It's getting pretty cold, and we all need plenty of nice hot drinks to warm us up. If you're anything like me, you may end up drinking a LOT of tea! You may be aware that certain teas come with health benefits - here are a few of them:
Chamomile
The most commonly known benefit of chamomile tea is that it helps you to sleep. It contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which helps to promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia. Additionally, the antioxidants in chamomile tea have been linked to a reduced risk of developing certain cancers!
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea may also help with blood sugar levels. One study compared a group of diabetic people drinking water with a group drinking chamomile tea daily with meals for eight weeks, and found that the tea drinkers had significantly lower blood sugar levels than the water drinkers.
Plus chamomile tea is high in flavones, which can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, protecting heart health.
Green
Green tea may be the first tea that comes to mind when you think about healthy teas, and for good reason! Green tea contains antioxidants that have been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as a decreased risk of getting certain types of cancer.
It also has a protective effect on neurons, and studies have shown that the compounds in green tea may lower the likelihood of developing dementia.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is packed with nutrients such as beta-carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C, as well as anthocyanins. Studies have also shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as having a positive effect on high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
It has also been shown to lower blood glucose and LDL levels, meaning there are potential benefits for those who suffer from diabetes. Many other potential benefits of hibiscus include boosting the immune system, improving liver health, aiding digestion, encouraging weight loss, and it may even help to fight cancer cells.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is a herbal tea that’s common in South America - it’s said to have the benefits of tea, strength of coffee, and joy of chocolate! It can help to boost mental focus and energy, as well as helping to improve physical performance.
It has a dual action of both stimulating and soothing - it contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea, but it releases the caffeine slowly so you don't get the same highs and lows as coffee gives.
Compounds found in Yerba Mate may also help to fight bacteria and infections, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce LDL, helping to prevent heart disease.
Spearmint
Spearmint is good for helping with digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and it may even help relieve the symptoms of IBS. This is because it’s able to relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
Another benefit of spearmint tea is that it can help to improve hormonal imbalances - drinking 2 cups per day can significantly reduce testosterone levels and increase important hormones in women. It can also help to regulate menstruation, reduce cramps, and improve the symptoms of PCOS.
Ginger
Ginger is well-known for helping to reduce nausea, and is especially popular amongst those suffering with morning sickness during pregnancy. It can also help relieve motion sickness, and nausea from chemotherapy.
Additionally, daily consumption of ginger may help to manage blood pressure and protect against heart disease, as well as having a beneficial effect on weight and blood sugar control.
Other potential benefits of ginger tea include relief from menstrual cramps, protecting brain health, and preventing the development of cancerous cells.