As you may already know, tea contains several important antioxidants that can protect your body against so called “free radicals” - junk molecules that can be damaging to your body. In the long run, free radicals may cause chronic damage to your cells which is believed to be a contributing factor for the development of several diseases, for instance heart disease and cancer. Especially green and black tea contain a lot of protective antioxidants called flavonoids, around 200 mg in an average cup of tea. Combine drinking tea with healthy foods like fruits and berries to add even more antioxidants to help your body neutralize those nasty free radicals.
Drinking hot or iced tea not only keep you hydrated of course, it may also help support your immune system. Tea contains an amino acid called Theanine which activates cells that are involved in defending your body against infections. Tea also contain natural ingredients to help you keep a nice smile and a good oral health - (if you can stay away from drinking it with sugar though). It´s also supposed to be good for your skin.
Tea can also be somewhat of a weight watcher! If you´re on an exercise program, or simply trying to burn some calories, you can exchange a few glasses of water for the same amount of tea. Tea will help increase your metabolic rate, especially along with your exercise, to help you loose some of those annoying extra pounds.
Overall, this is all not too bad for simply adding a couple of cups of a pretty decent drink to your diet. Combine with healthy foods and exercise and you´re on a winning track. My personal favorites when it comes to tea? Well, I´d have to say green tea with some lemon, and the red tea from South Africa really tastes great as well!
