By Victoria Q

Aside from water and coffee, tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. There are two main categories of tea – true teas and herbal teas.

True teas are made using the leaves of the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis – green tea, white tea, oolong tea, pu-er tea, and black tea. While these teas are made using the same leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the difference in colour and taste arises from the production process.

Meanwhile, herbal teas are made by infusing fruits, roots, herbs, leaves, and stems of a variety of plants – ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea. These teas boost health benefits that differ from true teas since they contain various compounds.

It isn’t consumed purely for the taste but its benefits too. Here we are going to show you the benefits of drinking teas.

1. Reduce Risk Of Heart Disease

Tea can improve blood flow around the body and reduce the risk of blood clots. It also contains antioxidants called ‘flavonoids’ which may slow down the risk of heart disease. You may improve your cardiovascular health by consuming tea up to 3 or more times a week.

2. May Help Prevent Cancer

Polyphenols found in black tea may help prevent cancer cell survival. Research has shown that black tea may reduce the speed of cancer spreads in the body. Also, antioxidants in tea may improve outcomes for cancers of the breasts, lungs, colon, skin and others.

3. Tea Prevents Tooth Decay

A regular supply of tea can strengthen your teeth and lower the risk of tooth decay. This is because the fluoride and tannin elements found in tea are known to fight bacterial activities in your mouth. Enjoy a daily cuppa and fight that plaque build-up and reduce the chance of getting cavities.

4. Help With Stress And Anxiety

Some tea has a calming effect to help with stress and anxiety problems. Stress is the leading cause of insomnia which can lead to more serious health disease. If you can’t sleep at night, be sure to take a cup of chamomile tea. Its soothing effect will enhance sleep, making you more fresh and productive the next day.

5. Keeping You Hydrated

Although water is the prime fluid for rehydrating the body, however drinking tea could be useful too. Tea contains 99% of water which contributes to hydrating the body and makes up the fluid intake for the day. Embrace daily moderate consumption of tea and acquire water with added benefits such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

6. Reduce Belly Fat

Drinking tea regularly can help to keep body fat down by speeding up the burning of calories. A study has shown that drinking 3 cups of black tea every day for 3 months can reduce waist size. If black tea isn’t your thing, oolong tea and green tea are also good choices.