What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Tea Every Day
Indulging in a comforting cup of tea daily could prove to be one of the most beneficial habits for your health.
Whether you prefer to savor your tea in elegant china with a side of scone, opt for a to-go cup with ice during your daily tasks, or cozy up by the fireplace with your favorite mug, making tea a daily ritual can greatly enhance your overall health.
According to a 2019 review in the journal Nutrients,*1 tea ranks as the second most consumed beverage globally, following water, and is enjoyed by over two-thirds of the world's population. If you're among the countless tea enthusiasts curious about the impacts of this daily ritual on your health, read on to discover the incredible health benefits that tea consumption may bring.
Tea Nutrition Facts
The term "tea" encompasses a spectrum of beverages, ranging from true teas to herbal teas. True teas, which include green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea, are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The unique flavors and health benefits of each true tea are influenced by whether the leaves undergo heating or oxidation during processing.
In contrast, herbal teas are not true teas; they are concocted by steeping herbs, flowers, roots, or other ingredients in hot water (this what we categorize as Herbal and Rooibos). While they lack the Camellia sinensis plant, certain herbal teas contain distinctive compounds that offer potential health advantages, depending on the blend's ingredients.
Despite their minimal contribution to macronutrients, true teas are rich in flavan-3-ols as shown by one study.*2 For instance, such study found that an 8-ounce serving of green tea provides 318 milligrams of flavan-3-ols, while the same serving of black tea offers 277 mg of this beneficial plant compound. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a specific flavan-3-ol present in true teas, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, as revealed by a 2023 study.*3
Additionally, true teas contain L-theanine, an amino acid known to potentially enhance alertness, according to a recent review article.*4
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea has long been cherished across diverse cultures for its simplicity and health benefits, making it a seamless addition to a wholesome diet. Whether it's green, black, oolong, or white tea, studies indicate distinct health advantages for those who regularly indulge in this beloved beverage.
You May Have Better Blood Pressure Due to Drinking Tea Daily
The plant compound flavan-3-ols, prevalent in true teas, is associated with cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as indicated by the previously mentioned study in Advances in Nutrition.*3 The research recommends aiming for a daily intake of 400 to 600 mg of flavan-3-ols, equivalent to approximately two cups of black or green tea.
You May Reduced Risk of Certain Types of Cancer Due to Drinking Tea Daily
Numerous factors can influence cancer risk, with some, such as genetics, beyond one's control. However, among the factors potentially affecting cancer risk, tea consumption may exert a protective influence. Research published in a 2020 study suggests that tea intake may offer protective effects against certain types of cancer, notably oral cancer. Although the evidence is less robust, there are indications of a possible association between tea consumption and reduced risks of breast, endometrial, and liver cancers.*5 The polyphenols present in tea, possessing antioxidant properties, are believed to scavenge free radicals implicated in cancer development. Additionally, these compounds may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, as noted by the authors.
You May Have Better Ability to Focus Due to Drinking Tea Daily
Within green tea resides L-theanine, an amino acid renowned for its influence on brain function. A study published in 2021 suggests that L-theanine present in tea could enhance attention and bolster working memory.*6 This amino acid may facilitate the elevation of specific brain waves, thereby augmenting cognitive capabilities, among other beneficial functions.
You May Have a Stronger Immune System Due to Drinking Tea Daily
Different types of tea, such as black and green, boast abundant polyphenols, among which certain varieties found in true teas, like EGCG and theaflavin, could bolster immune health, as outlined in a 2020 study.*7 Moreover, tea contains compounds renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to immune support.
You May Live Longer Due to Drinking Tea Daily
In a study published in 2022, which analyzed the habits of half a million tea enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, it was revealed that individuals who consumed two or more cups of black tea daily experienced a 13% decrease in the risk of mortality from any cause compared to non-tea drinkers.*8 Furthermore, tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
You May Be More Hydrated
Tea qualifies as a hydrating fluid, making it an excellent choice to maintain hydration levels throughout the day. According to the CDC, staying adequately hydrated not only promotes cognitive sharpness but also aids in regulating body temperature and ensuring regular digestion.*9
Even if none of the above mentioned benefits give you reason to incorporate tea into your daily routine, consider one of the best benefits of daily tea consumption: a moment of reflection! Our favorite times of the day are when we take a breather and just enjoy a good cuppa. Enjoy!
*1 Source Nutrients
*2 Source Advances in Nutrition
*3 Source International Journal of Molecular Sciences
*4 Source Cureus
*5 Source National Library of Medicine
*6 Source Journal of Medicinal Food
*7 Source Frontiers in Immunology
*8 Source Annals of Internal Medicine
*9 Source CDC
