Science focuses on the infusion, which would have beneficial effects in combating liver diseases, cardiovascular conditions and depression.
“I’ll take five minutes, I’ll have some tea.” The phrase emerged as an advertising slogan for an Argentine infusion brand. But it turned out to be so successful that it ended up being incorporated into popular language. Because the pause – the moment of calm – is culturally associated with adaptogenic tea.
Talking about tea refers to the sophistication of the English Five ‘o Clock Tea and even to the most select of the Russian nobility gathered around a samovar. But it is also associated, and with good reason, with the ancient oriental cultures, with their handleless cups and their exotic varieties that have always been linked to healing powers.
Is tea a healthy drink? Scientific studies – both clinical tests and statistical analyzes – have had tea in their sights for years and have revealed little-known health properties.
(1) A little tea for the liver
The liver is a fundamental organ in the metabolic process and liver diseases – including carcinoma and different varieties of hepatitis – are the order of the day. In China alone, more than 40% of cancer cases are liver. Green tea, native to Southeast Asia, is historically associated with healing properties. But, beyond the mystique, science confirms it. A study from Zhuijang University Hospital (in Guangzhou, China) states that it is not only antioxidant and antiviral, but also antimutagenic, with special effects in preventing diseases such as chronic cirrhosis, fatty liver and hepatitis; all ailments that can lead to liver cancer.
(2) For diabetics
A meta-analysis last year, which compiled statistics based on fifteen other scientific studies (in total, more than half a million cases) stated that there is a direct relationship between tea consumption and Type 2 Diabetes. The math says that for For every two cups of green tea consumed daily, the risk of developing the disease is reduced by 4.6%
(3) Natural antidepressant
Three cups of tea a day reduce the risk of developing depression by 37%, according to a study by Tongii Medial College in Huazhong, China. The analysis of a series of clinical studies also determined that the response is linear: the greater the tea consumption, the less depression.
(4) Cerebrovascular prevention
Both black and green tea consumption helps prevent stroke, according to recent studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. The dreaded stroke claims more than five million victims a year. Scientists point out that consuming three or more cups of tea a day reduces the risk of stroke by 21% compared to those who do not consume tea.
(5) Pressure under control
The American Heart Association also recommends drinking tea to keep blood pressure under control. A clinical study by the Cochrane Cardiology Group , in fact, determined that both black tea and green tea reduce the level of lipoprotein in the blood, which keeps the pressure more stable, with lower risks of high peaks.