The Health Benefits of Tea

Health Benefits of Tea: Almost half of the World population consumes a tea beverage daily. Black, green, and oolong are the most common varieties of caffeinated tea, and their prevalence varies geographically. In the United States, black tea consumption is by far the most prevalent. In contrast, green tea is more prevalent in Asia, while oolong tea reigns supreme in Southern China.

The same plant produces black, green, and oolong teas. The distinctive flavor profiles of each of these teas result from the various ways in which the Camellia sinensis plant's leaves are processed.  However, herbal beverages are not produced from the same plant. These infusions are made from the roots, leaves, flowers, and other plant parts of various species. Both chamomile and peppermint are well-liked botanical beverages. Chamomile is derived from the plant's flowers, while peppermint is derived from the plant's foliage.

Caffeine and Nutrients Found in Tea

Each of black, green, and oolong tea contains caffeine. Green tea contains less caffeine than black tea. However, the amount of caffeine also depends on the brewing procedure. The longer tea is steeped, the more caffeine it contains. Typically, caffeinated infusions contain less caffeine than coffee:

 There are approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine in one 8-ounce cup of coffee. 

A similar volume of black tea contains approximately 48 milligrams.

A cup of green tea contains only 29 milligrams of caffeine.

Oolong contains approximately 38 mg of caffeine per cup.

Black, green, and oolong decaffeinated teas contain negligible amounts of caffeine.

Numerous herbal beverages lack caffeine.

Both caffeinated and medicinal teas contain trace quantities of minerals including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, and zinc. The actual quantity fluctuates based on the tea plant's age and growing conditions. One cup of herbal tea, including chamomile, contains approximately 5 milligrams of calcium. Fluoride is also present in tea, but the quantity varies depending on the type and volume of water used to prepare it.

More Tips about Health Benefits of Tea

Purported Health Benefits of Tea

Polyphenols are natural substances present in both caffeinated and herbal brews. These compounds are antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases.

Some of the polyphenols in tea are destroyed during processing. Therefore, tea granules, decaffeinated teas, and bottled tea beverages may not provide the same health advantages. In addition, research indicates that green teas contain more antioxidants than most other varieties. 

Weight Management

Some studies suggest that the caffeine and catechins, a type of polyphenol, in tea may aid in weight loss, although the verdict is still out.  It did not appear that decaffeinated green teas produced the same results. Although the research on caffeinated green tea appears promising, many questions remain unanswered. In addition, the results have been minimal, with an additional one to two pounds of weight loss. Notably, research does not support the wide variety of herbal tea products advertised for weight loss, and depending on their constituents, these products may be hazardous.

Heart Health

Tea consumers may be contributing to cardiac health. Regular green or black tea drinkers have a reduced incidence of cardiac disease, according to some research; however, the effects of tea on lowering cholesterol and blood pressure are inconsistent.

Diabetes

Less clarity exists in the diabetes research. Some studies suggest that the catechins in green tea may help to control blood sugar levels, thereby decreasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, these findings are primarily founded on foreign practices and have not been replicated in clinical trials. Researchers are also investigating whether spearmint and chamomile herbal beverages play a role in diabetes prevention. There is a need for additional research on the quantity and type of tea, particularly since some of the results have involved tea as a supplement rather than a beverage.

Cancer

Even though there is a great deal of information online about tea as a cancer-fighting beverage, there is no scientific evidence that tea consumption reduces the risk of cancer. Some studies imply that tea consumers have a reduced risk for certain types of cancer, whereas other studies refute this notion. It is currently uncertain whether consuming tea can reduce the risk of cancer.

Too Much of a Good Thing: Health Risks of Tea

Although there are numerous health benefits to drinking tea, excessive consumption can be hazardous to your health.

One danger is caffeine overdose. Large quantities of caffeine can cause agitation, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Some individuals may also experience diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. In addition to nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, vertigo, and muscle pain, overconsumption of caffeine may also cause these symptoms.  Additionally, it may interact with certain medications and amplify the effects of caffeine on the body. Total caffeine consumption from all sources should not exceed 400 milligrams per day.

Also read: Teach Your Kids Healthy Eating Habits

_{A Nice Cup of Tea}

Tea can be a part of a healthy diet, although additional research is required to determine all of its benefits. For the most potent effect, brew your own tea and be mindful of how you enhance it in order to limit added sugars.