TEA
Whether served steaming or over ice, tea counts toward your daily fluid needs, keeps you refreshed and hydrated, and is a nutritional powerhouse in a cup. Packed with plant compounds like catechins and theaflavins, tea can help protect your heart, may improve your cholesterol profile, and may help control your blood sugar. On the other hand, excessive caffeine from black or green tea may interfere with sleep or iron absorption. Opting for decaffeinated or herbal varieties in the evening can help.
BENEFITS
Antioxidants: Teas from Camellia sinensis (green, black, oolong, white) contain catechins, theaflavins and polyphenols that fight oxidative stress, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart health: Green and black tea may help lower LDL cholesterol and may reduce blood pressure.
Metabolic support: Green tea catechins improve insulin sensitivity and may lower diabetes risk.
Hydration: All teas, including herbal infusions, count toward daily fluid intake.
Digestive & calming: Herbal teas like peppermint aid digestion, while chamomile may promote relaxation and sleep.
HOW TO ENJOY TEA
Opt for unsweetened brews: Add a squeeze of lemon to amplify benefits, and switch to caffeine-free herbal teas in the evening for restfulness.
Cool comfort: Iced tea is a crisp, low-calorie way to beat the heat without sugary sodas. Try adding mint, lemon, or berries for extra flavor and nutrients.
Hot tea perks: Sipping warm tea on hot days might sound counterintuitive, but it can stimulate sweat and help your body cool itself naturally. Many cultures in hot climates enjoy hot tea for exactly this reason.
Herbal teas are not from tea plant and therefore caffeine-free and aid in hydration anytime.