The healthy benefits of (green) tea
Unlike soda, tea comes from a plant. As a result, it is a rich source of plant compounds – called flavonoids – that help neutralizes oxidation in the body. In fact, green tea is the best food source for a specific type of flavonoids called catechins
These substances protect our cells, just like certain additives to gasoline ensure that the engine runs smoothly. And test-tube research has shown that catechins are more potent than vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants.
Green, black and wulung tea [dark Chinese tea – transl.] contribute to the reduction of heart disease in various ways, including by:
- Halt the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
- Improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Preventing food cholesterol from entering the bloodstream.
- Regulate blood sugar levels.
- Relieve inflammation.
No wonder researchers from the Netherlands found that people who drink six cups of tea a day have a 36 percent lower risk of heart disease than people who drink one cup or less a day and that other researchers found that countries where the most tea is drunk the least. cases of type 2 diabetes.
Tips for an optimal, healthy tea
To get the most out of tea, follow this advice:
- Drink one or more cups of tea a day. Every cup of tea you drink benefits your heart, so start with whatever amount is feasible for you. If you don’t drink tea, one cup a day is a good start. If you already drink tea, try to drink three cups a day, one with every meal. If you already drink three cups of tea, don’t hesitate to go for all six by making tea one of your standard drinks. When I walk out the door with a hot mug in hand, it’s usually full of green tea, often with a splash of rice milk.
- Let your tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes. This increases the number of catechins.
- Drink unsweetened tea. If you don’t like the taste of tea, spice it up with lemon, mint, or orange.
- Drink freshly brewed tea if you can. Bottled and instant teas contain fewer catechins but are still much better than a soft drink sweetened with sugar.
- If you are going to eat at a restaurant, ask for unsweetened iced tea. A fantastic drink that most restaurants and even some fast-food chains offer.
