HEALTHY TIP OF THE DAY

Tea is one of the most valued and widely consumed drinks in the world. Besides being a delicious, inexpensive beverage that has no calories, tea has a unique set of natural chemicals that provide various therapeutic benefits. As more research is conducted, tea, specifically black and green, demonstrates significant antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cavity properties.

The 5 Health Benefits of Green Tea

1. Oral Health: Along with the natural fluoride found in tea, polyphenols and catechins are associated with killing bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease-the number one cause for tooth loss. A study published by the European Journal of Nutrition found that consumption of one or more cups of green tea a day was significantly associated with decreasing the risk of tooth loss. Adding sugar, honey, or other sweeteners to tea however, may negate these benefits.

2. Bone Health: Routine tea consumption, especially for more than 10 years, has been associated with decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. It's thought that tea helps diminish bone loss through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, tea's health-promoting properties are thought to suppress the breakdown of bone while increasing the amount and activity of bone building cells. 

 

3. Weight Loss: Evidence is still inconclusive in this area, but it's thought that the catechins found in tea, specifically green tea, create thermogenesis-the production of heat within the body which is related to burning calories. These compounds may inhibit certain chemicals in the brain, thereby prolonging thermogenesis. In one study, participants who drank four cups of tea daily had remarkably higher fat oxidation (by 12 percent) and burned an average of 67 additional calories a day. Drinking at least three cups a day is recommended to raise the body's metabolic rate.

4. Cancer: Numerous research has demonstrated that tea is beneficial in preventing cancer including prostate, pancreatic, breast, colorectal, esophageal, bladder, lung, and stomach. The catechins found in tea prevent cell mutation, deactivate certain carcinogens, and reduce the formation and growth of tumors. However drinking as many as four cups a day may be necessary to reap the anti-cancer benefits.

5. Heart Health: Tea consumption is also associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Research published by Harvard demonstrates that people who drink at least one cup of tea daily have a 44 percent lower risk of heart attack. Some studies have also demonstrated that tea lowers cholesterol levels.