Chinese people have been drinking tea for thousands of years, making it one of the most common beverages. Since ancient times, tea has been known for its health benefits, offering not only a richer taste than plain water but also a refreshing aroma. So, what exactly does tea do for health?

Tea Can Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Research has found that regular tea consumption may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Experimental results show that active compounds in tea can inhibit the activity of specific brain enzymes, enhancing and strengthening memory. In the future, tea might even become a new tool for treating Alzheimer's.

According to the latest issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a Japanese study discovered that drinking two to three cups of green tea daily can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by about half.

The powerful effects of green tea are primarily attributed to its polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help eliminate harmful free radicals in the body, thereby preventing Alzheimer's. Researchers noted that elderly individuals who drink more than three cups of green tea daily not only have a lower risk of Alzheimer's but also show improvements in overall memory and focus.

Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases

Studies indicate that tea consumption can reduce blood viscosity, prevent blood clots, decrease capillary permeability and fragility, lower serum cholesterol, and increase high-density lipoprotein, all of which contribute to cardiovascular health.

Helps Control Weight

Surveys show that long-term tea drinkers tend to have significantly lower body fat percentages and less abdominal fat compared to non-tea drinkers. Those who have been drinking tea for over 10 years exhibit about 20% less body fat and 2.1% less abdominal fat, with even more pronounced effects in women (30% and 5% reductions, respectively).

Three Key Times to Drink Tea

9 AM: A cup of tea in the morning can help refresh the mind and detoxify the body. Floral teas are recommended for their aromatic and invigorating properties.

1 PM: A cup of green tea after lunch or a nap can aid in lowering blood lipids and protecting blood vessels, thanks to its antioxidant and antiviral properties.

6 PM: Drinking tea too late in the evening may disrupt sleep, so it's best to have a cup of black tea around 6 PM to aid digestion and reduce blood lipids.

Common Tea Misconceptions

Tea does not sober you up. Its diuretic effect can accelerate the passage of harmful substances to the kidneys, potentially damaging renal function.

Do not drink tea on an empty stomach. The caffeine in tea can increase heart rate, causing palpitations, and frequent urination may strain the kidneys.

Avoid overnight tea. After sitting overnight, tea loses its vitamins, and its proteins and sugars become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause stomach pain and harm the kidneys.

Women should avoid tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, as it may worsen menstrual symptoms.

While tea offers many benefits, elderly individuals should drink it in moderation due to differences in constitution and age.