What are the health benefits and effects of tea?
Tea has various health benefits and effects, including refreshing the mind, promoting digestion, antioxidant and anti-aging properties, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and enhancing immunity. If discomfort occurs after drinking tea, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. The specific details are as follows:
1. Refreshing the Mind
Caffeine in tea can stimulate the cerebral cortex, improving concentration and alertness. Drinking tea in moderation can enhance work and study efficiency, thus helping to refresh and invigorate the mind.
2. Promoting Digestion
Components in tea such as tea polyphenols and caffeine can stimulate gastric juice secretion and promote gastrointestinal motility, aiding in food digestion and absorption. Additionally, tea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent gastrointestinal infections.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects
Tea is rich in tea polyphenols, which are antioxidants capable of scavenging free radicals in the body and reducing oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. This contributes to antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Long-term tea consumption helps maintain healthy skin and slow down the aging process.
4. Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Tea polyphenols can lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing the incidence of atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, catechins in tea have the effect of dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure, thereby helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
5. Enhancing Immunity
Tea polyphenols can strengthen the body's antioxidant capacity and increase the activity of immune cells, thus boosting immunity. Furthermore, tea possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping prevent colds and other illnesses. Moderate tea consumption contributes to maintaining overall health and improving resistance.
Although drinking tea offers health benefits, excessive consumption is not recommended, as it may overstimulate the nervous system and lead to insomnia.