Whether it’s a much-needed pause in your day or a social excuse to catch up with a friend, tea has many physiological as well as holistic health benefits. Here are five of them.
1. Weight loss
Green tea can boost your endurance and metabolic rate. It’s the antioxidants in green tea that do the trick, increasing the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel, which helps to improve muscle endurance and encourages weight loss.
2. Heart health
Drinking tea could help reduce your risk of heart disease. A Cochrane review pooled data from 11 randomised controlled trials, whichshowed that both green tea and black tea significantly reduced blood pressure, with black tea lowering LDL-cholesterol and green tea lowering total cholesterol. However, the results are not definitive given the small study numbers. But, it’s a good start.
3. Brain power
A systematic review of the effects of tea on mood and cognitive function found that the caffeine, catechins and the amino acid, L-theanine, in tea can boost alertness and attention-switching accuracy up to two hours after consumption. The researchers also found small enhancements in accuracy of visual and auditory attention. However, we still need more research on the effects of tea on dementia.
4. Curb cravings
It is said that hunger pangs can be triggered by thirst. So if water seems too boring, why not stave off your cravings with a cup of herbal or green tea? It’s a perfect way to keep limit overeating, while giving your mouth something to do as well as satisfying your tastebuds.
5. A cup of happiness
For many, the pause in their busy day a cuppa offers is one of most joyful moments. It’s a chance to take time out for yourself to relax, recoup and refill (pun intended) before carrying on – and is a much-needed respite for the brain, which is sure to increase your mood-enhancing hormones!
What are your reasons for drinking tea?
