When we are rushing to get ready for varsity in the morning or feeling sleepy and exhausted from the all-nighter we’ve pulled for three days in a row, coffee is what comes to mind to fix the exhaustion. But how about a cup of tea? My research has shown that not only is tea better for you, but it gives you that same amount of energy that coffee does, maybe even more. Here is a list of some of the health benefits that come with converting to everything tea:
1. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants which help slow down ageing by repairing skin cells. Who wouldn’t want to look 21 forever?
2. Studies have shown that the level of antioxidants in tea can help with warding off cancer cells.
3. Tea has less caffeine than coffee, which is what every university student survives on, but caffeine can be hard on your vital organs like your heart. Tea can give you the same pick me up as coffee but without the overactive imagination and lack of sleep that too much coffee does.
4. Tea can help you relax and concentrate more on tasks because of the amino acid L-theanine found within the tea plant. Black tea has particularly been proven to lower the effects of stressful events.
5. Red tea, also known as Rooibos, has shown to have relaxing effects on the mind. Rooibos has been shown to help with headaches, nervous tension, insomnia and irritability. So when you’re cramming for a test or trying to write an entire essay the night before it is due: grab a cup of Rooibos to calm your nerves.
6. Did you know that tea has even been proven to temporarily help with increasing short-term memory? Need help with remembering the work you just revised? Drink a cup of tea.
7. Tea has been shown to lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. A study in China has shown that a low-fat diet and tea can lower cholesterol by 16% and the study has also shown that drinking a cup of tea a day can reduce high blood pressure by 50%.
8. We all know that green tea has no calories and increases your metabolism, which helps with weight loss and digestion, but it also helps to reduce bloating. It’s best to drink green tea after each meal to see the results.
9. Tea can help protect your smile because it reduces plaque build-up and tooth decay. Who doesn’t want good teeth?
10. Tea helps with bad breath. So when you’re stuck on campus without gum or your trusted toothbrush, grab a cup of tea from the cafeteria.
11. Tea helps with keeping your immune system strong and helps fight the dreaded flu but has also been shown to fight infections because of a chemical in tea known as alkylamine antigens which boosts the body’s immune system.
12. Tea can prevent food poisoning – green tea has an ingredient called Catechin, which has shown to kill bacteria which causes food poisoning.
So the next time you’re thinking of grabbing a cup of coffee or stocking up on some Red Bulls from the cafeteria to help you stay awake and alert, or in need of some natural ‘medication’ because going to the pharmacy might break that fragile student bank account, think about all these fantastic benefits from drinking a good old cup of tea.