Drinking tea in China has been popular for thousands of years. The special ingredients in tea are beneficial for health.
Scientific explanations as to why tea is good for health
Good for weight loss
The large quantities of catechins in tea leaves can inhibit weight gain since the catechins boost metabolism and can help the body break down fats. Oolong Tea is especially effective in reducing fat in the body because the polyphenols it contains have been shown to block the production of enzymes required for fat absorption, meaning the fats will pass through your body undigested.
Preventing cancer
Tea polyphenols have been found to protect against the effects of nitrites in the body. Nitrites are used as additives to preserve foods, especially in processed meats. These substances are associated with an increased risk of cancer, though they have not been conclusively proven to cause it. In any case, if you routinely eat processed meats, it could certainly provide some peace of mind to make drinking tea a habit as well. In addition, some studies have shown that a high intake may protect against gastric cancer and colon cancer.
Delayed aging
Tea polyphenols have antioxidant properties and help clear harmful free radicals from the body, preventing cellular damage due to lipid peroxidation, which can possibly delay aging. The antioxidant ability of tea polyphenols is even greater than that of Vitamin E.
Refreshing the mind
The large quantity of caffeine in tea leaves can keep the central nervous system stimulated, dissipating fatigue and helping you remain alert.
Preventing gastrointestinal diseases
Tea polyphenols promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut while suppressing the growth of bad bacteria. In addition, tea has antimicrobial properties that kill off harmful substances in the GI tract helping you maintain a healthy gut.
Preventing cardiovascular disease
Tea polyphenols can effectively metabolize fat in the body. Studies have shown that tea consumption can lower LDL cholesterol, thus inhibiting atherosclerosis and helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
How to best benefit from drinking tea
- Do not drink tea on an empty stomach.
Tea leaves are rich in caffeine. If one drinks large quantities of tea on an empty stomach, the caffeine is fully absorbed into the intestines, which might cause heart palpitations, frequent urination, etc. In addition, absorption of Vitamin B1 might be affected when drinking tea on an empty stomach, so it would be better if one takes some food before drinking tea.
- Do not drink strong tea
Some people like drinking strong tea. It does not seem to cause any harm to the body, but it could put the stomach under stress if done on a long-term basis.
- Drink it hot
Drinking hot tea in the summer can induce sweating and bring out heat in the body, while cold tea cannot achieve that. Of course, drinking over-hot tea should be avoided to protect your mouth and tongue.
Avoid drinking tea 20 minutes before and after a meal because the tea will dilute gastric fluids and affect digestion. The oxalic acid in tea will react with iron and protein in foods and affect the body’s absorption of iron and protein.
