Drinking green tea might protect against cardiovascular diseases and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A review of 31 research studies found that green tea is associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (ldl) , or "bad" cholesterol. Anti-inflammatory compounds in green tea, like egcg, have proved to relax blood vessels and reduce vascular inflammation (inflammation of the blood vessels). The optimal amount of daily green tea intake for heart health benefits is unknown. Still, evidence suggests that drinking three to five cups of green tea daily, alongside a healthy diet, is associated with a 41% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Ruxton’s research found that consuming four cups of tea a day allows maximum health benefits. Even three cups a day reduces risk of heart attack by 11 percent. Drinking tea helps boost the immune system and strengthen teeth and bones. It also aids in blocking ldl (bad) cholesterol and increasing hdl (good) cholesterol, which improves artery function. The essential oils in tea leaves help digestion, and green tea is even thought to aid in weight loss. Some may worry that the caffeine in tea may cause dehydration, but dr. Ruxton assures consumers that is not the case. In fact, caffeine has many positive functions like relieving headaches, improving mood and helping.
Black tea packs a punch when it comes to heart health. Theaflavins help to lower blood cholesterol. And flavonoids — the same antioxidants found in red wine, dark chocolate and nuts —reduce the risk of heart disease by 8%. Studies show that with every cup of tea you drink daily, you can lower your blood pressure, the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack and stroke) and the threat of death from heart disease.
4. Tea may help with weight loss
Across the country, restaurants, cultural venues and retail shops serve premium teas, while supermarkets, convenience stores and vending machines are stocking bottled tea. According to the tea association of the usa, the number of americans who will drink tea today is about 160 million, about half of the u. S. Population.
And, 2012 continued with the trend of increased consumer purchases of tea — surpassing the $2. 25 billion mark in retail supermarket sales. Ever since 2737 b. C. , when chinese legend says leaves from an overhanging camellia sinensis plant fell into emperor shen nung’s cup of boiling water, tea has been recognized by cultures around the world for its capacity to soothe, restore and refresh.
Tea has been a treasured elixir for thousands of years. Recent research studies are shedding light on why this beverage has earned its reputation for numerous wellness benefits. Today, a modern tea lifestyle is emerging as people look to take a moment of respite and explore tea to address a myriad health issues, ranging from weight loss, to stress reduction and osteoporosis. The role antioxidants play in the prevention of disease has positioned loose leaf tea as the ideal health beverage. Check out this summary of health benefits by tea type here, and you just might be inspired to incorporate fresh tea into your daily wellness routine.
Abu el wafa y, benavente f. A, talavera f. A. Et al. Acute hepatitis induced by camellia sinensis (green tea). An med interna. 2005;22:298. [ pubmed: 16145729 ] adachi m, saito h, kobayashi h, editors. Et al. Hepatic injury in 12 patients taking the herbal weight loss aids chaso or onshido. Ann intern med. 2003;139:488–92. [ pubmed: 13679326 ] baba s, osakabe n, yasuda a, editors. Et al. Bioavailability of (–)-epicatechin upon intake of chocolate and cocoa in human volunteers. Free radic res. 2000;33:635–41. [ pubmed: 11200094 ] babu p. V, liu d. Green tea catechins and cardiovascular health: an update. Curr med chem.
5. Tea may help protect your bones
Could white tea help brighten your smile ? some evidence suggests that it might. White tea’s a legit source of fluoride , which helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Plus, the catechins in white tea help inhibit bacteria growth and plaque. Tannins are another type of polyphenol found in white tea. When combined with fluoride, tannins help increase teeth’s acid resistance , therefore helping keep teeth strong and cavity-free.