What’s the Best Alternative to Pure Water? Organic Tea, Of Course!

Tired of drinking plain water every day? Before you reach for a can of soda or a bottle of fruit juice, stop. Why not settle for a beverage that’s not only refreshing but healthy, too? Tea is a great choice. In fact, research says that drinking three or more cups of tea a day may be just as good as drinking plenty of water.

If you are afraid to drink tea because you’re afraid that it will dehydrate you, there’s no need to worry. Studies are dispelling the common belief that tea may lead to dehydration. In fact, it is believed that tea may rehydrate as well as pure water. Tea is also believed to help protect against certain health problems and provide invigorating health benefits to your body.

What Makes Tea So Healthy?

Numerous studies say that most of the benefits that you get from tea come from a certain component: polyphenol flavonoids. These are antioxidants that are naturally found in tea. Antioxidants are health-protecting nutrients that help bolster your immune system by fighting free radicals in your body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that “steal” electrons from your body, such as from your cell walls or your DNA, causing cell oxidation and damage, and, in the long run, many different types of diseases.

An example of a polyphenol found in tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – this is the primary active component of the tea’s biological activity. Some of the benefits acquired from polyphenol flavonoids include:

• Lowering your cholesterol
• Easing pain and inflammation
• Lowering your triglyceride levels
• Lowering your blood pressure

Which Type of Tea Benefits You Best?

Health experts are still debating as to which tea variety offers the most benefits. Some say green tea is the best, while others claim that black tea is better. However, other tea varieties, like tulsi tea and hibiscus tea, are also being commended for their outstanding health effects.

Tulsi herbal tea is famous in India for its slightly spicy but delicious flavor. Meanwhile, hibiscus tea is famous in countries like Egypt and China. Its cranberry-like flavor is greatly enjoyed by many people, which is why it is a staple beverage in festivals and celebrations.

If you really want to stick to green tea, though, then you should try Matcha tea. This is a very bright green tea that is made from ground tea leaf. Compared to regular green tea, Matcha tea is said to contain over 100 times more EGCG.

Remember: Drink Only Organic Tea

The important thing you should remember when buying tea is to choose only those that are organically-grown. This is because tea that is not organically grown and naturally processed often gives you low-quality polyphenol flavonoids. In addition, you may also be exposed to synthetic chemicals, herbicides, unnatural fertilizers, and pesticides, which may hamper the health-promoting effects of the antioxidants in the tea.

Organic tea varieties do not pose these dangers, and provide you with a robust supply of antioxidants your body needs. In addition, organic tea farming is also better for the environment, providing enriching and protective effects.

Should You Worry About Caffeine in Your Tea?

Some people worry that their tea may contain too much caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that has been linked to numerous health problems, such as increased stress hormone and blood pressure levels. Don’t worry about caffeine from tea, though: studies say that caffeine from tea contains theanine, a natural protein that counters the normal side effects of caffeine.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, though, you must make sure that you must limit your caffeine intake as much as possible, even from tea. Consult your physician before drinking any type of caffeinated tea.

Next to pure drinking water, tea is clearly the best beverage you should choose. Find a variety that suits you best, not only in terms of its flavor, but also its benefits.

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Mishka Thomas is a holistic veterinarian, health blogger, and gym enthusiast. After realizing that the sports drinks and sodas she has consumed for years have not done anything good for her health, she has decided to switch to organic tea. Mishka drinks at least three cups of tea a day. Her favorite brews include hibiscus tea and Matcha tea.