When most people who live in the United States wake up in the morning the first thing they reach for is a steaming hot cup of coffee. While coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world, many people don’t realize that it’s not the most consumed beverage.
That honor goes to tea.
Not counting water, tea is drunk by more people around the world than any other beverage. The many variations of this wonderful plant, and the herbal versions known as tisane, are steeped and brewed by billions of people in almost every country on the planet.
Scientists say that there are certain health benefits that come with a cup of coffee, but those same scientists agree that the health benefits of tea are far greater. If you’re looking to change up your beverage choices, consider some of these benefits of tea that might have you skipping the coffee aisle at your grocery store altogether.
Higher Antioxidant Levels
Antioxidants, the compounds found in many foods that can reduce cell damage in the body, are vital for human’s health, and many of these antioxidants are found in tea. Antioxidants can be responsible for many aspects of internal health, including benefits for the cardiovascular system and can help ward off osteoporosis.
While the health benefits of tea should be discussed with a medical professional if you suffer from certain conditions, it’s likely that your doctor will be on board with your decision to switch from coffee to tea.
Look Great on the Outside
Not only does tea help you feel good on the inside, it can help you look great on the outside. Tea’s beneficial ingredients are far greater than those of coffee, which is great for your skin. Some green teas also have vitamin C added, which is also an incredible way to help ward off wrinkles.
The many herbal varieties of tea also contain elements that are good for the skin. Chamomile, yerba mate, and a South African tea known as rooibos are all known to have multiple benefits for the skin.
So Many Varieties
If you’ve ever browsed the tea section of your local supermarket then you’re likely very aware of the wide varieties of tea available. Add to that the many websites that offer specialty teas and tisanes and the choices can feel downright overwhelming.
The plus side of this is that you’ll get to try different types of tea and decide which ones you like best. Try organic calendula flower tea or a traditional Chinese oolong. Experiment with peppermint or chamomile. Have your fill of chai or a delightfully bold English breakfast. Your options are so varied that it might take years to work your way through, but it will be a fun and tasty process.
Your Dentist Will Thank You
All types of tea plants contain fluoride, much of which is leached from the soil where it grows. This naturally occurring fluoride is great for your teeth, and your dentist might notice a difference in your oral health after you make the switch.
While too much fluoride can be harmful to your health, the amount contained in tea is low and one would need to drink in excess of one liter of tea to exceed the recommended daily amount. Mature tea leaves contain more fluoride, so if the dental benefits of tea are high on your list, stick with green tea as these leaves are more immature when harvested.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We all know that it’s important to stay hydrated, and not just during the hot summer months. The human body needs fluids constantly to maintain many of its critical functions, such as normal blood pressure and proper liver and kidney function.
Drinking tea is a great way to stay hydrated, and if you’re drinking a tea that contains an abundance of antioxidants it can even be preferable to water in some cases. Also, for those people who have a hard time drinking water because they don’t like the taste, a flavorful tea can be a great way to encourage adequate hydration. Just avoid bottled teas that contain high amounts of sugar.
While it might be hard to give up coffee, tea is a wonderful alternative with myriad health benefits. Try the switch today and see how great you feel when you add tea to your daily routine.
