10 Reasons To Drink Tea

While tea is unbelievably popular around the world, there has been of a tea revolution here in the states throughout the past few years. A big part of this re-emergence has been the weight loss craze, in addition to many other factors such as a larger variety of flavors, health benefits etc. You can find dozens of different types, blends and flavors of tea everywhere these days from the grocery store to the corner store.

This is nothing but good news for the American people. Natural properties in tea have been time tested to treat and cure numerous afflictions. Tea seems to be natural "cure all" for everything from infections to stress levels. To go into a little more detail about the benefits of tea, here are 10 quick reasons to take time to enjoy this beautiful beverage.

1. Energy

Pass on the coffee and have a big cup of tea in the morning. Most tea, unless decaffienated, can give you just as much of a boost after waking up as your normal styrofoam cup of dark roast. I start off most of my days with a cup of Vanilla Chai tea with skim milk and sweetener, and I have had nothing but positive results.

2. Weight Loss

Tea increases your metabolism, thus allowing you to burn more calories while dormant. In addition, tea is relatively calorie free. Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking plain water because of the antioxidants and other nutritional value.

3. Memory

The same anti-oxidants mentioned above protects your body against harmful free radicals. A cup or two of tea daily goes a long way against Alzheimer's and Parkinsons. It also aids in maintaining focus.

4. Skin

Aside from being able to treat infections by putting a wet tea bag on your skin, drinking tea can work from the inside out to make your skin clearer and more radiant. It hydrates the skin and acts as a detoxifier. Drink tea for a smoother, more consistent complexion.

5. Anti-Aging

The "Fountain Of Youth" may very well be flowing with freshly brewed tea! Drinking tea is a big step towards combating heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and the aformentioned Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

6. Detoxification

Tea is a natural body detox. Along with a colon cleanse, steam rooms and saunas and other natural measures, tea is one of the best things to do for the body's "spring cleaning" It is a way to get more water, thus flushing out harmful toxins inside of the body.

7. Stress

Both the consumpion of tea, as well as the act of preparing and drinking tea drops your stress level. Research has shown that drinking tea effects cortisol levels, which directly affect stress. This is why I sleep better after a cup of tea!

8. Social Life

This one doesn't have to much professional research, just my own experience. Having "tea parties" is a wonderful alternative to a trip to the local tavern or pub. With the variety of tea, not to mention the several ways to prepare tea is a great aid when having company over. I've had 10-20 guests over and we just drank tea and talked and it was a very stress free, relaxing, fun night.

9. Warming

Nothing feels more comfortable than drinking hot tea in the middle of winter. The first thing I reach for when coming in from the blistering cold is my tea kettle. Not only does it warm you from the inside out, but it is also very comforting in general.

10. Flavor

Let's not leave out what may not be as important in the long term, but it is something we all care about: flavor! Tea is delicious. Whether you are drinking a hot cup of Earl Grey tea with lemon, or Frech vanilla Carmel Chai with milk and sweetener, tea isn't a beverage you have to force down!