How Tea Can Change Your Life

ByDR. VERMA ABCNews logo
Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The health benefits of tea have long been studied and researched, and as an integrative physician, the more and more I learn about tea, the more I find to be impressed by it. Being of Eastern Indian descent, I have grown up around the tradition of tea.

The rich history of tea is found in the Far East, in China and India, as far back as 2700 BC. Those countries are the largest consumers and producers of tea in the world. Even back in the ancient times, the invigorating and medicinal effects of tea were felt and promoted. Nowadays, studies have shown that drinking tea daily can ward off disease processes ranging from diabetes to obesity to cardiovascular disease to cancer to depression.

8 Ways Tea Can Change Your Life (Slideshow)

Tea has been shown to have healing powers. There are many varieties of tea, but one thing that they all have in common is the abundance of antioxidants and other powerful ingredients are immensely beneficial for health.

Flavonoids, catechins, and polyphenols are groups of antioxidants found in tea that destroy damaging free radicals that wreak havoc in the body. Free radicals lower the immunity threshold while also accelerating the aging process giving way to the development of disease processes.

Tea is classified as being green, black, white, or oolong, all of which are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Then there are herbal teas, or tisanes, which are infused with plants, such as ginseng, rose, lavender, chamomile...you get the gist.

A study conducted in Italy showed that consumption of three or more cups of tea daily can reduce the chance of strokeby 21%. More studies have shown protection against different types of cancer, lowering of cholesterol, promotion of weight loss, improvement of bone strength, lifting of the mood, and slowing down the aging process.

Tea seems like a miraculous prevention and cure for a lot of ailments. Drinking tea can be a life-changing experience for the better. With its numerous health benefits, it is a much healthier alternative to coffee. Tea has half as much caffeine as coffee does, and loads more of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporating tea into your life should really be a no brainer. And it's a great excuse to have social tea parties. Who doesn't need another excuse to party... in a healthy manner? I sure don't.

Black Tea

The most popularteain the United States, this drinkcan treat headachesand prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.

Chamomile Tea

Having trouble getting to bed and sleeping soundly? Chamomilehelps with healthy sleepand anxiety reduction.

Read more about 8 Ways Tea Can Change Your Life.

Dr. Deepa Verma of Synergistiq Integrative Healthbelieves that healthy and holistic living is the key to happiness and aging gracefully.Follow her on Twitter @DrDeepaVermaand subscribe to her Youtube Channel.

Related Topics