In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleTea Nutrition FactsHealth Benefits of TeaPotential Side EffectsHow to Choose the Best TeaFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Tea Nutrition Facts
Health Benefits of Tea
Potential Side Effects
How to Choose the Best Tea
FAQs
Tea is a term that encompasses both true teas andherbal teas. But only four teas fall under thetrue teacategory:green tea, black tea, oolong tea and white tea. All four of these teas are derived from theCamellia sinensisplant. What makes each true tea unique in both flavor and health benefits is whether the leaves are heated or oxidized during processing.
Although true teas provide very little in the macronutrient department, they are a source of a plant compound called flavan-3-ols. As noted in a 2022 issue ofAdvances in Nutrition, an 8-ounce serving of green tea provides 319 milligrams of flavan-3-ols; the same serving of black tea provides 277 mg of this plant compound. One specific flavan-3-ol found in true tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has anti-inflammatory properties, according to a 2023 study in theInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences.
True teas also containL-theanine, an amino acid, which may help people feel more alert, according to a review article inCureusin 2021.Matchain particular contains L-theanine.
Ana Cadena
Pictured Recipe:Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea
Tea is an easy drink to include in a healthy diet, and it has been enjoyed in many cultures for centuries. Focusing on green, black, oolong or white tea, research shows that there are some unique health benefits for regular tea drinkers.
You May Have Better Blood Pressure
Consumption of flavan-3-ols, the plant compound found in true teas, is linked to heart-health benefits, including a reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, according to the aforementionedAdvances in Nutritionstudy. Aim for 400 to 600 mg of flavan-3-ols each day, the research suggests, or the amount in about two cups of black or green tea.
You May Have a Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers
You May Have Better Attention
Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to impact brain health. According to a 2021 study published in theJournal of Medicinal Food,the L-theanine found in tea may play a role in improving attention, ultimately boosting working memory. L-theanine may, among other functions, help increase certain brain waves that enhance cognition.
You May Have a Supported Immune System
You’ve likely seenteas for the immune systemin the grocery store. Varieties of tea, like black and green, are rich in polyphenols. And certain polyphenols found in some true teas, like EGCG and theaflavin, may support immune health, according to a review inFrontiers in Immunologyin 2020. Additionally, tea is rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may support immune health too.
You May Have a Longer Life
A 2022 study in theAnnals of Internal Medicineevaluating half a million tea drinkers in the United Kingdom showed that higher black tea intake was associated with a 13% reduced risk of death from any cause for those who drank two or more cups per day compared to those who don’t drink tea. Tea drinking was also linked to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke.
You May Be More Hydrated
Tea counts as fluid, so sipping on the beverage can keep you hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated can keep you cognitively sharp during the day, help regulate your body temperature and keep your digestion regular, says theCDC.
There is no doubt that drinking tea is linked to some impressive health benefits, as manyteas are loaded with antioxidants. But drinking tea every day may have some downsides too.
You May Have Stained Teeth
Black tea consumption may cause teeth to stain or become discolored. But, adding some milk to your beverage may minimize the discoloration that you see.
You May Have Difficulty Sleeping
If you are sensitive to caffeine, opting for a caffeinated tea may keep you awake at night, cutting into your sleep. Of course, you can always choose a decaffeinated tea or an herbal tea (which is naturally decaffeinated) for asoothing, sleep-friendly beverage.
You May Have Trouble Absorbing Iron
Black and green teas contain natural compounds called tannins and oxalates. These compounds may affect your body’s ability to absorb iron, a mineral that is essential for making a protein that carries oxygen in the blood, according to a 2023 article in theKorean Journal of Family Medicine.
Choosing the best tea is simple to do with a little know-how. Here is what to look for and what to limit.
When you are choosing a tea, be sure that it is fresh. Commercially available teas should have an expiration date stamped on the packaging. Using loose-leaf tea may result in a richer-tasting beverage, but tea bags are more convenient, so go for the one that fits your taste preferences and lifestyle the best. In addition, opt for teas that contain no added sugar.
The Bottom Line
Drinking tea every day is a healthy habit that may benefit your health in various ways. Not only is it a low-calorie drink, but black, green, oolong and white teas contain unique compounds like flavan-3-ols that support heart health. Getting in the habit of drinking tea every day is a simple way to support your health in an extremely low-effort way.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNot only is it safe to drink tea every day, but doing so may result in some amazing health benefits. Two cups of green or black tea will provide you with the recommended amount of flavan-3-ols that a person should consume every day.Different teas offer their own unique health benefits. There is strong data suggesting that tea varieties like black and green are associated with better heart and cognitive health, immunity and more.Both tea and coffee contain antioxidants, are extremely low in calories and can provide caffeine. They also contain unique antioxidant compounds that support many aspects of your health, including decreasing the risk of chronic disease. Go ahead and drink tea or coffee (or both!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Not only is it safe to drink tea every day, but doing so may result in some amazing health benefits. Two cups of green or black tea will provide you with the recommended amount of flavan-3-ols that a person should consume every day.
Different teas offer their own unique health benefits. There is strong data suggesting that tea varieties like black and green are associated with better heart and cognitive health, immunity and more.
Both tea and coffee contain antioxidants, are extremely low in calories and can provide caffeine. They also contain unique antioxidant compounds that support many aspects of your health, including decreasing the risk of chronic disease. Go ahead and drink tea or coffee (or both!).
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