Top Five Reasons To Drink Tea

With all the health benefits that tea has to offer, it's no wonder tea is the second most widely consumed beverage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tea is second only to water. Traditional teas, such as oolong, black, green and white teas, are derived from the camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas are produced utilizing a blend of ingredients from the leaves, flowers, fruits and roots of a plant. Both traditional and herbal teas contain a variety of health benefits; the top five reasons for consuming tea are those that sustain a long and healthy life. Consult with your health care provider prior to consuming tea.

Heart Health

Both green and black tea have been linked to lowered risk of heart disease. A study published in the February 2001 edition of "American Journal of Epidemiology" reports that individuals who consumed 3 or more cups of tea each day reduced their risk of having a heart attack by 11 percent. Another study, published in the January 2007 edition of "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," found that flavonoids, a type of antioxidant found in many varieties of tea, reduced the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein.

Cancer Prevention

Traditional teas and many herbal teas contain antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of metabolic functions and may also be introduced into the body through environmental factors, such as air pollution or smoking. According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants prevent against certain types of cancer by absorbing the free radicals and inhibiting their ability to alter cells and DNA.

Blood Glucose Stabilization

MedlinePlus notes that black tea may help to regulate blood glucose and insulin levels. Green tea has a similar effect on individuals diagnosed with Type I diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in the August 2004 issue of "BMC Pharmacology" suggests that since green tea promotes the efficient metabolism of glucose, it has anti-diabetic properties.

Bone Mineral Density

A study published in the October 2007 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" concluded that tea consumption may help individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis. According to the study, the bone mineral density of tea drinkers showed a 2.8 percent improvement over the bone mineral density of nontea drinkers. Furthermore, over a period of four years, tea drinkers exhibited greater bone mineral density than nontea drinkers. Not only does a loss in bone mineral density result in osteoporosis, but it also puts individuals at risk for hip fractures.

Sedative Properties

Herbal teas may also provide a variety of health benefits, depending on the blend. Cinnamon, for instance, is a common ingredient in many herbal teas and is reported by Herbs2000.com, a site dedicated to consumer education of herbal remedies, to have sedative properties. The sedative effect of cinnamon may help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Practitioners of holistic medicine advocate the use of herbal remedies to treat various health conditions; however, limited research exists as to the efficacy of herbal treatments. Consult with your health care adviser prior to ingesting tea.