Tea is a very common beverage in the world today. Probably it is an everyday product on your shopping list this year. Did you know that tea has numerous medicinal values for your body? Many people have linked various health benefits to tea. Some of the advantages include prevention of cancer, gum maladies, and dental issues. Tea also helps to relieve fatigue, depression, and fever. For extra beauty, regular consumption of tea can keep your skin younger looking throughout your lifetime. Where did it all start?
We owe thanks to the Chinese for discovering the medicinal value of tea. In China tea remains the most common beverage. However in the past, only the noblemen in China drank tea because it was the secret to long life. The Chinese believed that tea was a stimulant that could reduce the rate of aging, promote vigor and help to promote a long life.
In the scientific world, tea goes by the name of Camellia Sinensis. Today, scientists have given many real insights into the health benefits of tea. As a matter of fact, the chemical components of tea include antioxidants, Catechins, and polyphenols. All these chemicals have a positive impact on our bodies. However, we have made the task of knowing what is good in tea easier for you. Check out some of the medicinal benefits we compiled for you after a detailed exploration. At the end of it, you will be brewing an extra cup or even two every day.
Health Benefits of Tea
Keep Cancer at Bay
Recent studies proved that tea contains polyphenols like Catechins. Different forms of Catechins are common in various flavors and are responsible for the delicious fragrance of tea. Catechins are rich with antioxidant properties, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer and tumors effectively. Alkaloid, found in tea in the form of tannin and caffeine, also inhibits the growth rate of malignant cells. Regular drinking of tea can therefore help to prevent liver, intestine or even lung tumors and cancer.
Slow down your aging rate
One of the standard components of tea is antioxidants which can serve to slow down the aging process. Antioxidants prevent the oxidation process that damages the circulatory, respiratory and the nervous system. Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize the oxidants. Other supplements used in tea, such as lemon juice, help to prevent excessive aging. In particular lemon juice delays the loss of vision and macular degeneration and the degradation of the muscles among other age-related conditions.
Improve the Immune System
Alkaloids are powerful disinfectants. For example, tannin and caffeine present in tea have high levels of antimicrobial, antiviral, and germicidal properties. Scientists have reported that all alkaloids are either mild or harsh poisons to living cells. When consumed in moderate amounts like the ones found in tea, they help to exterminate germs. Extermination of bugs is the biggest secret why tea is very effective in relieving fever and inhibiting infections. The antioxidants found in tea help to make the immune system even stronger. Tea may also prove to provide immunity to deadly viruses like HIV. Current studies show that Oxalate and Catechins inhibit the growth of HIV.
Keep Teeth, Gums and Hair Healthy
Tannin, an alkaloid in tea, has strong astringent properties. However, the medicinal value of these astringent properties in tea is mostly only functional when we take it without sugar. Astringents neutralize the excess acids as well as killing the germs in the mouth. Astringents also help to keep gums healthy providing firm support for the teeth and so prevents them from becoming loose. Washing your hair with black tea makes the hair roots stronger thereby preventing hair loss.
Reduce Fatigue and Stress
Alkaloids and caffeine are strong and efficient natural stimulants. They make tea a potent antidepressant and energizer. Tea gives an instant relief for exhaustion, stimulates the brain, and promotes the frame of mind. During the cold days, tea helps to keep the cold away. Another critical component of tea is L-Thiamine, which is an amino acid. It increases the attentiveness of the brain, reaction time and memory. Therefore, tea is very effective in driving away drowsiness. Next time you are feeling a bit down and lethargic pick yourself up with a cup of tea.
Lower Your Cholesterol Levels
In a recent report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea was found to be very effective in reducing levels of cholesterol. A cup of tea serves to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the large intestines. In China, Pu-erh tea is found to be very effective in lowering the cholesterol levels.
Lower levels of inflammation
Inflammatory reactions are very common and have a close connection to common ailments. For example, arthritis, metabolic syndrome as well as depression may lead to inflammations. Active compounds in tea are very effective in lowering the levels of inflammation and inflammatory reactions.
Cardiovascular diseases are deadly health conditions and may arise from the increased inflammatory levels. However, green tea can contribute to preventing such infections due to aiding reduced inflammation levels.
Reduce Dementia
Current studies show that tea can reduce dementia through blood sugar regulation. Tea also can improve the functioning of the brain theta wave. The result is improved memory and brain activity. Therefore, taking a cup of tea can help you to stay sharp.
Solve your stomach Problems
Different tea flavors are critical in helping the digestive process. For example, peppermint, ginger and anise flavours improve the digestion. In particular, peppermint tea has compounds that can reduce irritation in the colon. As a result, it helps to lessen the discomfort that may arise from the consumption of spicy foods.
A few cups of tea daily will help to improve your mind, beautify your skin and assist your natural bodily functions. For you to get all the advantages it is best to avoid putting sugar in your cup of tea. Start to explore the uniqueness of tea today and enjoy better health.