The Japanese hold a four-hour ritual for drinking tea, the English dedicate the afternoon to it, the Indians sell it on every street corner, and in Israel everyone wants to drink matcha. What is it about tea that crosses cultures and over the years has become much more than a hot drink produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant?
In addition to the huge variety of flavors and rituals and cultures around it, tea also has many health benefits.
Not only in winter. Tea, Photo: GettyImages
In honor of World Tea Day, we've brought you five health benefits of drinking tea that explain why it tops the list of recommended health drinks:
Strengthens the immune system
Tea contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from damaging free radicals. These antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It has been proven that the polyphenols in tea, especially EGCG, have anti-inflammatory, carcinogenic, and antiviral properties.
Reduces stress
Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Tea can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. L-theanine has also been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improves digestion
Tea contains compounds that can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This can help relieve symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux. The tannins in tea can also help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve gut health.
Promotes weight loss
Tea contains compounds that can help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. The polyphenols in tea increase lipid oxidation, improve insulin sensitivity, inhibit the secretion of hunger hormones, and increase the network of satiety hormones, which can help reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Improves brain function
Tea contains caffeine, which can help improve brain function and increase alertness. It also contains L-theanine, which can help improve focus and concentration. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine can help improve cognitive performance and reduce mental fatigue. The polyphenols in tea have also been shown to help protect against cognitive decline.
The National Dietary Recommendations for the Mediterranean diet encourage drinking water, tea, and herbal teas without added sugar as the best alternative to saturation. Incorporating tea into your daily routine can help improve your overall health. From strengthening the immune system to promoting weight loss and improving brain function.
Hadas, Medical Clinical Dietitian, Maccabi Health Services
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