Tea and Health

The health benefits of tea have been known for a long time.

In Chinese medicine, tea has been known for centuries for its positive health effects. Tea has long been utilized as a traditional medicine, used to treat various ailments such as headaches or depression. Later, the health benefits of tea have also been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies.

Tea contains abundant flavonoids

Tea is rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from free radical attacks and are essential for the body's defense mechanisms. Antioxidants have disease-fighting properties. If a person's antioxidant protection is weak, cells can easily be damaged and become diseased. The most significant antioxidant in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which accounts for about 40% of green tea's dry weight.

In Asia and many European countries, tea is an important source of flavonoids, whereas in Finland, onions and apples serve a similar purpose. Studies have shown that three cups of tea provide an antioxidant amount equivalent to six apples.

Tea may lower cholesterol

Studies have yielded positive results regarding the effects of tea on cholesterol levels and blood pressure. For example, one study found that consuming five cups of tea daily for three weeks lowered blood cholesterol levels, especially harmful LDL cholesterol, in subjects whose cholesterol levels were initially slightly elevated. (1) Fermented Pu-Erh tea, in particular, may be effective in lowering cholesterol.

In the experiment, subjects first consumed five servings of black tea daily for three weeks. For the next three weeks, they drank tea-flavored water. During the third period, they were served tea-flavored water with an amount of caffeine equivalent to black tea. The period during which subjects drank real tea was found to lower their cholesterol levels by 6-10%. The study took into account the subjects' other diets. Based on the results, researchers concluded that by drinking black tea and following a moderately low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, total cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can be significantly reduced, thus potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

Consuming tea may reduce the risk of dementia

According to new research, consuming tea reduces the risk of developing memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Among other findings, a recent study by the National University of Singapore found that regular tea consumption reduces the likelihood of developing memory disorders. (2)

The study found that regular tea consumption halved the risk of dementia in elderly individuals (over 55 years old). Furthermore, tea consumption reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 86% in individuals who carry the ApoE4 gene, which predisposes to Alzheimer's disease. (2)

The study found no differences between various tea qualities, as long as the tea was brewed from tea leaves. According to the study, therefore, black, green, and oolong teas are all equally effective in reducing the risk of memory disorders. It is not yet known which ingredients in tea protect the brain from degeneration. However, it is likely that the positive effects of tea are related to its antioxidants and amino acids (catechins and theanine). (2)

How do I get all the benefits of tea?

In addition to tea brewed in 100-degree water being bitter, brewing at this temperature also diminishes several of tea's positive benefits. Naturally, brewing tea in water that is too cool also does not do justice to its flavor.

When you brew tea at the correct temperature (see tea brewing instructions), you get not only a wonderful taste in your cup but also all the health benefits of tea, thus making your tea experience both a superb flavor delight and promoting your health at the same time.

Moderation in all things, including tea

Tea contains caffeine, so it should be consumed in moderation to avoid the negative effects of caffeine. Symptoms may appear if more than 5 cups of tea are consumed per day. Possible side effects of caffeine include headaches, nervousness, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and arrhythmias. Children, in particular, should avoid excessive caffeine intake. Individuals sensitive to caffeine should opt for low-caffeine tea varieties, such as oolong (4) or needle tea. However, there are also completely caffeine-free alternatives to tea, such as Rooibos, Honeybush and Hibiscus.

Tea and pregnancy

Tea can also be enjoyed in moderation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The only negative aspect of tea during pregnancy is its caffeine content. Therefore, it is advisable to brew tea for a slightly shorter time during pregnancy, and when dosing leaves, it's better to use too few rather than too many, to keep the caffeine content as low as possible. However, the caffeine content of tea is relatively low anyway, so there's no need to fear it too much. Low-caffeine tea varieties include, for example, Needle teas and white teas. The use of herbal teas classified as natural products is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (3)