“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.”
William E Gladstone
TEA
With the UK along consuming 100 million cups a day, there is no wonder it’s referred to as our nation’s favourite!
We drink it because we like it and enjoy it. We find it comforting and relaxing. We socialise with it. We love afternoon tea – an age-old custom of drinking tea while eating sandwiches and cake - albeit these days probably more-so by way of celebration.
But did you know that a good cup of char is good for your wellbeing? New and emerging scientific research has highlighted health benefits, which is great news for our beloved tea drinkers!
Hydration
Many believe tea to be dehydrating, but its actually an important source of fluid that helps meet your daily requirements of eight cups of fluid every day.
Alertness
Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine – an amino acid found in green and black tea, that are said to help ease anxiety and stress, and also reduce insomnia – may improve our attention span, thus providing us with clarity of mind and aiding relaxation.
Caffeine is found naturally in different types of food and drink and acts as a stimulant, so a cup of tea can help refresh you, and get you through the day.
Ageing and Cognitive Function
Research alludes that tea also benefits ageing and mental function. This is likely due to the polyphenols found in tea – natural compounds that can help reduce inflammation and aid cognitive function following a stroke.
Heart Health
Studies relating to the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution and control of disease has shown an inverse correlation between tea consumption and its long-term health benefits.
This could be due to flavonoids - powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits – found in nearly all fruit and vegetables.
Fluoride
We know that fluoride has benefits that effect our teeth and bones, but did you know that tea it’s found in your cup of tea? Albeit you may need to consume higher levels for it to make a significant impact on your dental health!
Diabetes
Studies have shown that those you consume three or four cups of black tea a day could have a lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes, possibly due to the compounds, including the flavonoid antioxidants previously mentioned.
Although more evidence is needed to understand how and why, it is thought that the bioactive compounds in black tea may well help improve blood glucose control after meals.
“While there is tea, there is hope.”
