Tea can be an essential part of a healthy diet, and studies have shown that regular tea drinkers can experience some significant mental health benefits as well as other positive advantages. Tea contains properties that can reduce inflammation and relax the body. A recent study showed that tea drinking can even prolong life, reducing the chances of death by 9-10%. The temperature of the tea or the addition of milk does not impact these results.
Another study found that tea drinking was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. Specifically, those who drank at least three cups of tea per day had lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who didn't drink tea. Tea drinkers were also found to have better cognitive function and were more likely to report good overall mental health.
For many people, anxiety is a constant battle. It can be hard to control and can often feel overwhelming. Tea might lead to full-body relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial. The same Zen state can be achieved with mindfulness techniques and deep breathing. Tea drinking might also lift mood naturally, particularly teas that contain caffeine. So, those with depression can get a boost of dopamine while they’re sipping.
So why does tea seem to have such a positive effect on mental health? The research isn't entirely clear, but it may be due to the fact that tea contains antioxidants and other compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and improve brain function. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage, and thus, reduce the risk of cancer, and they also slow the body’s aging process. In addition to tea, antioxidants are found in many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Tea drinking has also been linked to lower levels of stress and better sleep, both of which are important for mental health. Studies have shown that sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress management. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a calm and comfortable bedtime environment, and avoiding stimulants like alcohol and caffeine in the evening, can help. Consider sipping a tea of tea that contains chamomile, melatonin and/or lavender before you hit your pillow.
In addition to the mental health benefits and the propensity to life longer, other studies have reported that tea drinking resulted in a modest reduction in heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues and other physical health ailments. These conditions are responsible for a significant amount of deaths each year and it’s important to ward off the possibility of falling victim to poor physical health.
Tea has relatively lower caffeine content than coffee. And eight-ounce cup of coffee has 95 milligrams, but the same amount of black tea offers 48 gms of caffeine. The caffeine content varies among different tea types. A cup of green tea consists of only 29 milligrams of caffeine, for example, and there are many other kinds that are entirely caffeine free. It is important to know the caffeine content of the tea you’re drinking in the afternoon and evening. Too much can cause poor sleep, and it is best to avoid caffeinated beverages altogether at least six hours before you call it a day.
There's a long-running debate on the potential of caffeine and catechins in weight loss. Caffeinated green tea shows promising results in this regard, but further information and insight are required to make any substantial claims. Nevertheless, green tea extract continues to be a common ingredient in many weight loss supplements. The health and wellness field largely accepts it as a major contributor in a person’s ability to drop a few pounds. So if you're looking to slim down, drink up! Brewed tea is a calorie-free way to fill up, and it may just help you reach your weight loss goals. Alternately, you can purchase green tea extract in capsule form.
Some tea companies have the purpose of their teas displayed directly on the front of their boxes. When browsing this aisle at your local grocer, you may spot options for increasing immunity, improve sleep, slimming down, detoxing, creating a sense of calm, etc. This is because these various types of teas contain ingredients that have been found to fulfill the claims on their packaging. When these messages are readily available, it makes it a lot easier to select tea that matches your health goals. Of course, you may want to compare prices. Some products carry a much higher price tag than others simply due to this type of marketing.
Exercising, eating right, and seeking therapy and medication when needed are all integral parts of making sure your mental health stays on track. However, adding tea to your daily routine may also be one small way to boost these benefits and achieving optimal mental health. You don’t necessarily have to give up your morning cup of joe, but you can incorporate tea into the rest of your day.
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