Author Note: This article is based off of a brief written by Stephanie Watson on the Harvard Health website. (Watson, Stephanie. “Tea: Drink to Your Health? – Harvard Health Blog.” Harvard Health Blog RSS. N.p., 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2014.)
When choosing that caffeinated drink to get you through those long days, most of us probably choose coffee over tea. But why not opt for tea? The associations with tea can range from flavored twigs in hot water to little girl tea parties, old lady tea brunches, and the British “teatime.” In other words, tea is not cool. However, when delving deeper into the many benefits that tea has to offer, you may slowly begin to trade in that vanilla latte for a nice cup of tea.
- You can pick your poison.
There are so many choices when it comes to tea. There are fruity teas, mild teas, spiced teas, and even exotic blends. The possibilities are endless. Adding milk, sugar, or honey to your tea to adjust the flavor to your liking is also a great way to customize your brew of choice.
- Tea has mental benefits.
People who drink tea may see improvements in mood, concentration, and performance. This is because tea, specifically green tea, contains theanine. Theanine is an amino acid that gives tea its savory flavor while calming you and helping you maintain clear concentration and focus.
- Tea is the “Superman” of antioxidants.
Antioxidants called catechins that are found in green, oolong, and white teas may increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Antioxidants are important because they help to eliminate free radicals, which are harmful to the body. Catechins also have the ability to increase the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel.
- It fights cancer.
Tea contains natural compounds called polyphenols that are believed to protect against several cancers, including those of the GI tract, lungs, breast, and skin. Polyphenols, along with antioxidants, help to eliminate free radicals that can damage the DNA. In getting rid of free radicals, polyphenols and antioxidants help to protect against cancer. Can your coffee do that? Didn’t think so.
- Tea lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Polyphenols in tea are responsible for green tea’s heart-healthy properties. The polyphenols have an anti-inflammatory effect on plaque buildup in the bloodstream and arterial walls; excessive plaque can lead to heart disease and stroke. Polyphenols may also reduce the bad LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, thereby preventing the LDL particles from oxidizing and causing plaque buildup in the arteries.
- It’s not milk, but it’s still good for your bones.
Tea polyphenols are believed to strengthen bones and protect against fractures. The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium for women between the ages of 19 and 50 is 1000 mg per day. The fact that tea can help improve our bones is great for those of us who don’t get our daily-recommended intake of calcium from supplements or dairy products.
- One tea a day keeps the dentist away.
Not a fan of the dentist? Well, good news! Tea’s natural fluoride content can lower the pH on your teeth, which in turn suppresses the growth of bacteria found in your mouth. That means fewer cavities and fewer trips to the dentist!
- Coffee dehydrates, tea hydrates.
Water is the most important element that our bodies need to function, and tea can act as a hydrator for the body. Every system in our bodies depends on water. When your body doesn’t have enough water to carry out its normal functions, you experience dehydration. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average healthy woman should be drinking about nine cups (2.2 liters) of fluids per day. For those of us who have a hard time drinking the proper amount of fluids throughout the day, tea is a great alternative to a plain cup of water. And if you think that coffee can hydrate you, think again—coffee is a diuretic, which means that it actually expedites urination, thereby expelling any liquids you just drank.
- Most importantly…caffeine!
Yes, tea can, in fact, provide you with similar caffeine content to coffee. So if the previous health benefits weren’t enough, this should get to you to opt for the healthier brew. Just choose black and green tea, which have natural caffeine properties.