eating, or simply enjoy a healthy refreshment for a change.
2.It can boost your immune system
Tea may boost the immune system, by tuning up immune cells so they reach their targets quicker. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, the habit of drinking tea helps you in fighting viruses and diseases and strengthening your immune system. So, you will want to drink a cup of tea the next time a cold is going around your house, office or school.
3.Elegant alternative for coffee
Most people are addicted to caffeine, and very often consume it only or mostly through coffee. And although coffee isn’t necessarily bad for us, we are prone to overdrinking it, or adding a little too much milk or sugar. Spice it up a bit, buy one of those elegant porcelain tea sets and switch to black tea for your daily dose of caffeine. Not only will you cut down on coffee and reduce your sugar intake, but you’ll also have a reason to host an occasional tea party at your place.
4.It reduces various diseases
However unbelievable it may sound, tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, by lowering your cholesterol and preventing formation of dangerous blood clots. A crazy fact is that black tea drinkers are at a 70 percent lower risk of having a fatal heart attack. Additionally, with more calcium than milk, as well as iron and vitamin A and K, a cup of tea in the morning is also a great addition to help keep your bones strong.
5.Tea lowers stress hormone levels
Served iced or hot, tea has less than 50 percent of the amount of caffeine that is typically found in coffee, yet a very similar effect. It provides a moderate level of caffeine that can increase our memory, focus and concentration. It can create a calmer and more alert state of mind, so if you need any concentration before doing some difficult tasks that need to be finished, treat yourself to tea. It’s no wonder we’re generally told to have a cup of tea when feeling stressed out or being under a lot of pressure.
6.It contains antioxidants
Perhaps the most important quality of tea is that it contains a large quantity of antioxidants, what we desperately need in our busy and tiresome daily lives, exposed to all sorts of toxins. Antioxidants help slow down aging and rejuvenate our body cells, and therefore allow us to feel and look young and protect us from damage from pollution. Load up on antioxidants with green or white tea, which are less processed than other teas so they retain more beneficial antioxidants.
In addition to the worldwide appeal and a wide spectrum of flavors and enchanting aromas, drinking tea also offers numerous health benefits, and the latest studies show just how good tea actually is for us. Above are some of the most important reasons why you should add a cup or two of tea to your meal plan every single day.