Introduction: Drinking tea is a traditional habit for Chinese people, especially the elderly. Drinking several cups of fragrant tea every day indeed has many benefits, but you may not be very familiar with the benefits of drinking tea. So, let's follow the editor to count the benefits of drinking tea!
Drink more tea, get more benefits. According to the latest report from foreign media, drinking three cups of tea a day can exert various anti-disease and health-preserving effects. Experts suggest drinking one cup of tea in the morning, noon, and evening, with a steeping time of at least 5 minutes to allow the active ingredients in the tea to dissolve in the hot water. The four main types of tea—black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea—all contain various antioxidants that promote health. Due to the protein in milk, adding milk to tea is more beneficial for the health effects of tea, but adding sugar does not have this effect.
1. Reduce the risk of stroke: A 15-year study in the Netherlands found that drinking black tea without milk can reduce the risk of stroke. A U.S. study found that the polyphenols in five times the amount of black tea can lower bad cholesterol by 11%, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Tea polyphenols also have the effect of improving vascular function.
2. Promote digestive function: Green tea (unprocessed) helps stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote food digestion. Green tea can also block 30% of fat absorption, which has a weight loss effect. Peppermint tea can promote digestion, ginger tea can treat nausea (especially morning sickness), and fennel tea can prevent constipation, bloating, and abdominal cramps.
3. Sharper mind: A British study found that the caffeine and L-theanine in black tea can improve cognitive ability, and drinking twice the amount of black tea can improve concentration. In addition, drinking more than 100 ml of tea (or coffee) a day can reduce the risk of glioma (the most common brain tumor) by 34%.
4. Reduce cancer risk: The polyphenol antioxidant content in tea (especially green tea) is 8 times that of fruits and vegetables, and this substance can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. A study in Taiwan found that drinking one cup of green tea a day can reduce the risk of lung cancer. In addition, drinking tea can also slow the progression of prostate cancer and reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
5. Enhance immunity: A Harvard University study found that people who drink 5-6 cups of tea a day have significantly improved immunity, better metabolism, and healthier skin. Drinking tea also helps the body recognize and fight against bacteria and parasites. Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulation-stimulating effects, which can relieve migraines.
6. Treat insomnia and anxiety: Black tea has a high caffeine content, so it's best not to drink it before bed. However, most herbal teas are caffeine-free. The tryptophan and amino acids in chamomile tea can have a sedative effect, and another substance, chrysin, can relieve anxiety, promote sleep, and treat insomnia. In addition, lavender tea can relax the body and mind, and basil leaf tea has a calming effect.
7. Protect teeth: Although drinking tea can cause tooth discoloration, tea polyphenols are antibacterial and can prevent tartar, as well as prevent dental diseases and cavities. Both white tea and green tea have this effect. Fruit teas are acidic and can damage tooth enamel.