As I sit here drinking tea in Melbournes winter, I’m out on the back deck with my blanket and tea, listening to the birds and working…but it’s a nice place to work and I remembered that just last week we wrote about the benefits of tea in our regular update to our clients so here it is for you…
Drinking Tea Has Its Benefits…There is nothing better than sitting in relaxing in front of the fire, rugged up with a hot cup of tea in hand. Tea is delicious but it is also so good for you! Black has been time and time again been described as the longevity beverage. With over 1,500 varieties, not including all the different herbal blends, it is full of many health effects. Some say when consumed regularly, it is healthier than water…Tea leaves contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that help to prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and some other chronic problems. Polyphenols are normally found in large amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains, coffee, and wine (yes wine!). The specific polyphenols in tea are called catechins or EGCG, which are more powerful than the polyphenols contained anywhere else in nature.
- Tea is also wonderful at decreasing stress by increasing relaxation level and concentration. Fun fact, the amino acid, L-theanine, counteracts any caffeine in the tea. Tea is the only way you can get this supplement in your diet without taking a manufactured supplement.
- Amino acids increase the activity in the brain to achieve a state of relaxed concentration. The highest concentrations of L-theanine are in green and white tea varieties. Its been shown to help lower Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol, fight body fat accumulation, inhibit viral illnesses such as the cold or the flu and reduce the buildup of plaque on the teeth- who knew!
- Hot, cold, iced or spiced, tea can be enjoyed in various ways. So do yourself a favour and boil the kettle and enjoy a cup of tea or two a day. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Enjoy!