Benefits of Tea: 10 Tips to Avoid Wasting It

One hundred grams of green tea contain only one calorie, but on the other hand they provide proteins, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium: vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. These data alone would be enough to give an idea of ​​the benefits and properties of a beverage obtained through a simple infusion of the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant (or Camella Theifera).

Properties of tea

Rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals responsible for aging and an excellent ally in preventing certain cardiovascular diseases, tea is a truly valuable beverage for our health . Increasingly updated studies now demonstrate unequivocally that tea, especially green tea, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, lowers the risk of stroke, and prevents certain cancers (such as colon cancer). It also aids digestion and strengthens teeth. In short, as the Chinese say: tea prolongs life.

But how do you best reap its benefits? What are the essential rules to follow? Here are ten:

• Between tea Whether you prefer the sachet or loose version, always choose the latter. The reason is simple: the leaves have been less processed and therefore contain a greater quantity of the precious white buds.

• As for the type of tea, the best in terms of health benefits is green. Other varieties include black, red, yellow, and white. Try to get unrefined green tea from a reputable seller in China.

• The recommended dose for maximum benefits is three cups a day. Start in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach: the effectiveness is greater.

• The water you add the tea to shouldn't boil completely, like when you boil pasta, but rather be very hot. At excessive temperatures, the tea becomes more bitter and some antioxidants are degraded.

• The tea should steep for between 2 and 3 minutes. Any longer is unnecessary and you risk altering its flavor.

• Don't use sugar to sweeten your cup. Better to honey: it is more natural and has no side effects.

• Don't smoke after a cup of tea. You'll burn off all the benefits of drinking.

• Teach children to drink tea from an early age. Then they'll get used to it.

• Even at the office, as at home, use your own teapot. Homemade tea is definitely better than the usually mediocre kind you buy at the bar.

• Tea is also an excellent drink after dinner, including the delicious one at citronella. Perfect for replacing harmful ones spirits.

Tea varieties

The most important varieties of tea , also with respect to the benefits they produce, are four.

• Green teaIt is very rich in polyphenols and has significant protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green tea is also considered a natural anti-cancer agent, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. It can be drunk at any time of day.
• Black tea. Its main quality is its natural antioxidant properties, thanks to the abundant theaflavins it contains. It also has astringent properties. Considering that it is one of the most caffeinated teas, it is best to drink it in the morning, not in the evening or late afternoon, when it could affect the quality of our sleep.
• White teaMinimally processed, fragrant, and delicate, it has no known side effects. Unlike black tea, it can be consumed at any time of day. Widely known for its skin benefits, the best white tea is grown in China, in the Fujian region, as well as in Taiwan and Nepal.
• Oolong tea. This is a partially dried tea, somewhere between green and black tea.
• Yellow tea. It has very similar characteristics to green tea, but it is not yet widely used in Italy.
  Dark tea. This is also a little-known tea in Italy, while in China It is commonly used as an effective digestive.

When not to drink tea

Green tea should be avoided in one specific circumstance, as noted on the Humanitas Hospital website: when undergoing bortezomib-based cancer therapy, as the molecules in green tea bind to those of the drug, rendering it ineffective in its fight against tumor cells. Furthermore, given the high percentage of caffeine in green tea (approximately 12 grams per 12 ml of beverage), its use is not recommended for children.

How much tea do we consume?

According to a Euromonitor report, tea consumption in Italy is rising sharply, especially among the 25-40 age group. The gap with coffee consumption remains wide, of course. In Italy, in fact, one gram of tea is purchased for every 85 grams of coffee.

How to prepare tea

You don't have to be obsessive, but tea should be drunk according to a certain method. Without sugar, as we said; after steeping for about six minutes; always pouring it first into the teapot and then into the cup. Here you'll find the most important tips for making good tea, any time of day.

Read also:

• The best purifying herbal teas
• How to prepare infusions and the difference between them and decoctions
• Why herbal teas are good for you