Exploring the Health Benefits of Tea

What do your winter rituals look like? Some prefer to fill the colder months with baking, cooking, and festivities, while others enjoy outdoor adventures in the snow. Personally, a hot cup of tea has always been a guilty pleasure of mine that I love to indulge in.

With the weather getting colder, cozying up with a hot drink is a simple sliver of happiness that can do more than just improve your mood. Cultures all around the world have their own tea traditions and exquisite flavors, and this December, you can bring some of those influences to your own lifestyle. Read on to explore the health benefits of drinking tea and how you can improve your health through a delightful cup of self-love. 

Why is tea good for you?

Regardless of flavor, all tea has its unique benefits. For example, green tea is notorious for being particularly high in antioxidants. It’s also been scientifically proven to assist with healthy brain function, weight loss, and may reduce the risk of disease and cell damage. In some countries, such as Japan, drinking green tea is believed to improve longevity by building your immune system and preventing disease. 

Black teas are known for aiding healthy digestion, boosting oral health, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting a healthy immune system. Nonetheless, there are so many different types of tea to choose from that you can buy from your local market that will improve your life in new ways. 

To kickstart your journey to self-care and improved well-being, I’ve compiled a list of teas to start with.

Improved Sleep: Chamomile Tea

We’ve all had restless nights where we could benefit from something to lull us into a good night’s rest. Fortunately, there are some teas on the market that do exactly that while also supporting your body as you sleep.

For years, chamomile tea has been used as a sleep aid. Chamomile is a tea blended from the flowers of a chamomile plant and has been relied on for generations for its benefits. This tea is known to help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and insomnia. In fact, according to a study published in 2009, chamomile has the ability to relax your muscles and soothe your mind. 

Improved Mood: Green Tea & Ginger 

If you’re ever in need of a mid-day pick-me-up, Yerba Mate is the perfect tea to help you get by. Yerba Mate is a type of green tea that’s known for its energizing and focus-oriented power. The caffeine in this tea is all-natural and gives you the energy you need without the crash. 

Another great tea that can influence your mood is ginger tea. Ginger helps improve blood circulation, giving you a warm and cozy feeling. Increased blood circulation offers a number of benefits, including the power to fight off and avoid sickness. You can make your own ginger tea by slicing some fresh ginger root and heating it up in a pot of water. It’s easy, affordable, and the payoff is well worth it!

The Bottom Line 

In a world where there’s green tea, black tea, herbal tea, and floral tea, you’re bound to find one that appeals to your lifestyle. Not to mention, there are plenty of blends that make for a tasty dessert or an early morning pick-me-up. It all just depends on what you’re looking for. Just know that no matter which tea you choose, there are healthful benefits to every blend. Allow yourself to indulge in a new tea this season and watch as the benefits may take you by surprise!

[Feature image: Unsplash]