Rejuvenation: The Bountiful Benefits of Tea
You won’t find a more refreshing beverage than tea. Tea seems to clean the palate instead of leaving a lingering aftertaste. Hot tea, even on a hot day can cool you off, and leave you feeling refreshed. Iced t
eas quench the thirst better than any other prepared beverage. Studies show that the types of caffeine in tea are different than in coffee, and while one type stimulates you, the other relaxes the smooth muscles. That explains the enigma that often surrounds tea: it gives a bit of a lift while relaxing you at the same time.
So, the next time you are in need of refreshment, move past the mundane sodas and sweet drinks to a delicious and truly refreshing cup of tea.
Other benefits are directly related to improvement of overall health, and prevention of many diseases. There is much research being done on tea these days, and for good reason. Investigations have already shown that tea contains more antioxidants, especially the most beneficial EGCG, than any other food source.
A little Chemistry:
The human body constantly produces oxidized molecules known as free r
adicals as a by-product of normal metabolism. These free radicals can damage the cells of our bodies leading to numerous disorders from heart disease to cancer, and are th
e cause of the aging of the body. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage. An
tioxidants can be found in foods such as fruits and vegetables, however, tealeaves are unusually rich in catechins and flavonoids, two powerful types of antioxidants.
Many studies have been and are being done on tea and its antioxidant properties to determine the full extent of the health benefits of this incredible beverage. One recent study conducted by a Harvard Medical School Affiliate Hospital found that drinking two to three cups of tea a day can reduce the risk of heart attack by 44%! And another study showed that men with a high flavonoid intake (from 4-5 cups of tea a day) had a 73% lower risk of stroke during a 15 year period than men with a low flavonoid intake.
The following list details the many and varied health benefits which come from drinking tea regularly.
Health Benefits of Regular Tea Consumption
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Some of the caffeine related compounds in tea actually RELAX the smooth muscles of the body.
- Enhances the function of the Immune System.
- Prevents normal cells from turning cancerous and suppresses the formation and growth of tumors.
- Studies have shown that tea antioxidants can actually shrink tumor size and have a mechanism that prevents metastasis.
- Helps control cholesterol levels.
- A study with 15 years of follow-up showed that tea can lower the risk of stroke by 73% by making the platelets (cause blood to clot) less sticky.
- Helps control blood pressure levels.
- A Harvard University related hospital study showed that tea reduces the risk of heart attack by 44%.
- Helps to stabilize blood sugar and keep it at moderate levels.
- Fights food-borne bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
- Tea helps fight harmful bacteria in the intestines and encourages bowel regularity.
- Recent studies show tea’s ability to fights viruses such as cold and flu.
- Blocks the breakdown of starch to assist the body in weight loss efforts.
- The caffeine in tea provides a mild stimulant effect without causing nervousness or sleeplessness.
- Guards against free radical damage which leads to aging, causes the formation of cancer, and diabetes.
- Slows the aging process and can actually improve the integrity of the skin—reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
- Has slight diuretic properties to help maintain the body’s fluid balance.
- Fights bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and bad breath.
- On top of all that: Tea is all-natural, is calorie free and sodium free. Tea has fluoride and traces of vitamins A, K, C, beta-carotene, and the B vitamins including folate. With the combination of its rich history, many varieties, subtle, enticing flavors, and incredible health benefits, this almost 5000 year old beverage can most certainly be deemed the official health drink of the new millennium. Partake of this simple leaf, this complex wonder we call tea ~ and become restored!
Tea Clears One’s Mind & Prolongs Living