Tea has many benefits, but should we drink it instead of water?

An Yên

Tea is healthier than water because it contains catechins that fight cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but drinking too much can cause side effects.

The human body is about 60% water. Water performs several essential functions, including regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, removing waste, and transporting oxygen.

You lose water daily through sweat, breathing, urine, and bowel movements. That’s why it’s essential to drink water throughout the day. In addition to filtered water, you can absorb water from many foods and drinks, such as vegetables, coffee, and tea.

Tea is a popular drink in many countries around the world.

There are three main types of tea: black, green, and oolong tea, which are classified based on oxidation and drying time. Tea is oxidized by grinding or crushing tea leaves. At that time, the cells in the tea leaves will be exposed to surrounding oxygen. This chemical reaction creates the familiar taste and color of your tea.

Effects of tea

A recent study by King’s College in London (UK) confirms that tea is better for health than water. Unlike water, tea contains several natural compounds, such as polyphenols, that have many beneficial properties.

Chemical reaction processes in the body create byproducts called free radicals. Too many free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, macular degeneration, and ulcers. Polyphenols present in tea act as antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.

Tea contains a type of polyphenol called catechins that fights heart disease and diabetes by reducing plaque buildup in the arteries and affecting glucose metabolism and insulin signaling.

The fermentation process determines the concentration of polyphenols in tea. Some studies note that longer fermentation reduces antioxidant concentrations. Accordingly, green tea contains the most antioxidants, while black tea contains the most minor antioxidants. However, that difference is not significant.

Disadvantages of tea

Drinking too much tea can still harm your health despite its many benefits.

Caffeine overdose

According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy adults should not consume more than 400mg of caffeine daily, equivalent to 4 cups of coffee or 9 cups of tea. However, some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Adverse reactions include stomach pain, tremors, dizziness, and restlessness.

Prevents iron absorption

People with anemia should be especially cautious when drinking tea. Although polyphenols provide some health benefits, some evidence suggests they may reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. However, these effects are only noted when consuming large amounts of tea.

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Water and tea are both healthy options. If you want enough water for your body but like various drinks, add teas without sugar or cream. Tea is generally healthy unless you are anemic or have a low caffeine tolerance.