Millions of people start the morning with a cup of tea.
Its popularity is undeniable, its properties are well understood and described in detail.
It is one of the top 10 healthiest products, strengthens the immune system and slows down the aging process, its effects on well-being and human condition are time-tested.
However, not everyone thinks about the effect of tea, what are the benefits and harms to human health.
Useful tea composition
Tea contains more than five hundred biologically active substances. Catechins (bioflavonoids), caffeine and theanine occupy a special place.
List of soluble components
The main antioxidants are plant-derived phenolic compounds.
Catechin and epicatechin give it a bittersweet taste. They make up 25% of the dry mass of young tea tree shoots.
The biological activity of these substances is very high. They strengthen the walls of blood vessels, have antimicrobial properties.
Chinese green tea varieties contain the most polyphenols.
L-theanine is also called & laquo; doping for the brain & raquo;. It is a unique natural antidepressant that increases activity and creative energy. The amino acid invigorates and elevates performance without causing addiction.
Caffeine is known as a stimulating substance that has an invigorating effect on the body of a healthy person.
Vitamin component of the drink
It contains vitamins:
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С – content in fresh tea leaves is 4 times greater than in lemon or orange. Green and yellow varieties contain it 10 times more than black. Thanks to tannin, up to 70% of vitamin C is preserved during brewing.
-
Р – enhances the effect of ascorbic acid, tea is the undisputed leader among plants in its content. Its action is aimed at improving the condition of blood vessels, relieving symptoms of allergies and inflammation.
-
Group B: thiamine (V1) is involved in the regulation of the nervous system, adrenal gland and thyroid gland; & nbsp;
-
Riboflavin (V2) has a positive effect on skin condition, liver and heart function.
Tannins
Thanks to tannins, the drink has a tart taste and brown color. They provide an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect of tea on the human body, creating a protective film for proteins that resists the penetration of irritants and microorganisms.
Essential oils
When processed, tea leaves lose more than half of these substances. According to various sources, the finished infusion contains from 20 to 32 chemical elements in the composition of essential oils.
These compounds evaporate quickly and easily when stored and prepared improperly.
Therefore, the proportion of aromatic hydrocarbons depends largely on the type of brewing, and on how it is stored and brewed.
Amino acids and proteins
In the complex make up to 25% of the composition of the drink. The leaves contain glutelins (there are more of them in black tea) and albumins (green is rich in them). An interesting fact is that the amount of water-soluble albumin proteins increases during processing by 10-15%.
Calories
Drinking one cup of flavored tea without additives, a person gets only about 10 calories. Accordingly, eating 3-4 servings a day will not affect the figure in any way, adding 30-40 calories to the diet.
What properties does tea have
The beneficial effect of tea is manifested in the following:
-
stimulates memory and brain activity, gives vigor;
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activates metabolism;
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Improves heart, digestive, and circulatory function;
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increases the resistance of tooth enamel to caries;
-
reduces the risk of cancer;
-
slows down aging;
-
reduces the risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis and blood clots;
-
makes joints more mobile;
-
reduces weight;
-
improves skin condition;
-
has a positive effect on vision;
-
prevents various bacterial infections: sore throats, stomatitis, intestinal disorders;
-
promotes the elimination of toxins, neutralizes protein breakdown products.
Can pregnant women drink
The drink is invigorating because it contains caffeine and other alkaloids, so with high blood pressure or a rapid heart rate, it is better to exclude it from use or significantly limit it in quantity.
In the absence of contraindications, 1 cup of tea drunk in the morning will not harm.
It is better to drink tea of light poorly fermented varieties, brewing them in a weak concentration.
Can I give to children
Tea is contraindicated for kids under two years old, but from 3-4 years old you can try to introduce it into the diet, in great dilution and taking into account the condition and reaction of the child.
In any case, strong and saturated varieties are contraindicated.
Loosely brewed warm, drunk in the morning, tea will be useful for:
-
improve intestinal motility;
-
promote digestion;
-
regulating fat metabolism;
-
relieving the symptom of difficult bowel movements;
-
to grow and strengthen bones and teeth.
Although there is no direct evidence of the harm of tea on the child's body, it is important to remember that in large quantities the drink overloads the kidneys and cardiovascular system, tones the brain and nerves, causes insomnia and activates urination.
Benefits for men
Men's health is affected by many factors that can both improve and worsen the condition. Regular consumption of tea with certain properties in most cases solves problems with potency. For example, green tea leaves contain a lot of zinc, and it, in turn, has a positive effect on the production of male hormones.
Herbal supplements with ginger, ginseng and mint contain many aphrodisiacs, so are especially recommended for the stronger sex.
Another beverage that affects the intimate sphere is & nbsp; mate . It also stimulates a man's hormonal levels.
Most men prefer puer tea & ndash; it is this type of tea that especially helps to cheer up, thanks to the special composition due to the unique conditions of puer production.
Pu'er tea often helps after drinking too much alcohol, as it quickly tones the body.
Benefits for women
Helps with pain issues on critical days.
Able not only to relieve, but also completely relieve pulling pain in the abdomen and lower back, irritability and fatigue. He can calm and relax the nervous system.
It is important to remember that tea is not a panacea, magically relieving all troubles and diseases, but it can provide support during treatment, give additional strength and energy.
And since tea has an effect on the hormonal background, it is better to consult your doctor if possible.
How different teas can affect the body
Tea is prepared in different ways, without much difficulty and sophistication, while maintaining most of the healing properties.
Nevertheless, the overall strengthening effect has its own characteristics for each species.
Black tea
The alkaloid content stimulates blood flow and increases oxygen supply to brain tissues.
At the same time, tea caffeine combined with tannin is milder than coffee.
Infusion does not cause a subsequent decrease in pressure, keeps it, so it is especially indicated for people with low or normal pressure.
Black tea has a positive effect on the liver, prevents heart attacks and stabilizes blood pressure.
Studies in recent decades have proven that the pre-existing hypothesis that the drink flushes calcium from the bones is erroneous, so this type of brew also has no age restrictions.
The peculiarities of black tea of different countries are interesting: for example, black varieties of alpine Ceylon teas & nbsp; will bring aromatic and taste pleasure thanks to floral shades, but most Indian , especially the Assam region, will be more tart and intense. But both will be invigorating.
Green tea
Effectively lowers sugar and improves blood composition, has antimicrobial and antisclerotic effects. Tones and stimulates the nervous system, recommended for those who are engaged in mental work.
Can be harmful to older people with constipation because it has a fixative effect.
The championship in the production of green teas belongs to China.
Green Chinese tea & nbsp; has a positive effect on the body, indirectly confirmed by the large number of centenarians in this country.
Red tea
It is an effective diuretic and strengthens the digestive system, especially recommended for older people. Preferred for severe physical activity.
White Tea
White tea calms the unstable psyche and smoothes mood swings, improves liver function, eliminates toxic substances, and stabilizes the hormonal background.
Улун
Perfect for beauty, tone and health.
Oolong & nbsp; is suitable for those who want to lose weight, has a diuretic effect.
It contains little caffeine, so there are practically no contraindications to use. And the unique variety Gaba ulun will help to quickly tone the body.
Пуэр
It is considered the best for weight loss, does not irritate the gastric mucosa, therefore it is cautiously allowed for peptic ulcers.
Stimulates metabolism and regulates digestion. Many people start drinking pu when they try to quit smoking.
Tea Benefits and Disease Harms
There are rules to follow when drinking a tea drink if you have a chronic medical condition.
In diabetes
Since blood pressure drops in this disease should be avoided, it is more correct for most diabetics to abandon black tea in favor of green tea.
In China, white tea is recommended for people with diabetes. The delicate sweetness of a lightly fermented white tea leaf is optimal for diabetics. & nbsp;
In addition, white tea has a higher content of tannins necessary to maintain health. Catechins reduce blood cholesterol, which allows you to control the increase in this indicator. Tannins have wound healing and antibacterial properties, which is also important when the regenerative abilities of the skin deteriorate.
Cardiovascular pressure and problems
The presence of caffeine excites the nervous system and brain.
Therefore, strong teas are not recommended for patients with such diagnoses.
However, tea-like beverages like rooibos or hibiscus may be recommended people suffering from hypertension, as they can contribute to a decrease in high pressure. Therefore, they are recommended for hypertensive patients.
Gastrointestinal diseases
Black, green, and other tea varieties to some extent stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, which can harm people with increased acidity in the stomach.
Due to the harm of tea on the human body with chronic diseases, it is recommended to refrain from drinking or approach the issue of drinking tea with caution, consulting a doctor and listening to your own feelings.
However, if we are talking about a violation of the intestinal flora, then due to the content of catechin, which contributes to antimicrobial effects, the infusion can be recommended for people suffering from this ailment.
But don't forget to consult your doctor about treatment recommendations.
Common colds
Since among the beneficial characteristics of tea there is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, as well as the ability to stimulate immunity due to the high content of ascorbic acid, it will not be superfluous to support the patient with a cup or two of warm tea.
However, we must not forget that high temperature leads to fluid loss and thirst.
Tea will not help in this case. Theophylline contained in it has a diuretic effect and can even reduce the effects of antipyretic drugs.
Insomnia
It is better to finish any tea party two to three hours before sleep, otherwise sleep will be difficult.
Caffeine excites the nervous system, makes the pulse frequent, accelerates the heartbeat and blood flow.
Even weak and sweet tea can keep you awake for a long time.
Use before lunch is recommended for older people with impaired function.
The effect of tea on the human body during weight loss
The most effective and well-known drink for weight normalization is pu-erh. Along with him, the oolong was highly appreciated. It can break down fats, speed up metabolism and reduce appetite.
Other varieties will also help combat excess weight, and when added to any of the ginger teas or goji berries . By containing substances that help accelerate metabolism, the effectiveness of the effect will increase.
How to select and store
For a beginner, the question of choice is always complex and relevant.
It is not easy to determine the freshness and quality of the tea leaf by eye.
When choosing a product, you cannot rely on the price, since a brew with one name can have a run in price several times. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, buy teas from trusted suppliers, which is the & laquo; Russian Tea Company & raquo;. The catalog presents a variety of types from a number of countries & ndash; Индии, Кении, Китая, Шри-Ланки и других стран.
What to look for during the scan:
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subtle aroma and natural bright color indicate freshness of the sheet;
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no additives, dyes and flavors guarantee naturalness;
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Leaf integrity and size uniformity;
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The fresh tea leaf is soft to the touch and cannot be easily crushed.
When you taste a drink, it should have
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Natural taste with several shades;
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Bright and strong;
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pronounced aftertaste;
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the effect on the body (relaxation, surge of strength).
To preserve the healing properties of tea during storage, it must be protected from moisture and light, foreign odors and tastes.
The best way to deal with this is an opaque jar with a tight lid, stored in a box separate from spices. In our online store you can buy such & nbsp; cans for storing tea and coffee .
Tea experts believe that the product is well stored in the refrigerator.
Trading companies use this method for green and lightly fermented oolongs, as low temperature slows down all internal processes.
This is true, with only one & laquo; but & raquo;: you need to remove as much brew from the refrigerator as is required for tea drinking, since a sharp temperature drop contributes to the precipitation of condensate and starts the oxidation process.
Learning to brew correctly
This product requires careful and careful attention, its properties depend on the variety, and the rules of preparation depend on the characteristics that would like to receive.
The general condition for a tasty and healthy drink is the quality of the water.
It must be soft and clean. Spring is best.
The kettle (ceramic, clay or porcelain) must be rinsed with boiling water in order to heat the walls for better disclosure of aroma and taste, to fill the brew, and the maximum norm does not exceed traditionally one teaspoon per cup of boiling water.
Infusion time, number of brews and water temperature are selected depending on the type of raw material.
For example, white contains a lot of essential oils, it is very capricious, its taste is quickly disturbed by excessively hot water, and green becomes bitter if you insist on it for too long.
The preservation and transfer of the medicinal properties of tea depends on how seriously you approach the tea ceremony.