Move over coffee and make room for tea. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during that late afternoon slump, or after dinner, Americans love a hot—or even an iced version— beverage. While coffee does contain some health benefits, tea—whether black tea, green tea, olive leaf tea, or herbal tea—appears to be the healthier beverage option.
Sipping a glass of tea on a regular basis may improve your overall health. Therefore, you may want to make drinking tea part of your regular routine. Here are some if its top health benefits.
- Reduce risk of chronic diseases
Teas, including green tea and black tea, contain medicinal properties and are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants shown to fight free radicals and ward off diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. Matcha, often considered one of the healthiest green teas because the whole tea leaf which is ground into a powder contains a higher antioxidant level than traditional green tea. Green tea and matcha are rich in a polyphenol called EGCG, with the matcha containing nearly 140 times more than regular green tea. Matcha is particularly known for its anti-cancer properties.
- Support immune health/bolster immunity
Tea has been shown to support immune health and reduce inflammation. Olive leaf tea is rich in the antioxidant vitamin C which contains properties that promote immune health and reduce inflammation. This study found that athletes who took olive leaf supplements for 2 months had fewer sick days when compared to those who took a placebo. Green tea contains antibacterial properties and may reduce bacteria in your mouth which can cause cavities and reduce immunity as well.
- Improve brain function
Research found that drinking tea on a regular basis may be protective against cognitive decline and a reduction in brain function due to aging. Catechins, found in green tea and oolong tea, are antioxidants that can delay cellular aging and help to reduce the progression of cognitive impairment. L-theanine found in green tea elevate neurotransmitter levels in the brain that may improve concentration, mood, and cognitive skills.
- Promote weight loss and reduce blood sugar levels
Tea is naturally low in calories and can be a great addition to your day. Drinking tea helps with hydration and contributes to your water intake. Some flavored teas like herbal cinnamon apple or berry tea have a sweet taste without added calories and are a great way to end a meal. It is important to read food labels of sweetened iced teas and limit them due to their added sugar content. Some teas can also reduce blood sugar levels. Black tea, for example, helps control your blood sugar and may even reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Helps you relax
Herbal teas, including chamomile and lavender, do not contain caffeine and can have a calming effect and help you relax. They are great to include as part of your nighttime routine. Chamomile tea contains antioxidants and calming properties that may help you get a better night’s sleep. I enjoy a cup of chamomile tea after dinner most evenings to help me relax and get a good night sleep.
- For a more in depth look at tea, I co-authored this article for Smart Lifebites. Enjoy.
Recipe of the week: strawberry-banana “nice cream”