Tea is not only a delicious and comforting drink, but also a powerful source of antioxidants that may benefit your health in many ways. Whether you prefer black, green, white, or herbal tea, you are getting a dose of polyphenols, which are plant chemicals that act as antioxidants and may have health-promoting properties.
According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. It’s a simple preparation of pouring hot water over cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to East Asia. Different types of tea have different proportions of polyphenols, such as catechins in green tea and theaflavins in black tea.
Polyphenols may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, stroke, and some cancers, and boost immune system and brain health. Aparna Nemalikanti, a nutrition expert from Microsoft Start, says that “polyphenols help manage blood pressure levels, lower insulin resistance, polyphenols will activate the immune system.” Lena Cazes, another expert from Microsoft Start, adds that “numerous studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.”
Healthline also explains that polyphenols are a category of compounds naturally found in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and wine. They can act as antioxidants, meaning they can neutralize harmful free radicals that would otherwise damage your cells and increase your risk of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, drinking tea that is too hot may increase the risk of esophageal and stomach cancers, so it is advisable to let it cool before drinking. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health warns that “there may be an increased risk of esophageal and stomach cancers from drinking tea that is too hot (more than 131-140° F [55-60° C]).”
So how much tea should you drink to enjoy its benefits? The optimal amount may vary depending on the type and quality of tea, but generally speaking, 2-3 cups per day may be enough to reap the rewards. You can also experiment with different flavors and varieties of tea to find your favorite one. Tea is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold, plain or with milk or honey.
The next time you feel like having a cup of tea, remember that you are not only satisfying your taste buds but also nourishing your body with antioxidants. Tea is a simple yet powerful way to improve your health and wellness. Cheers!
Relevant articles:
– Tea | The Nutrition Source – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
– Is it healthy to drink tea?, Microsoft Start, 17 January 2023
– What Are Polyphenols? Types, Benefits, and Food Sources – Healthline, Healthline, 29 December 2022