SEVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRINKING TEA

Tea is undoubtedly one of the world's most beloved beverages, consumed by billions of people across the planet daily. While the health properties of tea have often played an important part in many ancient cultures, it’s only been more recently that Western civilization has begun to pay close attention to the benefits associated with this sophisticated elixir.

Because not all teas are the same, let’s first take a brief look at the four main types of tea and what some of their key attributes are

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEAS

Black Tea
Black teas derive their darker color and often bold flavor from being more oxidized (exposure to air) after harvest than other teas. As a result, black teas tend to have a bolder taste and higher levels of caffeine than other teas.

Green Tea 
Green teas are less processed and less oxidized (usually via steaming or pan frying) than black teas, hence their lighter color. They also contain higher levels of polyphenols such as flavonoids and catechins which act as powerful antioxidants.

Oolong Tea
Simply put, oolong tea falls between black and green tea and is only partially oxidized. The leaves are usually rolled to curtail the oxidation process.

White Tea
White teas are the least processed and consist of young tea leaves and buds. As a result, they tend to be quite delicate and often sweet and fruity tasting. They usually have a slightly less astringent and less grassy taste than green teas.

SOME HEALTH PROPERTIES OF TEAS
Green tea in particular contains an abundance of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols that help protect our cells from free radicals in the body. Some of the main polyphenol compounds include theaflavins, catechins, flavanoids, and (EGCG) epigallocatechin gallate which are naturally occurring in tea plants and are known to have significant health benefits.

1. Cardiovascular Support
   Research has shown that tea polyphenols such as catechins contained in green tea and theaflavins in black teas support heart health via the reduction of LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. They can also help to promote better blood flow and reduce blood pressure by helping the blood vessels relax and widen.

2. Anti Inflammatory Qualities
   Tea polyphenols such as catechins and flavonoids have strong antioxidant qualities which help manage inflammation by blocking inflammatory signals and regulating enzymes in the body that promote inflammation. Because green teas are less processed, they typically contain the most catechins and flavonoids, especially EGCG. 

3. Improved Blood Sugar Regulation
   Studies indicate that polyphenols (particularly catechins) can help improve the body’s response to insulin, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. This may be beneficial in helping to prevent and control diabetes. Catechins are most abundant in green teas.

4. Improved Gut Microbiome 
   You’ve probably heard of gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Well, the polyphenols (particularly flavonoids) contained in tea can help act as prebiotics and improve the growth of these bacteria. They act as a food or energy source for the bacteria to propagate and improve digestion and overall gut health. Green teas are generally the best source of flavonoids.

5. Skin Radiance
   The antioxidants in teas help protect your skin from the effects of sunlight (UV) radiation, keeping you looking younger and maintaining that youthful glow. Additionally, tea is said to improve collagen synthesis which helps to maintain the elasticity and smoothness of your skin.

6. Cognitive Improvement
   Drinking tea is said to have numerous neuroprotective benefits. Polyphenols such as EGCG help to protect the brain cells from oxidative stress (a build-up of too many free radicals) and inflammation which can lead to various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the caffeine found in tea can act as a stimulant, helping to boost concentration and general clarity. Black teas generally contain higher amounts of caffeine.

7. Improved Oral Health
   Teas contain traces of fluoride (especially white teas) which can help contribute to dental health. Additionally, the polyphenols and antioxidants in tea have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities which reduce acidic buildup, improve gum health, and help manage bad breath control.
   

Our conclusion - Tea Is Good For You!
And we've only just scratched the surface.  

Aside from the obvious health benefits, there are a bunch of reasons to incorporate a regular tea consumption regime into your lifestyle. For some people with specific health issues, it's always advisable to consult a health professional before chugging down liters each day, but generally speaking, I think many of us could benefit from a little more tea time.

Thanks for reading.
I’m exhausted and need a cuppa tea to pick me up...