Drinking tea is a traditional Chinese habit, especially among the elderly. Having several cups of fragrant tea daily indeed offers many benefits, but you might not be fully aware of them. Let's explore the advantages of tea drinking together!

Drinking more tea has numerous benefits. According to the latest foreign media reports, having three cups of tea daily can provide various health benefits and disease prevention effects. Experts recommend one cup each in the morning, noon, and evening, with the tea steeped for at least 5 minutes to allow the effective components in the tea leaves to dissolve in the hot water. Black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea all contain multiple antioxidants that promote health. Due to the proteins in milk, adding milk to tea is more beneficial for enhancing the health effects of tea, but adding sugar does not have this effect.

1. Reduces stroke risk: A 15-year Dutch study found that regularly drinking black tea without milk can lower the risk of stroke. American research discovered that the tea polyphenols in five cups of black tea can reduce bad cholesterol by 11%, thereby decreasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Tea polyphenols also help improve blood vessel function.

2. Promotes digestive function: Green tea (unprocessed) helps stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promotes food digestion. Green tea can also block 30% of fat absorption, aiding in weight loss. Peppermint tea aids digestion, ginger tea can treat nausea (especially morning sickness during pregnancy), and fennel tea can prevent constipation, bloating, and abdominal cramps.

3. Enhances brain function: British research found that the caffeine and L-theanine in black tea can improve cognitive ability. Drinking two cups of black tea can enhance attention. Additionally, consuming more than 100 ml of tea (or coffee) daily can reduce the risk of glioma (the most common brain tumor) by 34%.

4. Lowers cancer risk: Tea (especially green tea) contains eight times more polyphenol antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. These compounds can inhibit cancer cell growth. A Taiwanese study found that one cup of green tea daily can reduce the risk of lung cancer. Moreover, drinking tea can slow the progression of prostate cancer and lower the risk of stomach cancer.

5. Boosts immunity: A Harvard University study found that people who drink 5-6 cups of tea daily show significant improvements in immunity, as well as better metabolism and skin health. Tea also helps the body recognize and fight bacteria and parasites. Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulation-stimulating effects, which can relieve migraines.

6. Treats insomnia and anxiety: Black tea contains relatively high caffeine, so it's best avoided before bedtime. However, most herbal teas are caffeine-free. The tryptophan and amino acids in chamomile tea have a calming effect, while another compound, chrysin, can alleviate anxiety, promote sleep, and treat insomnia. Additionally, lavender tea can help relax the body and mind. Basil leaf tea has a sedative effect.

7. Protects teeth: Although tea drinking may cause tooth discoloration, tea polyphenols have antibacterial properties that prevent tartar formation, dental diseases, and cavities. Both white tea and green tea offer this benefit. Fruit teas are acidic and can damage tooth enamel.