There’s nothing like waking up to the aroma of coffee brewing in the morning, but when it comes to which warm beverage is a healthier fit for your diet, we would say that tea comes out as the winner. It’s the perfect drink to cozy up with during the winter, and is an ideal summer refresher, as well. (We’re obsessed with everything Kusmi, and when we’re on the go, Argo's not a bad place.) Here, we share ten reasons why you should make tea drinking part of your lifestyle.
1. Antioxidants!
Coupled with a nutritious, balanced diet and active lifestyle, the antioxidants found in most teas can be helpful in warding off a number of cancers.
2. It’s got less caffeine than coffee.
Ever notice how after your third cup of coffee, you turn into a ball of jitters? That’s because teas have a lower amount of energizing caffeine than in a cup of Joe. With that in mind, next time you reach an afternoon slump, consider opting for a green or black tea.
3. And it fights free radicals.
Meaning it may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke - something we can all definitely benefit from.
4. Trying to shed pounds? Reach for tea.
One study found that regular tea-drinkers tended to have lower waist circumference and lower BMI than non-consuming participants, suggesting that regular tea drinking lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome. Plus, in its pure, unsweetened form, tea is naturally calorie-free.
5. Your bones will love it.
Green tea has been found to improve bone mineral density and strength - super important to maintain a healthy lifestyle as we age.
6. It can also keep your brain sharp…
Tea has been linked as effective in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, especially degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. It’s been suggested that polyphenols in green tea may help maintain the parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory.
7. Tea may boost the immune system.
Because who likes getting sick? (The answer: no one.)
8. Drinking tea is linked with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.
When considered with other factors like smoking, physical activity, age and body mass index, regular tea drinking was associated with a lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women.
9. Hello, it’s hydrating.
Even despite the caffeine, tea is a great way to keep your body hydrated.
10. …And absolutely delicious.
Tea leaves technically naturally exist in four forms: green, black, white, and oolong. However, infusing herbs like mint and chamomile or fruit like peach and lemon make it a delicious beverage, no matter what. Drink up!