With the advancement of modern science, herbal tea benefits have revealed themselves to have a positive effect on the health of both the body and mind. These qualities of herbal tea have been suspected for much of known history, but there now exists scientific studies to support these claims.
It is important to note that different types of herbal tea will have different health impacts. For example, a green tea will be high in antioxidants and result in a reduced blood pressure while a ginger tea will be better for fighting infection. There exists many combinations of teas to aid in different aspects of health.
This post will look at five common health concerns that a routine indulgence of herbal tea can assist with.
Key Herbal Tea Benefits
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Whether caused at school, work, or in our personal lives, stress and anxiety finds its way to impact everyone. While there are remedies to actively reduce stress, drinking herbal tea is a passive, effortless solution that remains just as effective.
Both black and green tea contain theanine which is known for having a relaxation effect on the brain. Studies show that this theanine was most effective in patients with high anxiety levels, though the benefits could be seen in everyone. Theanine also reduces cortisol levels allowing for a person to remain better focused without the distractions of stress or anxiety.
This reduction of stress will improve both the day to day function of the mind and quality of sleep.
2. Boosts the Immune System
Herbal tea contains plenty of antioxidants that positively affect the human body. According to Harvard Health, an antioxidant is “any compound that can counteract … radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells.” Radicals develop from our everyday life and most often are introduced through UV rays and air pollution. Being an unavoidable part of our lives, it is important we develop a strategy to mitigate its effects.
Harvard Health stated that the best way to offset these radicals is through a well rounded diet that contains antioxidants. These antioxidants will improve our immune system response by getting rid of the radicals introduced to us. Thankfully, herbal tea is a healthy solution for antioxidant intake. Antioxidants have also been linked to anti-inflammatory properties that can lead to a reduction in arthritis symptoms.
Herbal tea benefits may include helping to fight infection, too, depending on the ingredients used. Ginger and lemon are the most common inclusions in tea for fighting infection, and many green or white teas have high antioxidant counts that will aid in this process also.
For a quick, homemade immune system booster, read about this miracle tea that includes ginger, lemon, turmeric, and more infection-fighting ingredients.
3. Reduces Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
The aforementioned theanine and antioxidants contained in herbal tea are successful in creating and maintaining heart health, too. Research into this study from 2010 concluded “Systolic and diastolic BP decreased significantly … by 5 and 4 mm Hg, respectively, after 3 weeks. The significant systolic BP-lowering effect of tea was still evident after 3 months. Total and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly by 10 and 7 mg/dl, respectively, in men in the product group after 3 weeks.”
The types of tea that best lower cholesterol are green tea and rooibos tea, and other important ingredients are orange peel, peppermint, and berries. The same teas and ingredients are effective in combating high blood pressure.
4. Improves Skin Health
Antioxidants have a wide array of positive effects on the human body. This extends itself to improving the quality of skin health. Depending on the tea, it can help with anti-aging, rejuvenation, and/or acne depending on its level of antioxidants and other properties.
For example, a white tea may be preferred for anti-aging due to its high antioxidant count, while chamomile is most effective in combating acne because of the flavonoids it contains. This demonstrates the versatility of herbal tea benefits on the skin in addition to health in general.
5. Helps Control Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Gain
In a 2013 study, researchers discovered that “Green tea consumption significantly reduced the fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) concentrations,” when testing for glucose control and insulin sensitivity. This is wonderful news for those who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes because it is another way to reduce its effects.
Researchers determined “Japanese adults who consume six or more cups/day of green tea have a 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who consume one cup/day or less,” and explained green tea has weight loss and fat burning properties.
Product Recommendation: Pukka Clean Matcha Green Tea
Conclusion
Herbal tea has many different uses in improving the health of individuals. It is an ideal path to healthier everyday living through its effortless use and wonderful taste.
Herbal tea has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and cholesterol; it improves immune system function and skin health; and it contributes to mitigating the risk of type 2 diabetes while helping with weight loss and burning fat.
With a taste as rich as its history, in addition to the numerous herbal tea benefits on health, it is no surprise that herbal tea is and should be an everyday drink across the world.
The products recommended are a small sample of what Healf has available. Browse our full collection of herbal tea products for many more.
