The health benefits of tea can range from reducing stress and worry to improving concentration and even reducing your diabetes risk. Time to pop the kettle on…
Words: Katy Sunnassee | Images: Shutterstock
Manage your weight
Studies published in the International Journal Of Obesity showed that regular tea drinkers often had less body fat than those who don’t drink tea. ‘This is probably because tea polyphenols stimulate fat burning and create positive changes in gut bacteria, which act on appetite signals,’ says Dr Tim Bond at the Tea Advisory Panel.
Minimise stress and anxiety
We all know putting on the kettle and sitting down to a comforting mug of tea is one of the best ways to feel calm and in control. But there’s something behind the good feelings. ‘Scientists have discovered a natural substance found in tea called L-theanine, which is an amino acid that helps improve your ability to manage stress and anxiety,’ says Dr Bond. ‘Scientists analysed research results looking at the effects of L-theanine on people in stressful conditions. Those who consumed tea rich in L-theanine found significant improvements in stress management, anxiety and mood swings.’
Improve concentration
L-theanine in caffeinated tea also helps you concentrate as it stimulates areas of the brain that block out distractions, according to a study published in 2017. This helps you to focus on what’s important. And other research also shows that tea helps boost attention and visual processing abilities, which means you can handle new information more efficiently.
Both black and green teas contain polyphenols – plant compounds that help increase the flow of blood to your brain. ‘This brings much needed oxygen and nutrients when we are under stress,’ says Dr Bond.
Head for herbs
While black and green teas provide health benefits, so too do herbal teas, which are called infusions. ‘Before modern medicine, it was common to reach for a sprig of mint, a rosehip or a few chamomile flowers if you wanted to help tackle health woes such as insomnia, anxiety, hay fever, period pain and even haemorrhoids,’ says Dr Bond.
Infusions are believed to have a beneficial impact on the body because many are rich sources of natural bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, carotenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, polyacetylenes and terpenoids.
The latest evidence looking at different infusions found 1-3 cups daily of the following teas can offer benefits:
- Chamomile – helps improve sleep.
- Spearmint – improves hormone control; reduces osteoarthritic stiffness.
- Lemon balm – reduces oxidative stress in the body.
- Rosehip – helps minimise painful menstrual cramps.
Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19597519, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31758301, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29420994, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24946991, bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/7/e005632
