Have you ever caught yourself not being able to absorb information as fast as you were 10 years ago? Maybe you need a memory enhancer...
Well, here’s a habit that will do just that.
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and not just because it gives us a good alternative for coffee. Countless studies show, without a shadow of a doubt, that tea is essentially healthy in a cup.
But while it may be clear how tea can improve some aspects of our health, such as boosting the immune system or fixing a tummy ache, others are not so clear, like the link between tea and brain health.
Make no mistake; this link exists, and it’s extremely strong!
The Science Behind It
The most telling piece of evidence that shows tea can protect brain health comes from a study conducted by the National University of Singapore. Drinking tea regularly seems to boost cognitive function, and protect the brain against age-related decline.
The study, which was conducted in collaboration with the University of Essex and the University of Cambridge, analyzed neuroimaging data of 36 adults, 60 and older. Some were tea drinkers. Others were not.
The scientists found that green tea, in particular, helped to protect the brain, though oolong tea also showed positive signs. I personally choose to avoid caffeine and so, therefore, take the non-caffeinated teas or those very low in caffeine. Drinking tea at least 4 times a week for 25 years makes some areas of the brain become better organized, and shielded tea drinkers from cognitive decline.
How To Increase Your Tea Consumption
When it comes to tea and its effects on the brain, you get both immediate and long-term effects, so it’s fair to say that drinking more tea should be a priority for everyone.
But if you don’t know where to start, here are some easy tips on how to create your tea habits!
1. Replace coffee or other beverages
Try replacing your daily dose of coffee or other beverages with herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint. Not only do these teas calm anxiety but they even help you to have the focus you need to face the day. You’ll also get extra antioxidants that can help fight off free radicals in the body.
Plus, if you’re used to indulging in sugary drinks, try to cut them by replacing them with tea as well. You can lose weight and have more consistent energy levels when you cut that sugar out of your diet.
2. Make a plan
If your first instinct isn’t to reach for the tea when you’re feeling parched or want to enjoy a beverage, that’s okay. You’re not used to it yet, but there is a way to overcome that.
Plan a daily ‘tea time’, once, twice, or multiple times a day. In that tea time, you set aside a few minutes to enjoy a nice cup and relax. It’s kind of like meditating, but with tea. Your brain can use a break during the day, and you can drink some extra ‘health’ as well.
3. Get creative
You don’t necessarily need to drink the tea as it is. Teas can also be successfully added to smoothies or fresh juices as well. Instead of water, use green tea in your drinks to get a delicious, healthy beverage.
Green tea goes really well with any citrus fruit like oranges. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or raspberries can also be combined with green tea in a nutritious smoothie. Or, why not just experiment and discover new recipes?
Tea is an incredible beverage that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. The many health benefits it can offer us make it the real MVP when it comes to drinks, so make sure you start drinking more healthy cups during quarantine!
Over to you
Tea is an incredible beverage that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. The many health benefits it can offer us make it the real MVP when it comes to drinks, so make sure you start drinking more healthy cups during quarantine!
