While many different herbs, fruits and spices brewed in water are often referred to as tea, true tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant of China and India. According to purists, the only types of true tea are green, black, white, pu-erh and oolong tea. While the extent of each specific benefit may vary within each type of tea, all true teas can offer many amazing benefits. Here are 9 health benefits of tea:
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Many different studies have found a link between drinking tea and preventing cancer, including skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal and bladder cancer among others. Tea contains powerful antioxidants that help to fight free radical damage to the cells, a condition known to increase the risk of cancer. Tea may also boost the body’s immune system and help to cleanse the body of harmful, cancer causing toxins.
Tea may help aid in cancer treatment. A study at the University of Missouri found that green tea working in tandem with gold reduced prostate cancer tumors by 80% in mice. A Scottish study found that a green tea flavonoid compound helped reduce tumors in lab tests.
High In Antioxidants
All types of tea contain flavonoids, a powerful class of antioxidants. Flavonoids are particularly noted for their ability to cleanse the body of free radicals, support the cardiovascular system and prevent cancer and other diseases. They may also slow the effects of aging.
Immune System Support
Tea can provide support to the body’s immune system by boosting the number of regulatory T cells in the body. Lab studies have also found that tea contains a substance that helps to prime the immune system to fight off bacteria, virus and fungi.
Heart Health
Tea is believed to help prevent hardening of the arteries and lower the risk of coronary heart disease. A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked drinking just three cups of tea per day with a reduced risk of heart disease. The high antioxidant content in tea is believed to play a significant role in its ability to protect the heart from disease.
Lower Blood Pressure
The Archives of Internal Medicine reported that drinking black tea three times per day led to slightly lower blood pressure levels over a 6 month study. Researchers at the University of Western Australia found that drinking 8 cups of tea per day significantly lowered blood pressure levels.
Lower Cholesterol
The antioxidants in tea help to prevent oxidation to LDL cholesterol and may help to increase HDL cholesterol levels. The large concentration of polyphenols in tea is believed to help stop the absorption of LDL cholesterol while not affecting HDL cholesterol levels.
Weight Loss
A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that drinking five cups of tea per day was linked with weight loss.
Bone Health
Long-term studies of habitual tea drinkers found that tea may be great for improving and maintaining bone density and strength. Regularly drinking tea over the course of many years may improve bone health.