We Brits love tea more than most nations, although it’s still the second most popular drink in the world, right after water. While the UK is famous for its tea culture, few of us realize that making tea a regular part of your day can offer a wealth of health benefits, all backed by modern science. Whether you enjoy green, black, or herbal teas, here are 18 compelling reasons why drinking more tea could boost your overall well-being.
Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases, including arthritis and heart disease, yet many black, green, and white teas have anti-inflammatory properties that can help. The Arthritis Foundation recommends sufferers drink tea to help reduce pain and swelling in their affected joints.
Aids Digestion
Certain herbal teas, like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile, have digestive benefits and can help soothe your digestive tract, alleviate bloating, and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Ginger tea, for example, is useful for reducing nausea and vomiting, making it a great (and safe) option for those with motion sickness or pregnancy-related morning sickness.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tea is packed with antioxidants, compounds that help prevent potentially damaging ‘oxidation’ action in your cells. Penn Medicine states that white tea has especially high concentrations of antioxidants and can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals, including cancerous tumors.
Good for Your Heart
Drinking tea has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. The BBC reports that catechins in green tea and theaflavins in black tea are particularly beneficial to heart health, lowering cholesterol and reducing your risk of stroke or heart attack. Regular tea consumption also lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
Boosts Brain Function
Eating Well asserts that most tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which improves brain function. Combining these two components has been shown to improve mood, attention span, and cognitive function, offering a gentler and more sustained caffeine ‘boost’ than stronger coffee-based drinks.
Supports Weight Loss
The catechins in green tea can boost metabolism and increase fat burning in the short term, making it a valuable tool for weight loss. Even non-green varieties can aid dieting, though the AARP states that any tea “can be a tasty, hydrating, hunger-curbing alternative to sugary sodas and other caloric drinks.”
Improves Dental Health
According to TODAY, tea can help protect your teeth from damage, as it contains fluoride and tannins that reduce plaque, cavities, and gum disease while strengthening tooth enamel. So long as you don’t add sugar, drinking tea is a great way to wash your mouth with an antibacterial, tooth-strengthening liquid, especially as an alternative to sugary juices or sodas.
Lowers Diabetes Risk
An NLM study asserts, “Various studies have shown that tea may affect glucose metabolism and insulin signaling.” Compounds in green tea, in particular, can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, reducing your overall risk of developing type II diabetes and any associated adverse health effects.
Supports Immunity
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties and high concentrations of powerful antioxidants, tea can bolster the immune system against common ailments like colds and flu. Certain herbal teas, like elderberry, echinacea, and ginger tea, are particularly potent and well-known for their immune-boosting effects.
Relieves Stress
LinkedIn states tea has a calming effect on the nervous system because it contains polyphenols that lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. Consequently, tea drinkers often feel less stressed and anxious, promoting relaxation and better sleep. Herbal teas, like chamomile, are particularly recommended for stress.
Hydration
While water remains the best way to stay hydrated, drinking tea is a close second. Unlike coffee and soft drinks, which can dehydrate the body, tea provides good hydration and a host of other health benefits (as we’ve seen). Unsweetened tea can be a great alternative to keep you hydrated if you struggle to drink enough ‘boring’ water.
Protects Against Osteoporosis
A study in the National Library of Medicine reports that post-menopausal women who regularly drank green tea had a significantly lower chance of osteoporosis and associated bone fractures. Long-term tea consumption has been shown to improve bone density, with antioxidants and phytochemicals strengthening bones and supporting bone health.
Improves Skin Health
The antioxidants and polyphenols in tea, especially white and green tea, can help protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer. These compounds may also help reduce signs of aging by slowing the formation of wrinkles and improving skin’s elasticity. Plus, tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and acne.
Enhances Endurance
Once again, green tea has the most benefit—the catechins it contains boost metabolism and encourage the body to burn fat as fuel, helping enhance exercise performance, especially in long-distance and endurance events. Consequently, many athletes could benefit from incorporating tea into their daily lives.
Lowers Risk of Stroke
WebMD says drinking tea may lower your risk of experiencing a stroke, especially if you drink a variety high in antioxidants (like green tea). Research shows that individuals consuming three or more cups of tea every day have a significantly lower risk of stroke due to improved blood vessel function and reduced inflammation.
Improves Concentration
Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which relaxes you without causing drowsiness. L-theanine can help reduce stress and other distractions, improving overall attention and focus. If you find concentrating on work or studying difficult, try swapping coffee for tea—you may be surprised.
Healthier Gut Fauna
The polyphenols found in many teas encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut and inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Having a more balanced and healthy gut biome can significantly improve digestive complaints, like bloating and indigestion, while also improving overall mental health and well-being.
Boosts Metabolism
If you want to burn more calories, experts recommend drinking green, black, or oolong teas due to their high concentrations of catechins and polyphenols and gentle caffeine kick. Teas like these are great for weight loss because they speed up fat-burning and increase the number of calories your body uses, even at rest.