4 benefits of tea for this winter
This content was last updated on: November 17, 2020.
Reading time: 5 minutes
It is well known that winter takes time to adapt to. People generally feel more tired, sometimes more gloomy, and the flu and colds are often at the rendezvous...
Here are 4 excellent reasons why tea, herbal tea and rooibos are your everyday allies during this winter period.
1 - Tea is a natural source of energy, perfect for fighting fatigue.
During the winter period, the lack of natural light, exposure to more viruses and bacteria as well as the more present cold all tend to make you more physically and mentally tired. In order to minimize this state, it is recommended to drink tea.
Indeed, among the many benefits of tea, the one that we could put forward in this period is without a doubt its energy property. Indeed, the consumption of tea can stimulate your concentration and your vigilance without giving you a feeling of excitement (unlike the caffeine present in coffee).
Basically, you should know that tea contains a molecule called theine . The theine molecule, which comes from tea, is chemically identical to the caffeine molecule found in coffee. On the other hand, these two molecules do not act in the same way on our body.
Indeed, the caffeine passes directly into our blood which gives you an effect of excitation which generally lasts from 1 to 2 hours.
While for theine, it will disperse more slowly in your body, which means that the effects are better distributed over time. Its stimulating effects can last from 3h to 6h on average.
So, in case of fatigue, drinking tea provides the energizing effect necessary for your daily functioning.
2 – Rich in antioxidants, tea helps fight colds and strengthen your immune system!
During the winter period, our immune system is put to the test. The fact that we are more compartmentalized inside our homes increases the risk of contracting viruses such as the flu or gastro since we are more in contact with other people.
Did you know tea is a natural source of antioxidants? Several studies have reported that the antioxidants present in our body can help strengthen our immune system and therefore prevent and fight against the flu virus as well as that of the common cold.
To fight the flu
Tea can help defend against the flu virus. Indeed, theaflavin ( an antioxidant) found mainly in black tea is able to inactivate this virus.
It is therefore recommended to consume tea when you are sick in order to expose the virus to this active molecule in tea for as long as possible. The antioxidant properties of tea would be partly responsible for this ability to inactivate the virus. The presence of vitamin C in the tea could also contribute to this.
Bad luck, you already have a cold and your nose is running forever?
Know that it is important, in this case, to stay well hydrated. The hydration of the mucous membranes greatly helps to fight the fever caused by the flu. Tea is a wonderful way to stay hydrated and reduce these unpleasant symptoms.
Did you know that?
Blueberries top the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) index of fruits and vegetables with antioxidant effects. The ORAC index makes it possible to evaluate the potential of foods to neutralize or slow down the damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species, i.e. to slow down the damage to our cells and tissues which participate in the aging of the body.
3 – Herbal teas, ideal for promoting sleep and relaxation.
The holiday season is generally not easy. For some it's exam time and for others it's the final sprint before the holidays. Stress, anxiety, overwork are common ailments for this period.
Thus, having a good night's sleep and minimizing stress are essential to maintaining good physical and mental health.
Infusions, in particular, tea, herbal tea and rooibos, allow you to relax. Hot drinks are naturally soothing and the herbs they contain often have relaxing effects on our body.
The scientific explanation behind: the amino acid called “ L-theanine” or theanine. Tea leaves contain “theanine” which helps reduce stress by naturally generating alpha waves in the brain, called relaxation waves (the same ones seen in a massage or a hot bath).
So go ahead, take the time to relax, not only are you entitled to it, but you must. Take your favorite novel or listen to your favorite music in the company of your comforting hot drink.
Are you planning to go to bed soon? No problem, help yourself to a Rooibos or herbal tea. These two infusions do not contain theine or caffeine, which is ideal for sleep.
4 – To prepare or recover from the holidays!
And yes…grandma has made her delicious desserts again that you can't resist. This year, you have motivated yourself to resist temptation, but to no avail. So what to do in such a case? Simply go back to basics.
Tea is a natural ally that promotes the digestion of food. Polyphenols (still and always these famous antioxidants) are known to facilitate digestion in humans. The polyphenols and theaflavins it contains reduce the absorption of fat by the intestine, which makes meals less heavy, and therefore easier to digest. They also have a beneficial effect on lowering cholesterol levels. So, in case of bloating, it is recommended to have a hot tea.
Rooibos (African red tea) improves digestion and burns fat while helping us to sleep.
So, which infusions to choose?
The infusions of the Maison du Bleuet are very varied and your choice depends in fact on your taste as well as your needs.