The Benefits of Tea

There is nothing better than a nice mug of hot tea.  And it’s nice to know this no-calorie, cozy beverage can offer some health benefits.

Black tea and green tea have caffeine, although quite a bit less than coffee, and herbal teas usually do not have caffeine.  Tea contains some nutrients and minerals, but generally in small amounts.  Black tea is known to have antioxidants, and green and black teas contain polyphenols, both of which have health benefits.  These healthy substances can be destroyed during processing which is why decaffeinated teas and bottled tea drinks don’t offer the same health benefits.

For those green tea drinkers, the research suggests that there is a greater antioxidant benefit as compared to other teas.

Research also has shown that there is a reduced risk of heart disease in those who drink black or green tea regularly. 

The research is limited in showing the benefit of herbal tea products and weight management – don’t be fooled, they can actually be harmful if you aren’t aware of the ingredients. Green tea has promising research regarding its help with weight management, but there are still unanswered questions.

As far as diabetes, more research is needed in order to determine the type of tea and how much might be beneficial for decreasing the risk for Type-2 Diabetes

The polyphenols (micronutrients) in green and black tea seem to be associated with a lower risk of developing cancer. 

Always remember, everything in moderation. Too much caffeine can interact with certain medications, cause stomach upset or headache/dizziness.  You’ll also want to be mindful of the way you decide to sweeten your tea to limit added sugars.

But overall, you can feel very comfortable the next time you feel like a spot of tea.  Enjoy this warm, hydrating beverage and the health benefits it offers.