Tea is the best beverage for middle-aged and elderly people. Scientific analysis has shown that tea contains proteins, fats, over 10 types of vitamins, as well as nearly 300 components such as polyphenols, Caffeine, and lipopolysaccharides, which can regulate physiological functions and play a variety of health-preserving and pharmacological roles.
What are the greatest benefits of Drinking Tea?
1. Improves Muscle Endurance.
There is an antioxidant in tea called “catechins,” which can increase the body's ability to burn fat, improve muscle endurance, help fight fatigue, and increase the duration of physical exercise. Regular consumption of green tea shows the most significant effects.
2. Fights Ultraviolet Radiation.
Tea polyphenols are water-soluble substances. Washing your face with tea water can remove facial grease, tighten pores, and have disinfecting, sterilizing, and anti-aging effects on the skin. It also helps reduce damage from ultraviolet rays in sunlight, acting as a natural “sunscreen.”
3. Maintains Body Shape.
The caffeine in tea can promote the secretion of gastric juice, aid digestion, and enhance the body's ability to break down fat. Regular tea consumption can reduce waist circumference, lower body mass index (BMI), and thus help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Protects Against Radiation.
Tea polyphenols and their oxidized products can absorb certain radioactive substances, protecting cells from radiation damage and aiding in the repair of damaged cells. Tea extracts can treat mild radiation sickness in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and effectively treat the reduction of blood cells and white blood cells caused by radiation.
5. Improves Memory.
Tea polyphenols help the brain perform local regulation, improving memory and learning efficiency. Drinking tea can prevent and treat neurological diseases, especially age-related cognitive disorders. Additionally, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, providing alertness, mental focus, and mental clarity.
6. Increases Bone Density.
Although tea contains caffeine, which promotes the loss of calcium through urination, the amount is minimal. Even in black tea, which has a relatively high caffeine content, there is only 30-45 milligrams per cup.
In fact, tea contains more substances that help reduce calcium loss, including fluoride, phytoestrogens, and potassium. People who regularly drink tea tend to have higher bone density and a lower risk of hip fractures.
7. Reduces Stroke Risk.
A 15-year Dutch study found that regularly drinking black tea without milk can lower the risk of stroke. American research discovered that five times the amount of tea polyphenols found in black tea can reduce bad cholesterol levels by 11%, thereby lowering the risks of stroke and heart disease. Tea polyphenols also improve vascular function.
8. Promotes Digestive Function.
Green tea (unprocessed) helps stimulate intestinal motility and aids food digestion. Green tea can also block the absorption of up to 30% of fat, contributing to weight loss. Herbal teas like chamomile can promote digestion, ginger tea can treat nausea (especially morning sickness), and fennel tea can prevent constipation, bloating, and abdominal cramps.
9. Keeps Your Mind Sharp.
British research found that the caffeine and L-theanine in black tea can improve cognitive abilities and attention after drinking just two cups. Additionally, consuming 100 ml or more of tea (or coffee) daily can decrease the risk of glioma (the most common type of brain tumor) by 34%.
10. Reduces Cancer Risk.
The polyphenol antioxidants in tea (especially green tea) are eight times more potent than those in fruits and vegetables, capable of halting the growth of cancer cells. A Taiwanese study found that one cup of green tea daily can lower the risk of lung cancer. Drinking tea can also slow the progression of prostate cancer and reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
11. Boosts Immunity.
Harvard University research found that people who drink five to six cups of tea daily experience a noticeable improvement in immunity, along with better metabolism and skin health. Tea also aids the body in recognizing and fighting bacteria and parasites. Ginger tea, with its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulation-stimulating properties, can relieve migraines.
12. Treats Insomnia and Anxiety.
Black tea has a higher caffeine content, so it's best not to drink it before bed. However, most herbal teas do not contain caffeine. Chamomile tea contains tryptophan and amino acids that have a calming effect. Another substance, chrysin, can relieve anxiety and promote Sleep, treating insomnia. Lavender Flower tea can also relax the mind and body. Basil leaf tea has a sedative effect.
13. Protects Teeth.
While tea can cause teeth to discolor, tea polyphenols can inhibit bacteria and prevent tartar buildup, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Both white and green tea have this effect. Fruit teas, being acidic, can erode tooth enamel.
Since tea prevents increases in cholesterol, it can help prevent myocardial infarctions. Tea polyphenols can also clear excessive free radicals in the body and inhibit and kill pathogens. Furthermore, tea has stimulating effects, eliminates fatigue, and has antibacterial properties. These benefits are particularly valuable for middle-aged individuals. Tea can also purify water and reduce the harm caused by radioactive substances to the human body. Therefore, given the severe environmental pollution today, especially in urban areas, people should frequently drink tea.