TEA FOR 2? OH, IT’S SO MUCH MORE

Teas and Their Health Benefits

Green Tea

Perhaps you’ve heard of the health benefits of green tea, which include enhanced cognitive functioning.

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are micronutrients with antioxidant properties that can protect against the effects of free radicals. A 2017 study found that one polyphenol in green tea may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by interacting with the building blocks that form plaques.

Drinking 5 or 6 cups of green tea daily may help increase metabolism, and in turn, spur weight loss.

Black Tea

Black tea may play a role in preventing cognitive decline, inflammation, heart disease, and diabetes. It also contains flavonoids which may help lower the risk of developing cancer.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea uses green tea as its base, so it has the benefits of green tea with the added flavor of jasmine.

Jasmine flowers contain antioxidants which may protect cells from age-related damage, and jasmine has been linked with improved physical well-being. It’s also purported to reduce the impact of stress. The smell of jasmine tea is soothing and able to calm nerves, so next time you need a stress reducer, don't reach for a candy bar, try a cup of jasmine tea instead.

Hibiscus Tea

Studies have suggested that extracts from the hibiscus calyx and hibiscus leaves have antioxidant and antitumoral (helping to stop abnormal cell growth) effects, and therefore they may protect against the aging effects of free radicals.

Hibiscus tea has also been tied to cardiovascular benefits by helping to regulate blood pressure, and the polyphenols in hibiscus leaves may help reduce tumor cell death in skin cancer, this according to a 2015 study

Rooibos or Redbush Tea

Research suggests that the antioxidant effects of rooibos are similar to, but not quite as powerful as, green tea.

A recent study in rats suggests that the antioxidants in redbush tea may lead to protective benefits for the liver, helping to make it more resilient to damage.

Rooibos has been cited as helpful in lowering blood pressure and relaxing tense muscles.

Rooibos does NOT contain any caffeine, unlike green tea, so you might enjoy it after dinner instead of a sugary snack.

As you can see, there are many teas that are reported to contain health benefits. So, drink up! It’s the opinion of this nutrition and weight-loss specialist that tea does a body good. __Lisa!