The Health Benefits Of Tea
Numerous health benefits have been attributed to tea since time immemorial. In folk medicine, the health benefits of tea were already recognized 5000 years ago and it was used as a treatment for infectious diseases, colds, and also as an aid to the digestive and nervous systems.
Upon the expansion of scientific research in this field, more and more facts have accumulated testifying to the connection between regular tea consumption and lower chances of suffering from a wide variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The main advantage of tea lies in the fact that it is a completely natural product, without any added flavorings, colors or preservatives. Likewise, when drunk without adding any sugar, honey or milk, tea has no calories and simultaneously serves as a crucial component for maintaining the balance of body liquids.
Research Into The Health Benefits Of Tea
- umerous studies show that tea leaves contain a high amount of polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant, and that regular consumption of about five cups of tea per day contributes to keeping a high level of them in the bloodstream. The antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals. The free radicals are oxidizing molecules which naturally and harmlessly exist within the human body. However, they accumulate as a result of physiological processes such as metabolism, and are furthermore found in environmental factors such as polluted air, poisonous waste and cigarette smoke.
The accumulated free radicals are an encumbrance upon the immune system as they attack the body tissues and harm cells thus leading to the development of chronic diseases and they are also linked to the aging processes. - A study led in Japan in which 9,000 women participated, shows that women who drank less than 5 cups of tea per day were twice as prone to suffer strokes. The phenols, found in the tea, prevent the oxidization of the cholesterol, which may cause damage to the blood vessels.
- The health benefits of green tea have been found and reported in countless research papers. Among other things, green tea was found to lower the risk of cancer, arteriosclerosis, infective intestine diseases and liver infections; likewise, green tea helps lower cholesterol, assists with weight loss and strengthens cognitive abilities.
- Green tea is famous for its calming effect on both body and mind. studies have shown that this calming effect is caused by the L- Theanine amino acid found in the leaves of green tea. L-Theanine affects the central nerve system, causing certain substances to be released which cause a sense of euphoria, optimism and serenity while neutralizing the vigor which accompanies the consumption of caffeine in tea.
- Tea prevents the rise of homocysteine which is known to be an important and significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, due to the content of vitamin M in tea. The vitamin M, which is a B complex vitamin, assists in preventing cancer and it also plays an important part in the health of the nervous system, the eyes and other systems.
- Epidemioligical studies have shown that anyone who drinks large quantities of tea has a lower risk of certain cancers, primarily stomach cancer, cancer of the digestive system and bladder cancer.
- Epidemioligical studies have shown that anyone who drinks large quantities of tea has a lower risk of certain cancers, primarily stomach cancer, cancer of the digestive system and bladder cancer.
- Tea leaves contain fluoride which helps strengthen bones and teeth and fights cavities.
Tea And Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural substance found in numerous plants. Its consumption helps with metabolism, weight loss and vitality. The average amount of caffeine from brewed tea leaves depends on the type of tea (black tea contains more caffeine than green tea), the brewing duration, and the water temperature (the higher the temperature- the greater the amount of caffeine drained from the leaves). A healthy individual can consume up to about 350 mg of caffeine per day without any concern.