Tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and mortality.
A recent study reported that Japanese researchers tracked over 40,000 middle-aged and elderly people aged 40 to 79 from 1994 onwards. They found that compared to those who drank less than one cup of tea a day, men who drank five or more cups of green tea daily had a 22% lower average risk of dying from cerebrovascular disease, while women had a 31% lower risk. The most significant reduction was in cerebral infarction, with men experiencing a 42% decrease and women a 62% decrease. According to a report by the British Daily Mail, a new study found that drinking three cups of tea a day can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction by 70%. Studies from Finland and France also show that drinking two to three cups of tea daily can lower the risk of stroke.
Tea has the effect of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong found that drinking tea can reduce total blood cholesterol levels by 25%. Another study on the relationship between tea consumption and hypertension found that the incidence of high blood pressure was 10.55% among non-tea drinkers and 6.95% among regular tea drinkers, confirming that tea has a certain blood pressure-lowering effect.
Tea helps reduce the risk of diabetes.
A long-term observational study of 17,000 men and women aged 40 to 65 found that those who drank more than six cups of green tea a day had a 33% lower risk of diabetes compared to those who drank less than one cup a week. There is also evidence that drinking cold-brewed green tea is more effective in preventing and treating diabetes.
Tea helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Tea protects brain cells and effectively delays brain degeneration, helping maintain the health of brain blood vessels. Recent studies show that drinking more tea can improve memory and prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Tea has anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects.
The fast-paced and high-pressure nature of modern life often leads to anxiety, tension, irritability, depression, and other psychological symptoms. Green tea contains theanine, a non-sedative relaxant that helps the brain produce gamma waves. Gamma waves can help control anxiety, improve focus, and enhance overall mental state and function. Generally, three to four cups of green tea contain 100-200 mg of theanine, making green tea effective in combating stress and anxiety.
Tea boosts immunity.
If there's a recent flu outbreak, drink more tea. Researchers at Harvard University found that people who drank five cups of tea daily for two weeks produced large amounts of antiviral interferon, ten times more than non-tea drinkers. This infection-fighting protein can enhance immunity and help the body resist the flu.
Tea enhances antibacterial power.
In May 2008, a report stated that Egyptian researchers tested "green tea plus antibiotics" on 28 types of bacteria. They found that green tea could significantly enhance the potency of antibiotics, increasing bactericidal efficiency by up to three times. It also reduces bacterial resistance.
Tea aids in weight loss for obese individuals.
Researchers found that compared to non-tea drinkers, those who drank tea for over ten years had about 20% less body fat in men and 30% less in women. Losing weight while enjoying tea is a delightful benefit! Moreover, tea is an excellent beauty treatment for the skin, making regular tea drinkers more radiant.
Other health benefits of tea.
Tea also relieves fatigue, refreshes the mind, improves vision, aids digestion, acts as a diuretic and detoxifier, prevents tooth decay, and eliminates bad breath. As an alkaline beverage, tea helps correct acidic body conditions... Tea is undoubtedly the healthiest drink of the 21st century.
The above highlights the excellent health benefits of tea leaves. Next, we will elaborate on the specific beneficial components in tea that contribute to health.
Tea polyphenols are the most abundant soluble components in tea and the primary substances responsible for its health benefits. The most typical representative is catechin (phenol), which has antioxidant (eliminating oxygen free radicals), anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular disease risk reduction, lipid-lowering, fat formation reduction, antibacterial, and gut microbiota modulation effects. Studies show that drinking a cup of tea increases blood antioxidant capacity (the ability to combat oxygen free radicals) by 41%-48% within half an hour, maintaining this high level for an hour and a half.
Tea pigments mainly include chlorophyll and beta-carotene, which have anti-aging and beautifying effects.
Theanine improves brain function, enhancing memory and learning ability. It also helps prevent Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and autonomic nervous system disorders.
Tea polysaccharides are a complex mixture of components. They have anti-radiation effects, increase white blood cell count, boost immunity, and lower blood sugar. The folk practice of using coarse tea to treat diabetes primarily relies on the effects of tea polysaccharides.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is naturally present in small amounts in tea leaves, but its content increases significantly after processing. GABA's main function is to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure, making it useful in辅助治疗高血压。它还能改善大脑血液循环，增强脑细胞的代谢能力，这有助于脑卒中(中风)、脑动脉硬化后遗症等的康复治疗。