Tea contains very small quantities of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Here are some of the known benefits of drinking tea:
1. It improves the level of mental attentiveness and decreases possibilities of cognitive harm. Its component, amino acid L-theanine, hardly available in any other plant, is responsible for causing changes in attention networks of brain by moving neurotransmitters and enhancing alpha brain-wave activity. As a result, the mind gets alert but cool. Studies have been conducted on elderly Japanese. The results indicate that the probability of getting affected by cognitive impairment among the elderly consuming over 2 cups of green tea everyday was less than 50% compared to those that had less than two cups of the same tea. This is due to the availability of epigallocatechin gallate, a strong antioxidant available in green tea.
2. It reduces the level of stress hormones. Researchers of University College London realized that consumption of black tea subsequent to a demanding occasion reduced level of the stress hormones. The study found cortisol drop was 20% increased among those consuming four cups of black tea every day, compared to the rest.
3. It facilitates loss of weight and lowers the level of bad cholesterol. Studies conducted in Japan and Netherlands demonstrated that green tea helps both. The waistline decreased among Dutch participants drinking decaffeinated and caffeinated green tea. There was also a drop in the level of LDL among the Japanese that consumed extract of green tea for 3 months.
4. It enhances metabolic rate. The University of Birmingham and Geneva, during the course of clinical trials observed that green tea improves metabolic rate, enhances fat oxidation and tolerance to glucose while improving sensitivity to insulin. Polyphenols and caffeine available in tea increase thermo genesis, the process of producing heat by body, and therefore increase the production of energy.
5. It heightens immune system. Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted a four week study in 2003, offering 600 ml of black tea or coffee daily to two groups of people. When analyzing the blood samples of the participants, it was observed that anti-bacterial proteins produced among tea drinkers was up to five times higher, indicating a stronger response of the immune system. Theanine, contained in tea, could be the cause of increased disease-fighting gift of gamma delta T-cells that helps body's immune system to fight against infection.
6. It helps fighting bacterial and fungal infections. During a study conducted by Pace University it was found that extract of white tea helps fighting these two infections. Extracts of green tea were not found as helpful as of white tea.
source : Health Benefits of Drinking Tea
