The health benefits of drinking tea
Tea is a name given to a lot of brews, but more commonly refers to the aromatic beverage prepared by pouring boiling water over cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The term herbal tea usually refers to infusions of fruit or herbs made without the tea plant — steeps of rosehip, chamomile or rooibos, sometimes called tisanes to avoid confusion with tea made from the tea plant itself.
Regardless of the season, tea is a refreshing beverage that can be served hot or cold. Its benefits go well past refreshment, though — the flavonoids, antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds in tea have made it a popular remedy for a wide variety of ailments, and it can even be used in topical applications for certain issues.
Health tips
Five reasons to reach for another cup
Antioxidants for overall wellbeing
Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals — a factor in the development of blood vessel disease, cancer and other conditions. Tea contains unique antioxidants called flavonoids, the most potent of which, EGCG, may help guard against free radicals that contribute to cancer, heart disease and clogged arteries.
L-theanine can help you focus
Tea's key active ingredient is caffeine — a known stimulant, though far gentler than coffee. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases the activity of an inhibitory neurotransmitter with anti-anxiety effects. Studies show caffeine and L-theanine have synergistic effects, making the combination particularly effective at improving focus.
Supports heart health
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Regular tea drinking has been shown to improve several of its main risk factors, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Catechins in green tea and theaflavins in black tea can inhibit lipid oxidation and plaque formation while reducing cholesterol — regular tea drinkers show up to a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Naturally high in fluoride
The Camellia sinensis plant absorbs fluoride from the soil, and brewing extracts most of it from the leaves. A daily cup can contribute meaningfully to your fluoride intake, helping reduce tooth decay — it even shifts the pH in your mouth, which can help prevent cavities, while polyphenols in tea may inhibit the bacteria that cause decay.
Zero calories, real hydration
Tea in its pure, unadulterated form contains no calories, making it a versatile alternative to water — hot or cold, with endless options for flavour. Research also shows tea can boost metabolic rate, and several studies link regular tea drinking to decreases in body fat, body weight and waist circumference.
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