Tea is a Secret to Health and Happiness
by David Stouffer
Those growing up in the United States have probably not given tea much thought other than memories of Lipton Tea commercials or occasionally enjoying iced tea during a lunch break. But tea also can provide physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits confirmed by numerous scientific journals.
Brewed tea (Camellia sinensis) is the number one produced and consumed beverage in the world after water, and for good reason. Tea is complex and sophisticated, yet simple and delicate. Harvested tea leaves undergo special processes that produce a variety of colored elixirs ranging from white, green, yellow and brown to red and black. The flavor and fragrance profiles of tea can be earthy, spicy, floral, fruity and beyond. Tea has hundreds of flavors, colors and fragrances that make it abundantly interesting. Indeed, exploring the many nuances of tea is a path that offers many treasures.
Physical
Tea consumption promotes physical wellness via an assortment of unique chemical compounds called flavonoids that are known to be anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and boost immunity. Tea decreases inflammation in the female reproductive system and promotes reproductive health by alleviating symptoms of female reproductive disorders. Studies have shown that drinking tea may help retain bone density.
Emotional
Tea consumption can help regulate hormones that contribute to balanced wellness. Tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, a catechin that helps support the brain-gut axis by regulating the gut microbiome and promoting gastrointestinal health. Drinking tea helps stabilize circadian rhythm and can assist in alleviating symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and minor depression.
Mental
Tea is rich in phytochemicals that have neuroprotective properties. Tea is known to help increase mental cognition and decrease the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
Spiritual
Tea contains the amino acids L-theanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid that interact with the brain to help promote increased sleep quality, and duration of alpha wave production. Ancient monastery texts mention the use of tea as a means to accelerate the meditative process. Cha zui is a Buddhist term meant to signify increased spiritual consciousness associated with long tea-drinking sessions.
Don’t worry about caffeine in tea causing you the jitters. The highs and lows associated with drinking coffee do not occur with tea consumption because special xanthines and amino acids help to balance the effects of caffeine and produce gradual alertness, rather than the extremes felt with coffee consumption. The health benefits of tea consumption are remarkable, but the flavor profiles associated with different tea preparations make it infinitely tantalizing.
InnerSpace Holistic, located at 2350 Washtenaw Ave., Ste. 14, in Ann Arbor, is hosting an Introductory Tea Class, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Nov. 5. RSVP to Brandy at 734-709-8313. For more information, visit InnerSpaceHolistic.com.
Link to original article https://www.healthylivingmichigan.com/2021/09/30/369612/tea-is-a-secret-to-health-and-happiness