9 Healthy Reasons to Enjoy Tea Time

Tea is steeped in beneficial compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. Whether you choose iced tea or hot tea, black or green tea, you’re making a healthy choice.

Check out some of tea’s specific benefits:

Arthritis. Tea reduces inflammation and slows cartilage breakdown to improve arthritis. Research has also shown that tea-drinking older women are 60 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Cancer. Studies are showing tea’s polyphenols, especially those in green tea, may play a role in preventing or delaying several types of cancer, from colon cancer to ovarian cancer. For example, researchers in a large clinical study compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers and found that those who drank the most tea were significantly less likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Heart. Drinking tea regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Tea also keeps blood vessels functioning properly.

Immune System. Tea contains a component that research finds can strengthen the immune system against infection, bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Oral health. The antioxidants in tea suppress the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum diseases.

Diabetes. A study showed green tea promoted glucose metabolism in healthy human volunteers while it also lowered blood sugar levels in those who already had diabetes. Compounds in black, green and oolong teas have been shown to increase insulin activity, which can help those with type 2 diabetes. Those who drank more than three to four cups of tea per day had about a one-fifth lower risk of diabetes than those who didn’t drink tea.

Cholesterol. Some studies have shown both green and black tea can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both risk factors for heart disease.

Sun protection. Tea may reduce the risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure, according to studies.

Weight loss. Studies on tea and green tea extract show they increase the number of calories burned and increased the rate of fat burned, which both lead to weight loss.

How to Sip Sweetly

If sweet tea is your favorite thirst-quencher, skip the sugar and spoon in Relivables All-Natural Sweetener with zero calories and a full gram of healthy fiber. Using Relivables sweetener is a delicious, guilt-free way to enjoy the sweet sips of summer.