The Health Benefits of Tea & How to Pick the Right One for You

What are the health benefits of tea?

1. Boosts your metabolism
2. Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
3. Reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases
4. Enhances insulin sensitivity
5. Better focus and brainpower
6. Improves your oral health
7. Supports a healthier gut

Many people drink tea, but is it good for you? While many factors go into being healthier — such as lifestyle, diet, exercise, and more — the health benefits of tea can provide a critical boost to your body’s wellness.

What goes into a good, high-quality cup of tea has significant effects on our bodies. They’re rich in certain bio compounds that have been scientifically proven to benefit physiological functions. Combining this drink with other healthy habits may have lasting, positive effects on your well-being, and reduce the risk of health issues. Read on.

Boosts Your Metabolism

Most tea contains polyphenol s— micronutrients found in herbs and plants. Polyphenols have been found to increase our caloric use, which in turn boosts our metabolism. Plus, polyphenols promote a beneficial type of fat: brown fat. This is more metabolically active, which means a higher brown fat content can help us burn more calories as well.

In some studies, researchers discovered that respondents who regularly drank two to six cups of tea every day for 12 weeks had lower body weight and increased metabolism, compared to a control group who took no tea at all.

Has Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Inflammation is a natural body response to fighting off infection and disease — but can wreak havoc on our bodies when left unchecked. Chronic or high levels of inflammation have been linked to many health problems, such as depression, arthritis, ulcers, and others.

The bio compounds found in tea can decrease inflammation, which reduces the risk of contracting these health problems. Reducing inflammation can also make you look less puffy, red, and fatigued.

Oxidative damage, caused by free radicals in the body, can also cause such health problems. Tea is packed with antioxidants, which fight off the effects of free radicals. This lessens cellular and molecular damage, promoting overall health. Antioxidants are also known to slow aging and support your immune system.

Reduces the Risk of Certain Chronic Diseases

Tea can potentially reduce the risk of certain, life-threatening conditions. Tea contains flavonoids, which research shows improves blood flow around the body by relaxing and widening arteries to reduce blood clots. Flavonoids also have an antioxidant effect, which protects heart cells and tissue, slowing down the onset of heart disease.

Other studies have found that the polyphenols in tea could potentially reduce your chances of cancer. While more research is needed for certain types of cancer, findings are promising for studies involving prostate, mouth, pancreatic, and breast cancer. These studies have found that cases are much lower amongst respondents who regularly drank tea.

Enhances Insulin Sensitivity

Some teas also have positive effects on blood sugar levels. Tea contains compounds like tannins and theaflavin, which enhance insulin sensitivity.

By increasing insulin sensitivity, it helps your body to effectively use and store glucose for energy. This may help reduce symptoms of diabetes or reduce the risk of having diabetes altogether. Tea can also protect pancreatic cells from damage benefitting those diagnosed with diabetes.

Better Focus and Brainpower

Many studies have shown that the caffeine and other bio compounds found in certain teas can help strengthen brain cells. These also offer protection from oxidative damage as well as age-related degeneration. These effects reduce the risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Tea is also great for mental alertness and focus. A cup of tea contains caffeine, catechins, theaflavins, and L-theanine — all naturally occurring compounds that help your brain work more accurately, process information effectively, and even improve your multitasking capabilities. Some studies even show that regular intake of tea has lasting effects on your memory and attention span.

Improves Your Oral Health

Not all drinks are good for your teeth — sugar in sodas and juices erode the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to cavities. In this case, you may have to pay a visit to your dentist in Drummoyne regularly. Teas, on the other hand, can improve your oral health.

Some teas contain fluoride, which reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. Tea can also help manage a healthy pH level in your mouth. As a result, you are less susceptible to cavities and other oral diseases.

Supports a Healthier Gut

Fiber and probiotics are key factors in gut health. But did you know that tea is a great supporting player for your gut microbiome?

The polyphenols in tea are beneficial to the diversity and balance of your gut microbiome. With tea, you can achieve a healthier gut, which results in positive effects on your weight, digestion, immune system, and other bodily systems.

How to Pick the Right Tea for You

With so many types of tea, it can be difficult to pick the right drink for you. If you’re struggling, the best way to narrow your choices down is to ask yourself why you’re interested in drinking tea. What health benefits most interest you?

Generally, we recommend matching your tea with your health goals. There are plenty of herbal teas that offer specific advantages.

For example, if you were interested in boosting your memory, focus, and brain capabilities, you could try Bacopa Monnieri tea. These are best for improving your overall cognitive health.

Furthermore, we suggest keeping these in mind:

• Choose a few teas — variety can help you improve overall health.
• Unsweetened, organic tea — these have less sugar, and are a healthier beverage.
• Drink in moderation — avoid having more than four cups a day.
• Try loose leaf teas — these are often fresher and incorporate more parts of herbs and tea plants.

Tea is a safe beverage to experiment with, so try out some herbal teas and find which ones can give you your desired health benefits.

Key Takeaway

The health benefits of tea, no matter the variety, have been scientifically proven to provide lasting advantages for you and your body. With so many potential improvements to your well-being, it’s a great opportunity for you to pick a good, high-quality tea, and brew up a batch of this health-promoting beverage.