In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, people have become hyper alert about the need to keep fit, build immunity, and eat and drink clean. While this conversation had been picking up steam before the spread of the virus, the alarm bells only began sounding recently, when it became a matter of life and death, quite literally.
The internet and social media were suddenly flooding with magical tips and tricks to ward off the NCov virus. Everyone seemed to have theories and opinions on everything, right from birthstones and chants to homeopathic medicines and home-made concoctions. With so many resounding posts, each one sounding more compelling and convincing than the other, it became difficult to compartmentalize and identify the useful advice from the fake news.
Among all these hacks, one that got lost in the pile is tea. But we don’t expect you to believe this like everything else that’s churned out of the Whatsapp University.
Therefore, here’s elucidating the health benefits of drinking tea in a codified manner, for you to see the verity of it yourself –
- Tea contains antioxidants –
The body undergoes the chemical process of oxidation when it metabolizes. Under the process of oxidation, something called free radicals are produced. These free radicals are meant to help the immune system of the body when produced in moderation, but can be quite harmful in large quantities. Due to the presence of pollution and radiation, overproduction of free radicals has become commonplace, especially in urban settings.
The body requires the help of antioxidants to curb oxidation, and thus, prevent the excessive production of free radicals. The Camellia Sinensis plant, or the tea plant, is particularly rich in such antioxidants, even more so than fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it boosts immunity by preventing over-oxidization.
- Lesser caffeine than coffee –
The reason people feel refreshed and energetic after consuming their daily beverage of tea or coffee is because of the presence of caffeine in these drinks. Approximately 80% of the world population consumes at least one caffeinated product daily.
Caffeine is a drug, that when absorbed into the bloodstream inhibits the production of Adenosine, a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain. Thus, caffeine prevents the brain from shutting down and keeps us alert.
Although, an overdose of caffeine is harmful to our bodies. It may induce side effects like anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. The caffeine content in tea is significantly lower than that in coffee. An average cup (237ml) of tea contains about 50 mg of caffeine, whereas the same quantity of coffee contains about 95 gm of caffeine.
- Keeps cholesterol levels in check and reduces risk of heart attacks –
According to a study conducted by America’s AARP organization, tea contains an antioxidant called catechin that helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels, and boosts HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels.
LDL cholestrols are the “bad” types of cholesterol that tend to build up around blood vessel walls, gradually narrowing them and causing heart attacks. HDL cholesterols on the hand are “good” cholesterols that carry cholesterols back to the liver, from where the body flushes them out. Thus, tea has proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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Observational studies have also shown that tea helps to helps to reduce weight and prevents obesity, strengthens the bones, and improves dental hygiene. So the next time you reach out for a refreshing cup of tea, be rest assured of good health.