I’m a huge fan of tea – especially white and green (my personal favorites)!
There are many health benefits to drinking tea (which is one reason it is the most popular drink on the planet) and this article does a great job of explaining why.
Black, green, or herbal, we know tea is the longevity drink enjoyed among the longest-lived people in the world, but how does it work to extend longevity, relieve stress, protect against cancer, and decrease the risk of heart disease?
Why tea is a longevity beverage
With over 1,500 varieties, not including all the different herbal blends, it’s a comforting and pleasant drink with healing effects. In the blue zones, where it’s consumed regularly, it’s thought to be healthier than water. Green tea provides strong immune support for fighting diseases and prolonging a quality life. Tea leaves contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that help to prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic problems. Polyphenols are normally found in large amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains, coffee, and wine. The specific polyphenols in tea are called catechins or EGCG, which are more powerful than the polyphenols contained anywhere else in nature.
How does tea prevent cancer?
Cancer cells have special properties that allow them to stay alive longer than normal, healthy cells. When normal cells die, cancer cells tend to grow and spread throughout the body.
Many studies have touted the effects of green tea on cancerous cells. It’s been found to slow the growth of lung cancer cells and breast tumors. Women who regularly drink green tea were found in a meta-analysis to have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. In the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Trial, which included more than 100,000 people, researchers found that those who consumed green tea had a lower overall risk of all cancers.
Other research points to tea having little effect on cancer. More studies are needed. Even if the jury is still out on drinking tea to prevent cancer, there are plenty of other health benefits you can reap from drinking tea.
Can tea protect us from heart disease and high blood pressure?
Full Article – Blue Zones
