Tea Nutrition Facts

Tea, the world's second most popular beverage (next to water) is prepared from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plant. There are mainly six types of teas, which are made from the same species of plant, but with different processing techniques. They are known as white tea, green tea, black tea, yellow tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea. It has a long history of being used as a beverage and it was widely used in ancient China to treat a number of health conditions. In modern times, it has become a subject of extensive scientific research and studies, many of which have highlighted some unique and important qualities of tea, which can help to lower the risk for a wide range of diseases and disorders.

Tea and its Goodness
Tea prepared without adding milk and sugar has no calorie. Only when milk and sugar is added, tea contains calories. 1 cup of brewed tea, i.e. about 237 g of tea can contain approximately 7.1mg magnesium, 2.4mg phosphorus, 87 mg potassium, 7 mg sodium and 884 mcg fluoride. In addition to these, it contains about 11.9 mcg of folate. It can provide a significant amount of dietary requirement for fluoride, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Other nutrients found in tea are, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B6. It also contains catechins, polyphenols and flavonoids, all of which exhibit strong antioxidant properties.

Why Should You Drink Tea?
Studies on tea have observed that much of its health benefits is due to its strong antioxidant properties, which can be attributed to the presence of substances like, catechins, polyphenols and flavonoids. All these substances have been observed to be powerful antioxidants, which can help in minimizing the damaging effects of free radicals on the body cells and tissues. Free radicals are known to be highly reactive and to oxidize the cells and tissues of the body. Antioxidants help to prevent such oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This in turn can prove immensely helpful in reducing the risk for certain life-threatening diseases.

• It can help to manage the level of cholesterol in the body. This in turn, can help to reduce the risk for heart attack and strokes.
• It can increase the rate of metabolism, which may prove helpful for those trying to lose weight.
• Green tea can be especially helpful to burn extra calories.
• It may also be beneficial for preventing diabetes, as it can improve insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance.
• Tea, if taken regularly can help to provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. It can reduce the stiffness of the blood vessels and lower blood pressure, which can improve cardiovascular health.
• Due to its antioxidant properties, it can provide some protection against cancer, especially gastric, skin, ovarian and esophageal cancer.
• In addition to these, it can strengthen the immune system, make the bones stronger, increase mental alertness, treat the depression symptoms and lower the level of stress hormones in the body.

Excessive consumption of tea and other caffeinated beverages can cause several side effects, which are usually associated with caffeine overdose or addiction. Apart from caffeine, it contains oxalate, which in excess amount can adversely affect the kidneys. Even fluoride, which is found in tea can cause several health problems, if present in a high level. So, tea should be taken only in moderation to realize its wonderful benefits, as well as to avoid the side effects that can result from over consumption.