Chinese tea is well known around the world, due to its strong association with traditional Chinese culture, as well as its numerous health benefits. What are these health benefits which drinking Chinese tea will provide you with though? In this article, we cover some of them.
1. Antioxidant Properties
Chinese tea is rich in antioxidant properties because it contains high levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidant-packed compounds that we typically get through certain plant-based foods. Antioxidants protect our body cells from the damage done by free radicals, which can damage cells and therefore cause illness and aging. The most well-known polyphenol typically found in Chinese tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can be found in higher concentrations in green tea.
2. Weight Loss
Want to lose weight? Add the drinking of Chinese tea to your fitness routines. Chinese tea is also rich in compounds which can help you lose weight. Two of these compounds are catechins and caffeine, which help speed up the body’s process of burning fat. Drinking some Chinese teas can also help you lose weight by contributing to a feeling of fullness, and therefore causing you to eat less. For example, drinking green tea can increase levels of a hormone called cholecystokinin. This hormone suppresses your appetite while you’re digesting, through the activation of vagal nerves in your stomach wall.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, good news for you. There are compounds in Chinese tea which help you to lower your blood pressure. Two of such compounds are catechins and theanine, which dilate the blood vessels, leading to better blood floor and therefore reduction in blood pressure. The high levels of antioxidants in Chinese tea such as polyphenols, also help protect against oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure.
4. Improved Digestion
Chinese teas, such as ginger tea, can help with digestion and reduce bloating and gas.
Chinese tea is also good for your digestive system. Some compounds in Chinese tea can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which help to break down food more effectively. One of such compounds is catechins, which we have visited earlier one. The high levels of antioxidants in Chinese tea also improve digestive functionality by reducing inflammation in the gut.
5. Better Bone Health
Believe it or not, Chinese tea is also good for your bones! Firstly, Chinese tea helps increase bone density. High levels of flavonoids in Chinese tea, such as catechins, can help to increase bone density, improving bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis as a result. Catechins also helps maintain bone density by inhibiting the activity of cells that break down bone, as well by promoting the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides structure to bones and helps to maintain their strength.
If you are looking for tasty and healthy Chinese tea blends to try, you can check out Botainitea. Based in Singapore, Botanitea specialising in floral Chinese tea blends without the caffeine. Each floral blend is based on a recipe handed down by a retired TCM practitioner which targets specific health issues.
