A cup of tea can not only refresh you; it can also provide valuable health benefits. Whether you enjoy a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold-brewed tea, this plant-based beverage packs a powerful punch of health perks. The next time you take some much-needed tea time — either alone or with friends — consider the multiple benefits offered by different tea flavors.
1. Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke
One health benefit of green tea is the reduced risk of heart attack or stroke. One study found that participants who drank one to three cups of green tea a day experienced the following benefits:
- 35% reduced risk of stroke
- 20% reduced risk of heart attack
The effects of tea on heart health are found among numerous studies and research. Dedicated green tea drinkers who enjoy four or more cups per day sometimes experience lower levels of LDL cholesterol, in addition to the heart benefits.
2. Tea and Antioxidants
According to the Mayo Clinic, antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Pollution and the environment, for example, are two examples of free radicals that can negatively impact your health.
White tea is higher in antioxidants and, therefore, a popular choice for those seeking to keep their immune system strong.
3. Tea as a Bone Protector
One particular type of tea provides benefits for bone health. Moringa tea, native to South Asia, contains more calcium than milk. Other nutrients included in Moringa tea are:
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
Tea can also help you maintain a healthy smile. White tea contains fluoride, catechins, and tannins, which provide the following benefits:
- Strengthen teeth
- Fight plaque
- Protects enamel from the harmful effects of acid and sugar
Green tea is also a tooth-pleaser with benefits that help gum health and bad breath. Tea drinkers can breathe and smile easier as green tea kills odor-causing bacteria on the tongue. Understanding that your cup of tea benefits your overall mouth health makes your tea time all that more enjoyable.
4. Soothes Digestive Health
Herbal teas, such as ginger and chamomile can help soothe your digestive health. For example, ginger tea is beneficial in calming nausea, while chamomile tea contains antispasmodic qualities that help calm irritable bowel syndrome.
Peppermint is another helpful herbal tea that may help with constipation and motion sickness. This tea flavor can also reduce the pain that accompanies headaches and migraines.
5. Less Caffeine Than Coffee
Most teas contain 50 percent less caffeine than coffee. Herbal teas contain no caffeine. Herbal tea is a perfect choice for avoiding the harmful effects of caffeine, such as:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Dehydration
- Anxiety
These are just a few examples of how caffeine can affect your body. Turning to tea instead of coffee can reduce — or eliminate — your caffeine jitters and sleepless nights.
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