What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Tea Every Day

Tea is a term that encompasses both true teas and herbal teas. But only four teas fall under the true tea category: green tea, black tea, oolong tea and white tea. All four of these teas are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. What makes each true tea unique in both flavor and health benefits is whether the leaves are heated or oxidized during processing. Herbal teas are not true teas, and instead, are drinks made by steeping herbs, flowers, roots or other ingredients in water. However, certain herbal teas contain unique compounds that may offer health benefits. This varies based on which ingredients are included in the blend.

No matter whether you enjoy your tea in a fancy cup along with a scone, in a to-go cup over ice while running errands, or in your favorite cozy mug sitting by a roaring fire, drinking tea every day can have a profound positive impact on your overall health. Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages throughout the world. If you are one of the many people that regularly sip on tea and are wondering what this habit is actually doing to your body, keep reading to learn all about the amazing benefits that drinking tea may offer.

Why We Love Tea

It May Help With Blood Pressure Regulation

Although true teas provide very little in the macronutrient department, they are a source of a plant compound called flavan-3-ols. An 8-ounce serving of green tea provides 319 milligrams of flavan-3-ols; the same serving of black tea provides 277 mg of this plant compound. One specific flavan-3-ol found in true tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Consumption of flavan-3-ols, the plant compound found in true teas, is linked to heart-health benefits, including a reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Aim for 400 to 600 mg of flavan-3-ols each day, the research suggests, or the amount in about two cups of black or green tea.

It May Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers

Cancer risk can be impacted by many factors, with some being completely out of your control (like genetics). Among the factors that can play a role in cancer risk, drinking tea may be one that has a protective effect. Tea consumption may have protective effects against some types of cancer, particularly oral cancer. Weaker evidence suggests a link between tea consumption and breast, endometrial and liver cancers. Tea's polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties, may soak up the free radicals that contribute to cancer development, and they also may suppress the growth of cancer cells, the authors point out.

It May Help Your Attention Span

True teas also contain L-theanine, an amino acid, which may help people feel more alert. Matcha in particular contains L-theanine. Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to impact brain health. The L-theanine found in tea may play a role in improving attention, ultimately boosting working memory. L-theanine may, among other functions, help increase certain brain waves that enhance cognition.

It May Support Your Immune System

You've likely seen teas for the immune system in the grocery store. Varieties of tea, like black and green, are rich in polyphenols. And certain polyphenols found in some true teas, like EGCG and theaflavin, may support immune health. Additionally, tea is rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may support immune health too.

It May Support Longevity

A study evaluating half a million tea drinkers in the United Kingdom showed that higher black tea intake was associated with a 13% reduced risk of death from any cause for those who drank two or more cups per day compared to those who don't drink tea. Tea drinking was also linked to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke.

It Can Support Hydration

Tea counts as fluid, so sipping on the beverage can keep you hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated can keep you cognitively sharp during the day, help regulate your body temperature and keep your digestion regular.

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Nutrition Information

The many polyphenols in tea are responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Tea is a sugar-free, low-carb, low-calorie and low-sodium drink, which makes it perfect for many different dietary patterns. Both caffeinated and decaf teas contribute to hydration.

Nutrient	1-cup serving of brewed herbal chamomile tea	1-cup serving of brewed black tea
Calories	2	2
Total Carbohydrates	1 g	1 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0 g
Total Sugars	0 g	0 g
Protein	0 g	0 g
Total Fat	0 g	0 g
Saturated Fat	0 g	0 g
Sodium	2 mg	7 mg

Is Tea Safe for Everyone?

There is no doubt that drinking tea is linked to some impressive health benefits, as many teas are loaded with antioxidants. But drinking tea every day may have some downsides. Black tea consumption may cause teeth to stain or become discolored. But, adding some milk to your beverage may minimize the discoloration.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, opting for a caffeinated tea may keep you awake at night, cutting into your sleep. Of course, you can always choose a decaffeinated tea or an herbal tea (which is naturally decaffeinated) for a soothing, sleep-friendly beverage. Black and green teas contain natural compounds called tannins and oxalates. These compounds may affect your body's ability to absorb iron, a mineral that is essential for making a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

4 Ways to Enjoy Tea

There are many types of tea and ways to enjoy it, hot or cold. Here are some of our favorites:

• Commercially available: These teas should have an expiration date stamped on the packaging. Ensure that the ingredients do not include added sugar. This type of tea typically comes in a tea bag; this is a convenient option. Try our Iced Mint Green Tea, which is made with green tea bags.
• Loose leaf: This tea may result in a richer-tasting beverage, but you need a method to strain your tea leaves. For a single cup, an infuser is a good idea. Our Thai Iced Tea uses a loose-leaf Thai tea mix.
• Kombucha: Kombucha is a fermented tea that creates natural probiotics when you make it at home, like with our Homemade Kombucha. Commercial kombuchas also have probiotics. If a kombucha is pasteurized, then probiotics are added back in after pasteurization.
• Flavor Additions: You may enjoy a splash of milk or cream in your tea, or a drizzle of honey. Tea is also excellent infused with citrus, like our Orange-Ginger Tea.
  

Tea Recipes to Try

Berry–Green Tea Smoothie

5.0

Ginger Tea

4.3

Lemon-Ginger Kombucha Cocktail

5.0

Our Expert Take

Drinking tea every day is a healthy habit that may benefit your health in various ways. Not only is it a low-calorie drink, but black, green, oolong and white teas contain unique compounds like flavan-3-ols that support heart health. Getting in the habit of drinking tea every day is a simple way to support your health in an extremely low-effort way.

Frequently Asked Questions

• It is safe to drink tea every day?

  Not only is it safe to drink tea every day, but doing so may result in some amazing health benefits. Two cups of green or black tea will provide you with the recommended amount of flavan-3-ols that a person should consume every day.

• Which tea is the healthiest?

  Different teas offer their own unique health benefits. There is strong data suggesting that tea varieties like black and green are associated with better heart and cognitive health, immunity and more.

• Is tea healthier than coffee?

  Both tea and coffee contain antioxidants, are extremely low in calories and can provide caffeine. They also contain unique antioxidant compounds that support many aspects of your health, including decreasing the risk of chronic disease. Go ahead and drink tea or coffee (or both!).