Reasons to drink tea

TEA

FOOD & DRINK

A simple cuppa can provide many health benefits, from reducing stress and worry to improving concentration and even reducing your diabetes risk. Time to pop the kettle on…

WORDS: KATY SUNNASSEE.

16% ... that’s how much you could reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes if you drink three cups of tea a day*

MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT

Studies published in the International Journal Of Obesity showed that regular tea drinkers often had less body fat than those who don’t drink tea¹ . ‘This is probably because tea polyphenols stimulate fat burning and create positive changes in gut bacteria, which act on appetite signals,’ says Dr Tim Bond at the Tea Advisory Panel.

MINIMISE STRESS AND ANXIETY

We all know putting on the kettle and sitting down to a comforting mug of tea is one of the best ways to feel calm and in control. But there’s something behind the good feelings. ‘Scientists have discovered a natural substance found in tea called L-theanine, which is an amino acid that helps improve your ability to manage stress and anxiety,’ says Dr Bond. ‘Scientists analysed research results looking at the effects of L-theanine on people in stressful conditions² . Those who consumed tea rich in L-theanine found significant improvements in stress management, anxiety and mood swings.’

IMPROVE CONCENTRATION

L-theanine in caffeinated tea also helps you concentrate as it stimulates areas of the brain that block out distractions, according to a study published in 2017³ . This helps you to focus on what’s important. And other research also shows that tea helps boost attention and visual processing abilities, which means you can handle new information more efficiently⁴ .

Both black and green teas contain polyphenols – plant compounds that help increase the flow of blood to