Tea drinkers are less likely to experience a caffeine crash than coffee drinkers, according to The University of Melbourne. Despite this, Americans down more coffee than tea. The New York Post reports an average of 3.4 cups of coffee are drunk per day. But the high number of health benefits tea provides means you should consider switching to tea.
Better heart health
One study found that regular tea drinkers were 20% less likely to get heart disease or have a stroke than occasional or non-tea drinkers. The polyphenols found in tea are known to improve the way the blood vessels in the heart work. In contrast, coffee has been found to cause the lower chambers in the heart to skip beats. An irregular heart rhythm can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. So, if you want to protect your heart, it’s best to switch your daily coffee habit to relaxing cups of tea.
Improved immune system
It’s estimated that 3% of U.S. adults have a weakened immune system. Coffee may weaken your immune system if you drink too much of it due to the high levels of caffeine it contains. Tea can play a role in building your immune system up, thanks to the powerful ingredients within it. It’s packed full of antioxidants and plant chemicals. Research supports this, with one study finding that participants who drank black tea regularly over 6 months had improved immune activity. Other teas support the immune system, too. For example, green tea contains catechin which can prevent cell damage, whereas licorice tea has the ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. Consuming different types of tea on a regular basis may have more benefits than sticking to one variety. So, consider trying teas that originate from different parts of the world to see how they improve your health.
Weight loss
Around three-quarters of Americans are overweight or obese. This causes health problems including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Many coffees are calorific as they are packed full of sugar and cream. A surprising benefit of drinking tea is that it can aid weight loss. Catechins in tea can boost your body’s metabolism which encourages weight loss. Research has also found that two cups of green tea per day lowers body fat and waist circumference.
Coffee may be the nation’s favorite drink, but it’s not the healthiest. Switching to tea has a range of health benefits that could even extend your life, so why not try increasing your tea intake today?
