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So what is so good about drinking tea?
Of course, it gives instant refreshment and is a great way to start a day. It can give relief from daily stress and tension and goes well with biscuits, pastries, chip or any other accompaniment. But there is much more to this miracle drink than that...
Antioxidants
Tea is a natural source of antioxidants, a compound which is known to have several properties which can improve health. According to researchers, antioxidants can prevent heart diseases, increase good cholesterol, enhance the immune system, reduce the effects of ageing and risk of cancer. It is present in many fruits and vegetables and is abundant in tea leaves.
The discoveries of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition point out that drinking three or more cups of tea a day can improve health, prevent many illnesses, add to the daily fluid intake and rehydrate the body.
Heart diseases and Cholesterol
Drinking tea is also found to reduce the bad cholesterol or LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) without affecting the good cholesterol (HDL). This could in turn lower the chances of heart diseases. The report was made by USDA based on a study conducted on eight men and eight women volunteers.
DNA Damage in smokers
A study was conducted in which 140 smokers were advised to drink tea for four months to see if tea had any effects on DNA damage in cells. A 25% decrease in the levels of 8-OHdg (an indicator of cell damage) was seen. This discovery was made by Dr. Iman Hakim of University of Arizona and the Arizona Cancer Centre.
Skin Cancer
Green tea could also prevent the occurrence of skin cancer. The presence of a substance known as polyphenols in tea may be the reason for its effectiveness in destroying tumour cells by limiting blood vessel growth.
Ovarian Cancer
Green tea also exhibits certain properties which can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women by almost 60%. Other types of tea also provide protection against cancer as per latest studies.
Frostbites
Recent research shows that tea can prevent frostbites and protect the body from severe cold climates. The Scientists at the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences in New Delhi have found that by the rapid re-warming of the affected limb in a decoction of tea maintained at 39 C along with the intake of tea can help in reducing the effects of frostbites.
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