Health benefits and unknown facts about tea
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Tea is a beverage that many can't imagine their day without. People drink it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, there are some lesser-known facts about the drink that can contribute to maintaining good health, according to the website of the medical community Berezhy Sebe (Take Care of Yourself).
Hot tea can be bad for health
There are studies indicating a link between regular tea consumption and reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, and premature death.
However, frequent consumption of hot tea (above 60 °C) may increase the risks of developing esophageal and stomach cancers.
Such data are obtained based on observational studies. More controlled randomized studies are needed for more accurate conclusions.
Tea contains caffeine
Only herbal teas are predominantly caffeine-free. When comparing the caffeine content in different types of tea, it depends on various factors such as the country of origin, leaf type, brewing style, etc.
Tea leaves contain approximately 3.5% caffeine. Coffee beans contain between 3.4% and 8% depending on the variety.
However, more coffee beans are needed to make coffee compared to tea leaves. Therefore, a cup of coffee usually contains more caffeine than a cup of tea.
Less caffeine in green tea
Green tea has less caffeine than black tea. However, there are exceptions, and it depends on the preparation method and the amount of tea leaves.
For example, 100 grams of black tea contains approximately 21 mg of caffeine. The same amount of green tea (various types) contains 9-20 mg.
Tea contains polyphenols
Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants that give tea its unique taste. Polyphenols can be beneficial for health and are also present in chocolate, fruits, vegetables, and other products.
Experts say that most polyphenols act as antioxidants, helping the body mitigate the harmful effects of certain environmental factors.
Best tea for health
Sugar, cream, and milk can negatively impact the activity of polyphenols, which are abundant in tea. It's advisable to choose natural tea without additives to maximize its health benefits.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
