Unknown Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

Tea is one of the most popular beverages globally, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. While for many, drinking tea is just a habit, it has various health benefits.

Research and studies on the health aspects of tea consumption have been ongoing for years, revealing different positive aspects of tea drinking.

Tea is primarily made from the leaves of the evergreen plant Camellia sinensis. The small leaves and leaf buds of this plant are collected to produce tea.

Although we often hear names like black tea or green tea, they all come from this plant and are cultivated in different ways, using various methods, or in different environments.

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Better Than Coffee?

Tea is considered healthier than coffee due to its lower caffeine content. While coffee acts like an engine oil, waking us up in the morning, tea works more gently.

In a regular cup of coffee, there are about 80-115 milligrams of caffeine, whereas the same amount of tea contains around 40 milligrams, less than half.

A study from the University of Surrey in London showed that people who consumed the same amount of tea and coffee in a day had different results in terms of attention, but those who drank coffee experienced some sleep issues.

Mental Stress Reduction

Tea not only reduces mental stress but also has antioxidants crucial for the body’s defense system. Drinking tea makes nerve cells more relaxed.

In various stressful situations, regular tea drinkers showed more stable and calm reactions, as per research from the Department of Crop Science and Tea Production Technology at Sylhet Agricultural University.

Another study revealed that individuals who drink at least three cups of tea per day have a 37% lower risk of depression compared to non-tea drinkers.

Boosts Immune System

Tea enhances the body’s immune system and provides essential antioxidants for good health. Drinking tea helps soothe nerves, providing mental peace.

In stressful conditions, when oxidative stress generates harmful substances called oxidants, tea antioxidants enter the body and neutralize them.

Moreover, those who regularly consume tea have a 40% lower chance of getting disappointed compared to those who do not drink tea.

Resistance Against Diseases

Tea does not only reduce mental stress but also helps in enhancing resistance against diseases. A study from 2009 showed that daily consumption of a few cups of tea reduces the risk of diabetes.

Although the exact degree of these benefits is not clear, research indicates that it lies between 5-40%.

Tea also contains other nutritional elements beneficial for health, helping insulin work efficiently, and managing glucose levels in the blood.

In summary, drinking tea is not just a routine but a practice with numerous health benefits. Whether you prefer black, green, or any other variety, tea contributes positively to your overall well-being.

Heart health is good

Another benefit of drinking tea is heart protection.

In a study conducted in the Netherlands over 13 years, it was found that the antioxidants in tea provide protection to the heart. The research, involving around 40,000 people, revealed that those who drink more than six cups of tea a day have a one-third lower risk of heart disease.

Drinking tea every day can potentially boost the immune system.

In the UK, a study in 2022 with five lakh tea drinkers showed that excessive tea consumption is associated with a slightly lower risk of death. According to the research, people who drink more than two cups of tea a day have a 13% lower risk of death compared to those who do not drink tea.

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, tea consumption also lowers the risk of death from stroke.

In this regard, the temperature of the tea, adding milk or sugar, and the caffeine content were mentioned in the research as factors that contribute to these results.

Helpful in cancer prevention

Tea also helps in resisting various types of cancer.

An article published in the Bangladesh government’s Agriculture Information Service mentions that although tea has minimal nutritional value, the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins inhibits the formation of free radicals and prevents cell damage. As a result, tea plays a crucial role in cancer prevention.

Moreover, the amount of polyphenols present in tea, more than 25%, helps in controlling high blood pressure.

Harmful side of tea

However, excessive consumption of tea is not good. Drinking too much tea can lead to various health complications.

The harmful aspects of excessive tea intake are highlighted in an article by the Bangladesh government’s Agriculture Information Service. These include:

• Caffeine in tea can disrupt the sleep cycle and negatively impact sleep quality.
• The presence of theophylline in tea can cause dehydration and digestive problems.
• Issues like sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, stress, and instability may arise due to side reactions.
• Pregnant women should avoid excessive tea consumption, as the caffeine in tea can hinder fetal development, potentially leading to miscarriage.
• Excessive tea intake is linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

More about tea

For those who regularly drink tea and have become accustomed to it over the years, they may continue to indulge in their preference.

However, researchers and doctors have some advice about its use:

• It is advisable to wait at least half an hour before or after eating to drink tea.
• In Bangladesh, it is common to mix milk or sugar with tea. However, a study in 2002 by the Human Nutrition Research Center found that mixing 50 grams of milk in one cup of tea reduces insulin efficiency by 90%.
• Drinking tea with milk also reduces the beneficial effects on the vascular system.
• Tea aids in digestion.
• Vitamin C with tea enhances its benefits. However, mixing vitamin C with hot tea can reduce its effectiveness.

So, having vitamin C with tea at the right moment is good.