Tea has been an important part of Chinese culture since ancient times. It is not only a drink, but also an art of life and a spiritual sustenance.
In the fast-paced modern life, a cup of fragrant tea can not only soothe the body and mind, but also has many health benefits. Today, let's take a deep look at the four benefits of long-term tea drinking for human health.
1. Anti-oxidation, delaying aging
Tea contains rich antioxidants, especially tea polyphenols and vitamin C, which can effectively remove free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the key factors leading to cell aging and various diseases. Therefore, drinking tea in moderation can help delay the aging process.
Many studies have shown that tea polyphenols have significant antioxidant properties. For example, a study on the elderly found that people who drink tea regularly have lower skin aging, relatively fewer wrinkles and spots. In addition, vitamin C in tea can also enhance immunity and help the body resist the invasion of the external environment.
A long-term follow-up survey in Japan showed that people who drink green tea regularly have a lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, which may be closely related to the antioxidants in green tea.
2. Promote digestion and improve intestinal health
Theophylline and polyphenol compounds in tea have the effect of promoting gastric juice secretion and helping digestion. Drinking tea in moderation can stimulate gastric acid secretion, promote food digestion, and improve intestinal function.
Scientific research shows that theophylline can enhance gastrointestinal motility and help digestion. In addition, dietary fiber in tea can also promote intestinal motility and prevent constipation. An experiment on patients with indigestion found that after drinking a moderate amount of tea, the symptoms were relieved.
In traditional Chinese medicine, tea is often used as an auxiliary medicine for treating indigestion and constipation. Many middle-aged and elderly people are also accustomed to drinking tea after meals to aid digestion.
3. Lower blood pressure and protect cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
Tea polyphenols and flavonoids in tea have the effect of lowering blood pressure and blood lipids, which helps prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Drinking tea in moderation can improve blood circulation, reduce blood viscosity, and protect cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
Many clinical studies have shown that people who drink tea for a long time have a lower chance of developing hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. For example, a study on patients with hypertension found that drinking green tea can significantly lower blood pressure levels. In addition, the antioxidants in tea can reduce damage to blood vessel walls and prevent arteriosclerosis.
In Japan and South Korea, green tea is widely regarded as a healthy drink, and many centenarians have the habit of drinking tea for a long time. Scientific research has also confirmed that drinking tea in moderation can help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
4.Refreshing and improving mood
Tea contains caffeine, and moderate intake can stimulate the central nervous system and play a refreshing role. In addition, theanine, an amino acid in tea, has the effect of soothing emotions and reducing stress, which helps improve mental health.
Studies have shown that caffeine can increase the excitement of the brain, enhance attention and memory. Theanine can promote the generation of alpha waves in the brain, bringing a sense of relaxation and pleasure. A survey of office workers showed that drinking tea in moderation can significantly improve work efficiency and reduce fatigue.
In many work and study occasions, tea is regarded as a refreshing drink. Many writers and scholars are also accustomed to drinking tea when they are creating to help concentrate and inspire inspiration.
5. Tea Types and Healthy Choices
After understanding the health benefits of tea, we have to mention the different effects brought by different types of tea. From the fragrant green tea to the mellow black tea, from the elegant white tea to the fragrant scented tea, each type of tea has its unique flavor and health benefits.
Green tea, as an unfermented tea, retains the most original ingredients of tea, and its antioxidant capacity ranks among the best among all teas. Regular drinking of green tea can not only refresh the mind, but also help lower blood lipids and blood pressure, which is of great benefit to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
Black tea, made through a fermentation process, has a mellow taste and is suitable for drinking in cold seasons. The tea polyphenols in black tea are oxidized to form new antioxidants, which are relatively less irritating to the stomach and are suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
White tea is loved by more and more people for its natural, simple and healthy characteristics. White tea has a high content of tea polyphenols and flavonoids, which have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term drinking of white tea can not only improve immunity, but also help lose weight and beautify.
Flower tea, which perfectly combines the aroma of tea and flowers, not only tastes fragrant, but also has certain medicinal value. For example, chrysanthemum tea can clear away heat and detoxify, rose tea can regulate endocrine, and jasmine tea can soothe emotions.
6. How to drink tea scientifically
Knowing the benefits and types of tea, the next thing to discuss is how to drink tea scientifically to give full play to the health benefits of tea.
Excessive tea drinking may lead to excessive caffeine intake, causing insomnia, palpitations and other discomfort symptoms. Generally speaking, 3-5 grams of tea per day, divided into 3-4 times, is appropriate.
Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach or before going to bed to avoid irritating the gastric mucosa and affecting sleep. It is best to drink tea 1 hour after a meal, when gastric juice secretion is vigorous and helps digestion.
Different types of tea can be reasonably matched according to personal constitution and taste. For example, green tea is cooler and suitable for people with hot constitutions; black tea is warmer and suitable for people with cold constitutions.
Long-term tea drinking can not only bring us taste enjoyment, but also provide multiple guarantees for our physical health. From anti-oxidation to promoting digestion, from protecting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular vessels to improving mood, the benefits of tea are everywhere.
However, tea drinking also needs to be scientific and reasonable. Excessive or inappropriate tea drinking may cause unnecessary health problems. Therefore, understanding your own constitution and needs, choosing tea and tea drinking methods that suit you, is the key to enjoying the health benefits of tea.
Tea is not only a drink, but also a healthy lifestyle. In this fast-paced era, let us slow down, taste a cup of fragrant tea, and enjoy a healthy and peaceful life.