Most of us have heard of the benefits of drinking green tea, and for good reason! Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages, with more than 500 million cups consumed daily across the globe. Although there is no exact figure available, it is evident that tea is associated with health benefits, and that is largely because of the catechins and antioxidants that it contains.
In fact, tea has been shown to provide numerous health advantages, from helping to prevent diabetes and heart disease to aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. But perhaps the most surprising advantage of tea is that it aids in weight loss. Studies have shown that drinking tea can help to boost metabolism, promote satiety, and increase energy levels. Combined, these properties make tea a powerful ally in your quest for weight loss.
The Metabolism-Boosting Benefits Of Tea
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is known to boost the body’s ability to digest food and thus increase metabolism. However, this is not always practical, and many people find it difficult to consistently avoid foods they enjoy. If you are one of these individuals, you might consider drinking tea as an alternative means of boosting your metabolism and losing weight.
Tea contains a substance known as gallic acid. This substance is responsible for the distinctive flavor of tea. However, apart from imparting its unique taste, gallic acid has also been shown to be effective in protecting the body’s tissues and inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. One prominent scientist believes that gallic acid can slow down the aging process and even boost the body’s natural immunity. Moreover, drinking tea has been shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes and liver disorders. Because of these advantages, the World Health Organization has classified drinking tea as part of a healthy lifestyle. Gallic acid has also been proven to fight obesity, and because of its ability to boost metabolism, many people use tea as a weight loss tool. Let’s explore these benefits in detail.
Helpful In Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common and widespread diseases globally, affecting nearly 10% of the population. The condition itself is quite simple to define; it is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced is insufficient in stimulating glucose metabolism in cells. This metabolic disorder can lead to severe health complications if left untreated, so it is of paramount importance that you pay careful attention to those warning signs that might suggest you are developing type 2 diabetes.
It is well known that tea is healthy for the human body, and studies have shown that it can help in preventing type 2 diabetes. For instance, a study published in the journal Nutrition reveals that the flavonoids and catechins in tea help to activate insulin receptors on cell walls, thus enhancing insulin’s ability to transport glucose into cells. Moreover, the compounds in tea have also been found to suppress the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates, resulting in more glucose being absorbed by the body. This, in turn, can help to reduce blood glucose levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Energizing Benefit From Tea
Drinking tea on a regular basis can help to fight fatigue and boost energy levels. This is because of the compounds present in tea, specifically the caffeine and the theanine. The caffeine content of tea can range anywhere from 40 to 95 mg per cup, and the caffeine molecule itself is known for its ability to boost mental and physical performance. Moreover, the caffeine in tea can also block the adenosine receptors in the body, thus preventing the molecule from interacting with adenosine in the brain, which can lead to drowsiness. In addition, the theanine content of tea provides an ergogenic boost and helps to promote relaxation and wellness. This amino acid is present in relatively higher amounts in green tea than in black tea, with the concentration varying between brands and varying amounts within the same brand.
Promotes Balanced Appetite And Nutritional Intake
Most of us are familiar with the saying ‘eating is fundamental’, and most of us know how important it can be to have a healthy diet. But too often we fall into the trap of eating what is available instead of what is good for us, and this leads to poor nutrition and weight gain. In some cases, this can lead to serious health complications including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. When you drink tea, you provide your body with the nutrients that it needs to function properly. Moreover, drinking tea promotes a healthier diet; one study has shown that people who consumed mixtures of green tea and lemonade daily for a month consumed significantly fewer calories than when they were drinking plain green tea or lemonade.
Boosts Natural Immunity
Drinking tea can help to improve our body’s natural defense against infections; recent studies have shown that tea compounds can stimulate the body’s macrophages, leading to an increased ability to fight infections. Moreover, compounds in tea have been proven to speed up the process of detoxification in the body, helping to reduce the presence of toxins that can otherwise be harmful to our health. Finally, it is well known that tea contains antioxidants that act like small fighters in our body; these antioxidants can protect our cells from damage, resulting in a better overall health and immunity. Due to these properties, the World Health Organization has classified drinking tea as part of a healthy lifestyle, and it would be safe to assume that this organization has good reason for making this claim.
Promotes Digestion And Relief From Stomach Ache
Tea can often be recommended to individuals suffering from gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. These are two distinct but related conditions that cause acid to build up in the stomach and duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. As a result, the pain and discomfort caused by these conditions can be quite severe, rendering the affected individuals unable to eat food efficiently and, in some cases, causing severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Fortunately, drinking tea has been shown to reduce the severity of these acid-related disorders, and it is often prescribed as a means of alleviating symptoms.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels And Triglyceride Levels
People with diabetes and other disorders that affect glucose metabolism are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. One of the principle causes of heart disease in these individuals is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries. Studies have shown that tea can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, which, in turn, can help to prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease. Moreover, tea has been shown to reduce the bad cholesterol that is known to build up in the arteries. In addition to being good for preventing heart disease, tea also appears to be effective in treating this condition when it already exists. Studies have shown that drinking tea can help to stabilize blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks in individuals with hypertension. Finally, tea has also been shown to be beneficial in preventing the formation of kidney stones; it does this by increasing urine concentration and lowering urine pH levels. This is good news for anyone who suffers from kidney disorders, especially those who also consume alcohol. The stones that are formed as a result of this combination are often much smaller than those that are formed in the absence of tea. Thus, it would appear that drinking tea can help to improve the quality of life for many individuals, especially those who are prone to heart disease and other metabolic disorders.