Your immune system is a natural defense against disease-causing viruses that may be present in areas like the workplace, shopping malls, and even airplanes. However, this defense often fails: a virus may successfully invade you and make you sick due to your immune system being weak. So the question is: can improvement in your immune system prevent you from falling ill quite as often? The answer is yes. Research indicates that drinking tea will boost your immune system due to the tea’s polyphenols and theanine.
For thousands of years and for the right reason, people all over the world have been drinking tea. Numerous studies have shown that different teas can improve the immune system, fight against inflammation, and even prevent heart disease and cancer. Although some brews have more health benefits than others, there is plenty of proof that drinking tea can have a lasting effect on your well-being.
Tea polyphenols for enhanced immunity
Modern medicine acknowledges that tea’s therapeutic benefits are plentiful. A substance in tea called L-theanine increases the germination of disease-fighting cells. Experts recommend drinking 4 – 5 cups daily of handpicked, unblended, and garden-fresh tea packed at the source of either black, oolong, or green tea per day to help boost immunity.
Here are some of the most potential benefits hidden in the world’s most popular teas.
- Herbal teas, also called tisanes, are very similar to white teas, but in addition to tea leaves, they contain a combination of herbs, spices, fruits, or other plants. There is no caffeine in herbal teas, which is why they’re known for their soothing powers. There are various kinds of herbal teas, all with distinctive advantages. Some of the herbal teas most consumed include:
- Chamomile tea reduces menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep & relaxation, and reduces stress.
- Rooibos – enhances blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol, makes hair and skin firm and healthy, and provides relief from allergies.
- Peppermint: Contains menthol that can soothe an upset stomach and serve as a treatment for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and motion sickness. This tea variety also offers relief from tension, headaches, and migraines.
- Ginger – Helps to cure morning sickness, can be used to treat chronic indigestion, and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
- Hibiscus: Lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, stave off cravings for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent kidney stones.
- Green tea: It’s made with steamed tea leaves and has a high EGCG concentration. Antioxidants from green tea can interfere with the growth of cancers of the bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, and colon. It can prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, reduce the risk of neurological ailments such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It can reduce the risk of a stroke and improve cholesterol levels.
- Black tea: Black tea, made with fermented tea leaves, has the highest caffeine content and forms the base for flavored teas such as chai and some instant teas. Black tea can protect the lungs against damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure. It could decrease the risk of stroke, as well.
- White tea: One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties than more processed teas.
So, put on the kettle and enjoy the benefits of tea. Integrate healthy beverages in your diet on a more regular basis to benefit from these health-promoting properties. It’s not only about the foods; it’s about what you drink, as well, that can contribute to your health.
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