Tea, the most widely consumed beverage worldwide next to water, has been recognized as something of a superfood for quite some time. In fact, green tea has been called the second healthiest drink in the world (again, after water).
The health benefits of tea are widespread and include stress reduction, improved sleep and increased energy, improvements in metabolism and weight loss, clearer skin, improved cardiovascular health, and improved digestion. These benefits are mostly thanks to the powerful antioxidant compounds, called polyphenols, found in both green and black teas.
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant; in other words, a compound that the body uses to combat damaging cells called free radicals that pop up when we encounter physical, mental, and environmental stressors of all kinds. There are a number of dietary sources of antioxidants, and tea is among the richest, containing significant quantities of beneficial polyphenols including EGCG, which is often extracted and sold as a dietary supplement.
Tea & your metabolism
One of tea’s primary benefits is its ability to boost metabolism. The active compounds in tea enhance the effects of fat-burning hormones and send signals to fat cells to burn and break down more fat, which is then used as energy once it is released into the bloodstream. Research has shown that drinking tea helps us to burn more calories both while exercising and while at rest.
If you’re looking to lose weight, the benefits of drinking tea are clear, but as we know, there are more benefits to a speedy metabolism than weight loss alone: metabolism affects the entire body and every chemical process that takes place inside of it. A boost in your metabolism can mean a boost in your energy levels and cognitive function, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, an improvement in blood sugar regulation, and more.
Earlier studies into the health benefits of tea focused primarily on green tea, but recently, researchers have started to better understand the benefits of black tea. As it turns out, green and black teas offer many of the same benefits, but sometimes via different pathways.
The main difference in the preparation of green and black teas is that the tea leaves are fermented to make black tea. If the word “fermented” immediately makes you think “gut health”, you’re on the right track!
Actually, both green and black teas are now considered to be “prebiotics”, in other words, food for our friendly gut bacteria.
Green and black teas both contain polyphenols. But while the polyphenols in green tea are very small and are absorbed right into the bloodstream and tissues in order to directly affect metabolism, the polyphenols in black tea are larger and spend longer in the digestive tract. There, they are able to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria and improve gut health, which is actually the mechanism by which they are able to positively influence metabolism, as the makeup of our gut microbiome has a major influence on our metabolism.
Research now shows that green and black teas both positively impact gut health and metabolic rate (1).
What are the other benefits of tea?
The gut health and metabolism boosting benefits of tea are, of course, far-reaching. Tea also contains certain amino acids, most notably L-theanine which offers relaxation, mood-boosting, and anti-stress benefits. Interestingly, the L-theanine component of green tea may be the reason why many of us feel equally alert but not as jittery when we drink this compared with other caffeinated beverages (2).
The antioxidants found in tea are also known for boosting the immune system, lowering inflammation, and clearing up skin.
The compounds in tea also help to regulate our levels of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin (3), which sometimes, due to stressors, tries to tell us that we’re hungry when we don’t truly need to eat. If you’ve been struggling with intermittent fasting, tea may help!
How much tea do I need to be drinking?
One easy way to get more tea into your life is to replace your morning cup of coffee with a cup of tea, but this may not be enough to experience the true range of benefits. According to much of the research on the benefits of tea, 3-5 cups per day is probably necessary.
We’re huge fans of Pique Tea, as they utilize a special process for cold brewing their organic tea that allows for the extraction of higher levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients. The result is their unique tea crystals that contain up to 12x the polyphenols found in other teas. Their teas are also extensively screened for toxins so that you can make sure you’re not getting any harmful extras in your drink. We highly recommend Pique Tea to reduce stress, improve gut health, and boost metabolism.
DR. GARCIA’S 12 WEEK METABOLISM MAKEOVER: FREE INTRODUCTION
Struggling to reach your weight loss goals?
Tired of feeling hungry and deprived while trying to loss weight?
Sick of the same old “eat less and exercise more” advice that’s sure to fail again?
Want to look and feel more confident and feel better about your healthy?
On August 29, 2018, you have the opportunity to learn more about the 12-week class that will teach you how to apply the latest proven solutions to common metabolic disorders like weight loss resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure and even cancer?
In this FREE seminar, Dr. Paul Garcia will be discussing his new class called “Mastering Your Metabolism.” You’ll be able to tune into this FREE info session either in person or online at 6:00 PM on August 29th. Just click this link to register for the free webinar.
The 12-week class will be held live in person and also virtually so both locals and those at a distance can learn this valuable information. Watch from the comfort of your own home or come to the live sessions—the choice is yours.
In this FREE info session, he will be talking about how you can gain access to personalized coaching that will guide you towards fixing your metabolism and reversing chronic disease naturally, safely, and effectively. Dr. Garcia has seen incredible results with his patients, and he wants to make this information and guidance available to anyone and everyone who is committed to their health.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register for the FREE webinar today!
If you’d like to skip the webinar and directly sign up for the class, registration is now open! Please visit this link to sign up directly for the 12-week class!
