In 2022, a study involving half a million people published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that, compared to those who don't drink tea, drinking 2 to 3 cups daily is associated with a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
It Helps with Antioxidation
Tea contains a high amount of polyphenols, which have Antioxidant properties and can eliminate excess free radicals in the body. Studies have found that the antioxidant effect of tea polyphenols is stronger than that of vitamin E.
Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
A study published by Professor Gu Dongfeng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former Vice President of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology showed:
Regular tea drinking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, with more significant Health benefits for those who maintain a long-term habit of drinking tea, men, and those who drink green tea.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Research has found: drinking green tea daily can prevent type 2 diabetes; individuals with diabetes who regularly drink green tea can significantly lower their risk of all-cause mortality.
Compared to those who never drink tea, daily tea drinkers have an 8% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Compared to non-tea drinkers, patients who drink tea daily have a 10% and 12% reduction in the risks of all-cause mortality and microvascular complications, respectively.
Promotes Gut Health
The action of tea on the gut is similar to that of prebiotics.
The polyphenols, theanine, and caffeine in tea are helpful in maintaining gut microbial balance, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the proliferation of harmful ones.
Boosts Immune System
The Antioxidants in tea not only protect cells from oxidative damage but also enhance the function of the immune system.
The polyphenols and other components in tea help strengthen the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of colds and other illnesses.
Catechins and caffeine in tea can stimulate the immune system, increase the number of white blood cells, and improve the ability to fight diseases.
Healthy Tea Drinking
Be Mindful of These 4 Points!
Avoid Drinking Very Hot Tea
Drinking tea that is too hot may scorch the esophageal mucosa and increase the risk of esophageal cancer and gastric cancer.
The esophagus is lined with delicate mucosa that is greatly affected by the temperature of food: 10°C to 40°C is most suitable; 50°C to 60°C is barely tolerable; temperatures above 65°C can cause burns.
Avoid Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach
Tea, especially green tea, contains high levels of polyphenols and caffeine. If consumed on an empty stomach, some active substances can bind with proteins in the stomach, causing irritation and potentially harming the stomach. This can also make it easier to experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and other signs of “tea intoxication.”
Avoid Drinking Strong Tea
For middle-aged and elderly individuals with weaker gastrointestinal functions, drinking large amounts of strong tea over a long period can lead to discomfort in the stomach, causing digestive issues, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even duodenal ulcers.
Tannic acid in tea binds with Iron, making it difficult for the body to absorb iron and leading to conditions like anemia. Tannic acid not only binds with iron but also with proteins in food, forming tannic protein that is hard to digest and absorb, leading to constipation.
For elderly individuals already suffering from constipation, drinking strong tea can exacerbate the condition.