ANTIOXIDANT- RICH + NUTRIENT-RICH
Tea is a rich source of flavonoids, bioactive compounds that decrease oxidative stress and alleviate inflammation – that may also reduce plaque build up in the arteries. Full of antioxidants, tea is well known to help us stay healthy, young, as well as protect us from the harmful effects of pollution.
Q: So, we know tea contains lots of antioxidants, but what else nutritionally do teas have that can benefit our health? A: Teas contain minerals including: phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
MANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA
Some research studies have concluded that drinking tea can improve vascular reactivity – the level at which your blood vessels respond to physical and emotional stress. Tea may also lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.
With wide varieties of low-caffeine and caffeine-free options to choose from, you don’t have to struggle with becoming overly caffeinated. Some of the negative results of overloading on caffeine include: headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and even increased mortality. The Mayo Clinic participated in a study that involved men who drank more than 4 8 fl. oz. cups of coffee and experienced a 21% increase in all-cause mortality. However, caffeine can have some positive benefits – like boosting your energy levels and alertness, but just don’t overdo it. And, opt for a cuppa tea over a cuppa Joe – tea contains less caffeine than its coffee counterpart.
If you want to avoid heart attack and stroke, tea may have a positive impact in helping you reduce your risk. A recent study concluded that green tea drinkers experienced a nearly 20% less risk in heart attack and 35% decreased risk in stroke in those who had 1-3 cups of green tea daily.
Want to lose weight? Try drinking more tea! There is no magic bullet to weight loss, but research studies have proven that drinking tea can help you achieve your goals when paired with a healthy diet and exercise. Catechins, a type of flavonoid in teas, can help boost your metabolism and assist your body in breaking down fats more quickly and efficiently. The caffeine content in teas can actually be beneficial, helping you increase your energy use that allows you to burn more calories – and therefore shed more pounds.
OPT FOR A CUPPA TEA!
Drinking tea helps you stay hydrated and is an ideal alternative to water – which can get old and boring sometimes. Thankfully, there are loads of health benefits to drinking teas (herbal teas, included). So, the next time you want something to sip – try a cuppa tea! Steep, sip, and savor.
Happy Spring + Easter! 