Today you have received 2 packs of herbal tea in the Advent box. because not only is the tea full of health-promoting properties, but it also gives you an opportunity to pause for a moment and follow the tea meditation.
Herbal tea is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can provide all sorts of benefits to the body, so how do herbal teas help us?
Improves your mood and lowers stress
Just one cup of herbal tea can reduce stress levels and improve your mood .
Scientists have found that theanine, an amino acid found in teas, acts as an antidepressant and a natural stress-reliever.
Theanine has also been noted to perpetuate physical and mental relaxation and can decrease anxiety without causing sleepiness. This happens because theanine affects serotonin and dopamine in the brain, neurotransmitters that give rise to a calm, happy, and tranquil feeling.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Herbal teas contain antioxidants that have many health benefits, one being anti-inflammatory. The antioxidants in herbal tea help balance reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced in abundance within the body at sites of inflammation.
Inflammation and the subsequent production of ROS are associated with a number of health conditions, including obesity, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autoimmune disease, and eye disorders.
The polyphenols and flavonoids in tea, among other antioxidants, help prevent inflammation and the release of ROS in the body, thus reducing the risk for these conditions and diminishing their side effects.
Immune System Benefits
Herbal teas have also been credited with some immune system benefits, but these claims are still being studied. Basically, the antioxidant composition of herbal teas is known to help the body fight infections.
Research also shows that drinking herbal teas can reduce the duration of illnesses such as the common cold through two mechanisms: the water content provides adequate hydration for the body and the antioxidants work to improve the immune functions.
Insomnia and Relaxation
Herbal teas may be able to help with sleep and relaxation. Chamomile tea specifically contains a substance called apigenin, which is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to decrease anxiety and improve sleep.
Research has also shown that chamomile tea may contain chemicals that bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
Teas with valerian root and lavender also have sleep-promoting benefits, including relaxing and settling nerves. Compounds in these teas have been shown to bind with GABA receptors in the brain, producing a sedative effect and promoting a good night’s rest.
Healthy Aging
Herbal teas have been shown to help fight aging. Polyphenols, including flavonoids and other antioxidants present in herbal teas, have been shown to fight the effects of aging by reducing oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress in terms of aging is related to problems such as wrinkles, poor eyesight, increased risk for illness, and decreased ability to stay physically active. Antioxidants improve all of these.
Research shows antioxidants like flavonoids may increase the body’s ability to participate in physical activity. Staying active helps delay the effects of aging and keeps people stronger and healthier for longer.
Flavonoids have also been studied for their effects on cognitive health and may provide benefits in terms of memory and other cognitive and mental health functions. They are also currently being studied for the possibility of decreasing the risk for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Increased Energy
The catechins in herbal tea have also been shown to increase energy expenditure, which is the energy the body needs for physical activity.
Too much caffeine is not good for your system, but you don’t have to worry about that when it comes to teas.
Teas typically contain half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, and true herbal teas contain zero caffeine, so they are a great choice for limiting your overall caffeine intake while also reaping caffeine benefits.
Conclusion
Herbal teas are far endowed with health-promoting antioxidants that energize and hydrate your body without causing any adverse side effects, which can ultimately help you lead a healthier and more active life.
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