Drinking tea as part of a healthy lifestyle

We love tea in all its variety, and it seems there is a perfect tea for every occasion. Had a stressful day? Relax with a calming green tea. Need a pick-me-up? Grab a strong black tea.

Along with it’s great taste, there have been many medicinal benefits associated with tea for thousands of years. And now, modern science is backing up many of those benefits. Here are a few reasons that have some scientific support for including tea as part of a health-conscious lifestyle:

Antioxidant properties.

Inflammation plays a key role in many diseases, some of which are becoming more common and severe. Chronic inflammatory diseases contributes to more than half of deaths worldwide. The antioxidant polyphenols in tea are powerful inflammation fighters. In fact, the EGCG in green tea is as much as 100 times more potent than the antioxidant power of vitamin C.

Brain power.

Regular tea consumption may lower the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While the exact causes of Alzheimer's are still unclear and there is no cure, research indicates that green and black tea drinking can improve cognitive scores among those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Additionally, tea drinking has been linked to a boost in memory and an increase in attention span which may prevent cognitive decline. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea has been associated with improved reaction times, visual processing, memory, and concentration. It might even be able to change the way your brain is organized for more efficient information processing.

Good gut health.

Medics and the general population alike have become increasingly aware of the importance of good gut health. Research shows that tea's polyphenols can beneficially modify gut bacteria. This can possibly lead to positive health effects like reduced carbohydrate absorption, improved blood sugar levels, and perhaps weight loss if part of a balanced diet and exercise routine.

Say “aaaah”!

We know that not all drinks are good for your mouth (think sugar laden soft drinks and juices!). But teas can actually improve oral health. Tea contains fluoride and can improve bacterial populations in the mouth. This may reduce the risk of periodontal disease and cavities.

Gotta hydrate.

This one might seem obvious but it was previously thought that tea promoted dehydration by acting like a diuretic and causing the body to lose more fluid, but recent research finds that drinking tea is just as hydrating as the same amount of water.

You may just reach for your favourite cup of tea because you like the delicious taste, but it’s good to know that it’s likely you are doing your body some good at the same time!