Is tea really good for you?
1. About the health benefits of tea
Tea is a drink that has been loved in Japan since ancient times. There are many different types of tea, but the most well-known are green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Tea is said to have various health effects on the body, but is it really good for the body?
2. Antioxidant effect
Tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols. This polyphenol has the effect of removing active oxygen in the body and preventing cell aging. It is also said to be effective in preventing cancer and heart disease due to its antioxidant properties.
3. Relaxing effect, improving metabolism
Theanine, an amino acid found in tea, has a relaxing effect. Theanine stimulates the secretion of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, leading to a relaxed state. Therefore, drinking tea is said to reduce stress and provide relaxation effects.
Both catechin and theanine, which is found in green and black tea, are said to have the ability to dilate blood vessels.
When blood vessels dilate, the pressure within them tends to decrease, which is thought to help prevent high blood pressure.
Caffeine and catechin also have the effect of promoting metabolism. Caffeine promotes the breakdown of fat and increases energy consumption, and catechins have the effect of suppressing fat absorption. Therefore, drinking tea is said to have a diet effect.
Furthermore, catechins are said to have the effect of activating immune cells, so they are expected to have a role in boosting immunity.
It can be expected to be effective in preventing infectious diseases such as influenza and colds. Drink tea that contains catechins to prevent colds.
Tea has many health benefits, but you need to be careful about the amount you consume. Too much caffeine can cause insomnia and nervousness, and drinking too much tea can have the opposite effect. Also, the tannins contained in tea can interfere with iron absorption, so people with iron deficiency should be careful.
As mentioned above, tea has various health effects, but the effects vary depending on the individual's constitution and intake amount. It is important to enjoy it in moderation.