Tea: Exploring Its Types, Health Benefits, and Enjoyment

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Clearhead Tip: After water, tea is the next healthiest drink. Drinking tea is clearly linked to physical wellbeing, but what are the effects of tea on mental well-being?

It has been found that drinking tea can reduce stress and promote relaxation without bringing on drowsiness. Drinking green tea has also been linked to improved mood and a lower risk of dementia. You may want to avoid caffeinated tea if you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine's anxiety-inducing effects.

So, basically tea can be relaxing, improve your mood and focus, and is much less likely to bring on anxiety than coffee.

The Science
Canadian Mental Health Association(2015, January 15). Celebrate Hot Tea month with a cup for your mental health. https://ontario.cmha.ca/news/celebrate-hot-tea-month-cup-mental-health/

Nature. (2019, February 6). The science of tea’s mood-altering magic. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00398-1?error=cookies_not_supported&code=ffc19eec-7dc3-4c51-a473-b4093979da68

Tea is one of the healthiest drinks, after water, you can drink.

According to the Tea Association of the USA Inc, about half of the US population will drink tea today. That’s over 158 million people!

Research suggests drinking at least three cups of either black or green tea per day may reduce the risk of stroke and cancer.

Polyphenols are possibly the key element to what makes tea so healthy. Polyphenols act as antioxidants and have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green tea may have a positive effect on reducing the risk of breast, prostate and endometrial cancers although more research is needed to confirm this.

Try and avoid teas in coffee shops that contain added sweeteners. Consider brewing your tea at home.

Tea for weight loss – there is no evidence to support this claim so don’t believe the hype!

In general, tea can be included within a heart healthy diet. The only potential downside is you may get the 'jitters' if you drink too much of the caffeinated stuff!

There are a vast range of herbal teas you can choose from as well. Everything from chamomile, peppermint, vanilla, turmeric and ginger. At the end of the day it's all down to personal taste. Just try and avoid adding sugar or cream as this can reduce the potential benefits. Try adding a splash of vanilla or cinnamon if you need some sweetener.

The Science

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/other-healthy-beverage-options/

Pang J, Zhang Z, Zheng T, Bassig B, Mao C, Liu X, et.al. Green tea consumption and risk of cardiovascular and ischemic related diseases: A meta-analysis. 2016. International Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 202. pp 967-974.

http://www.teausa.com/index.cfm

Jurgens TM, Whelan AM, Killian L, Doucette S, Kirk S, Foy E. Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. 2012. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Vol. 12,p.CD008650.