The health benefits of drinking tea everyday

If you’re sipping a cup of tea while reading this, you’re probably supporting just about every organ in your body

Good news for tea lovers. If you love to sip on your tea everyday, you're supporting just about every organ in the body - of course, minus the sugar.

Unsweetened tea is rich in antioxidants, which prevent chronic diseases and help repair cells in the body. Medical experts agree that tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which contains antioxidants known as catechins. This eliminates free radicals in the body and reduces inflammation.

As compiled by Reader's Digest, it's time to learn about the amazing benefits of drinking tea.

Risk of cancer is reduced

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The antioxidants and compounds found in tea have been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers. “Beneficial effects have been found in skin, prostate, lung, and breast cancers,” says Uma Naidoo, MD, Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Faculty at Harvard Medical School. “Different types of tea impact different cancers.” Drinking tea is just one of the simple ways you can prevent cancer.

Healthier skin

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Drinking black tea regularly can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. Interestingly, how you prepare it makes a difference. “Hot black tea is helpful for squamous carcinoma of the skin,” says Dr. Naidoo. Hot tea has been found to be more beneficial than the iced alternative and brewing time matters.

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Risk of diabetes decreases

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Drinking black tea every day can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by helping to control your blood sugar after meals. According to a study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, black tea can lower your blood sugar and after eating foods containing sucrose.

Your heart will thank you

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Tea’s antiinflammatory properties can keep your blood vessels relaxed and clear, putting less stress on your heart. “Catechins reduce inflammation and thus inhibit plaque formation in vital arteries,” says Dr. Kouri. Dr. Naidoo recommends drinking three cups of black tea per day to achieve the heart benefits.

Sleep could improve

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If you spend your nights tossing and turning, try winding down with a cup of tea before bed. “East-Asian medicinal tea can improve insomnia,” says Dr. Naidoo. According to a study in Integrative Medicine Research, drinking tea can help improve sleep and quality of life in those with mild-to-moderate insomnia.

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