Drinking just 4 cups of tea a day can have a positive effect on our wellbeing and help to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With so many different vitalising brews to choose from, we can ring the changes day after day.

Tea contains no calories and as it has only a small amount of caffeine it doesn’t act as a diuretic, and so contributes to our daily fluid intake. If we wish to avoid caffeine then we can choose caffeine free fruit teas.

Tea also contains vitamins A and B, which aids metabolism and contributes to energy release. Tea contains the minerals potassium and magnesium which help to maintain fluid levels, and supports bone growth.

The tea we are most familiar with is probably black tea, which we have been introduced to from a very early age. Both black and green teas come from the same plant, so they are both a natural source of antioxidants which are also found in fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants help combat the effects of free radicals, which our bodies produce naturally but can cause damage to our cells.

Green tea is produced in a way that preserves its natural colour and taste and is often recommended as an aid to weight loss. Indeed many diet pills contain green tea extract. (Unfortunately they also contain many dangerous additives so are best avoided) Green tea has been found to stimulate the metabolism which helps the body to burn fat, and so accelerate weight loss. It has also been shown to improve exercise endurance so that we are able to keep going for longer. For those who find the taste of green tea too stringent, those with added lemongrass or mint can make a refreshing alternative.

White tea:
Is also said to have a positive effect on fat metabolizing and is a natural source of fluoride, helping to promote healthy teeth. Research shows it has a high flavanoid content which helps combat many illnesses, and may even inhibit the growth of some cancer cells. White tea not only has a great effect on our physical health it also has a positive effect on mood, alertness and mental performance.

Camomile tea is known for its soothing qualities and can help with relaxation and as an aid to restful sleep. It can also be used to sooth an upset stomach.

Peppermint tea has long been used as an aid to digestion and is often recommended to those who suffer from heartburn or indigestion.

Pu-erh tea: Lowers cholesterol levels and improves circulation. It also helps remove toxins from the body.

Rooibos tea has been shown to improve skin conditions like eczema and acne as it absorbs serum(oil) and is also often recommended for insomnia, irritability and nervous tension. It has even been found to be effective in treating mild depression.

As you can see there are numerous benefits of tea. Isn’t it great to know that something that is so good for us is also so enjoyable!

Just look at these top 5 benefits.

Cell Renewal : full of antioxidants, (tea helps fight the free radicals which damage our cells).

Detox: Both green and herbal teas are included in most detox programmes and can help to overcome toxic build up and flush lots of bad stuff from the system.

Anti-Cancer: Research shows that green, white and black tea can have a beneficial effect on some types of cancer cells.

Better Metabolism: Green tea increases the metabolic rate which in turn speeds up fat processing and improves the body’s glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.

Better Mental Alertness: With only one third the caffeine found in coffee, tea can really help our alertness and ability to concentrate without the side effects often associated with too many cups of coffee.

So why not experiment with the different teas available and find your own favourites? Next time you decide to put your feet up for a while and relax with a cuppa there’s no need to feel guilty. You’ll be giving your physical, mental and emotional health a well deserved treat.

By Shirley Feehley

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