After water, tea is the most widely-consumed beverage in the world. It has a cooling, and slightly bitter flavor. Tea is good for hydration. Our whole body from our skin to our vital organs needs fluid to operate efficiently. Lack of fluids can lead to dehydration which causes lethargy, headaches, constipation and possible kidney problems. Some mistakenly believe that the levels of caffeine in tea act as a diuretic, canceling out its hydration benefits. Caffeine levels in tea are so low that even drinking six cups a day will have little diuretic effect.
All teas are good for health, green or black, caffeinated or decaffeinated. Tea leaves contain more than 700 chemicals and they are a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants which help to maintain the body’s defense system aiding its fight against harmful substances caused by environmental factors such as pollution, the sun and smoking. In fact, tea is one of the richest sources of flavonoid antioxidants in the diet.
Tea is also a natural source of vitamins C, E and K, caffeine and polysaccharides and the amino acid theanine. Theanine helps to create a state of deep relaxation and alertness.
Tea plays an important role in improving beneficial intestinal microflora, as well as providing immunity against intestinal disorders and in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Tea also prevents dental caries due to the presence of fluorine. The role of tea is well established in normalizing blood pressure, lipid depressing activity, prevention of coronary heart diseases and diabetes by reducing the blood-glucose activity. |
