Drinking tea as part of a healthy lifestyle

 

We love tea in all its forms, and it seems there's a perfect tea for every occasion. Stressful day? Relax with a gently invigorating green tea. Need a pick-me-up? Grab a strong, energizing black tea.

In addition to its invigorating properties & taste, tea has been valued for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years, and modern science is now confirming many of these benefits! Here are some health facts about tea that make it a part of a healthy lifestyle:

 

Antioxidants

Today we know that inflammatory processes play a key role in a large proportion of all diseases. And some of them are becoming more frequent and more serious due to harmful environmental influences, our lifestyle or our diet. Chronic diseases that have to do with inflammation in the body contribute to more than half of the deaths worldwide!

Some prominent examples of serious diseases triggered by inflammatory processes are rheumatism, heart failure, diabetes, cancer, depression or Alzheimer's.

The many antioxidant polyphenols & catechins in tea, such as flavonoids or EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. In fact, the EGCG in green tea is up to 100 times stronger in its antioxidant effect than, for example, vitamin C.

Regular tea consumption can therefore help prevent these diseases or actively combat them!

 

Brain performance

As just mentioned, regular tea consumption may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Although the exact causes of Alzheimer's are still unclear and there is no universally accepted cure, research suggests that green and black tea consumption improves cognitive scores in people with dementia and Alzheimer's.

In addition, tea consumption is associated with improved memory and longer attention span, preventing cognitive decline. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea has been linked to improved reaction times, visual processing, memory and concentration. It could even change the way your brain is organized for more efficient information processing!

 

Healthy gut flora

Both medical professionals and the general population are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy intestinal flora. Research shows that the polyphenols in tea have a positive effect on intestinal bacteria. This can lead to positive health effects such as reduced carbohydrate absorption, improved blood sugar levels and possibly weight loss when part of a balanced diet and exercise routine.

 

Say "aaaah"!

We know that many beverages are not good for your mouth (yes, I'm looking at you, soda, juice and coffee!). Tea, on the other hand, can actually improve oral health. Tea contains fluoride and can optimize the bacterial population in the mouth. This can reduce the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

 

Hydrating is important.

This may seem obvious, but tea was once thought to promote dehydration by acting like a diuretic, causing the body to lose more fluids. But recent research shows that tea is similarly hydrating to water.

 

 

So here are a bunch of other good reasons to reach for a cup of tea than "just" the delicious taste! Tea combines enjoyment with the knowledge that you are doing something good for your body at the same time. A wonderful everyday drink!