Jane Austen once wrote "But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea." While you shouldn’t drink “nothing” but tea, making a nice hot cup of tea a part of your daily routine can have all kinds of positive effects on your physical and mental health. For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, we look at how a bunch of loose leaves steeped in water can have such a soothing, energizing, and nourishing effect on us.
Rich In Antioxidants
Black tea, green tea, and hibiscus tea are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that work to fight free radicals and inhibit oxidation in the body. Free radicals are molecules that have been linked to debilitating health conditions like cancer and diabetes. They can also attack the body's collagen and elastic fibers, which impairs skin hydration and can lead to the formation of wrinkles and dyschromia (irregularly colored patches of skin). Consuming a diet that’s rich in antioxidants can do wonders for your skin and overall health. If you enjoy fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and/or sweet cherries, consider snacking on them while you enjoy a cup of tea. Berries are packed with antioxidants.
A Kick of Caffeine
If you’re looking for an energetic alternative to coffee, a cup of black or green tea can give you a boost of caffeine. While coffee tends to be higher in caffeine content, one advantage to tea is that many contain the antioxidant L-theanine. This compound has soothing, anti-stress properties. L-theanine boosts your brain’s alpha waves, which helps calm you down and induces a state of relaxation. This is why the energy boost tea gives tends to be more gradual and smoother than the faster burst of energy coffee offers. It also offers a more gentle come-down than coffee does, so you’ll usually experience a less dramatic “crash” than you would from downing a cup of joe.
Packed With Nutrients
While there are several different varieties of tea, they all tend to be dense with vitamins and minerals. A regular cup of tea can be a great source of:
- Vitamin C
- Carotene
- Vitamin B6
- Folic acid
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Thiamine
- Phosphorous
- Copper
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
Lowers Cholesterol
Studies have found that certain types of tea can improve cholesterol levels. Green tea, black tea, and oolong tea have been found to help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Green tea can also help prevent the clogging of the arteries and burn fat.
Excellent Source of Hydration
A cup of tea can be a great way to stay hydrated. Tea has a high water content but unlike coffee is not a diuretic. The low caffeine content of tea makes it so you can get the nice sharpened alertness and energy boost of caffeine without the dehydration or extra trips to the bathroom. And while it may sound counterintuitive, a hot cup of tea can help you cool down on a summer day by regulating your body temperature.
A Good Night's Sleep
Tea's relaxing properties already make it a great stress reliever. Did you know that certain types of tea can also help you fall asleep? Teas like magnolia, chamomile, lavender, passionflower, and valerian contain natural sedatives that make them effective sleep aids. Low caffeine green tea has also been found to be a good bedtime. Just make sure you drink caffeine-free or low caffeine green tea as the regular strength version will keep you awake like a cup of coffee.
Too Much Tea?
Tea is very healthy but in excess it can have some side effects. The biggest (and most painful) side effect of drinking too much tea is kidney stones. Tea contains oxalate, a compound that can bind together with calcium. When a large amount of oxalate and calcium come together, it can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Article by Austin Brietta
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