Throughout history, many generations have used a hot cup of tea to promote mental and physical wellness. The discovery of tea dates to 2732 B.C., when leaves from a wild tree blew into Chinese Emperor Shen Nung’s pot of boiling water and the pleasant scent compelled him to take a sip. The legend says that the emperor described how the liquid gave him a warm feeling that invigorated his body and soul.
Today, tea is the second most consumed beverage after water around the world, with more than 3,000 varieties of available. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, drinking a cup of tea can help soothe your soul and support your well-being.
What the Research Tell Us
Tea is high in antioxidants called flavonoids, specifically polyphenols, which help the body to eliminate free radicals that otherwise damage proteins, DNA, and lipids.
Benefits of some popular varieties include:
- Black tea: Drinking black tea on a regular basis may help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve high and low blood pressure.
- Chamomile tea: Traditionally, chamomile has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent, and healing tonic. It may improve cardiovascular conditions, the immune system, and sleep.
- Ginger tea: Ginger tea boasts many of the same benefits of the ginger root. It contains gingerol, which improves gastrointestinal mobility and relieves nausea and bloating.
- Green tea: High in flavonoids, green tea can help boost heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Green tea may also have an impact on liver, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
- White tea: The variety with the highest levels of antioxidants, white tea also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
How to Practice
Using your favorite recipe or a new one from this article and sidebar, brew your own tea to reap the benefits of the soothing beverage.