Gruener tee gesundheitTea serves not only to keep you hydrated. Tea also stands for pleasure and relaxation. And with each cup you can do something good for your body, because tea provides valuable ingredients.
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Tea – the healthy pick-me-up
Depending on the variety and preparation, tea contains about half as much caffeine as coffee.
The stimulating effect of black and green tea is mainly caused by caffeine, which used to be called teein or theine in tea. Unlike in coffee, caffeine in tea occurs together with so-called polyphenols. These secondary plant compounds may cause the body to absorb caffeine more slowly. The stimulating effect of caffeine in tea starts later and lasts longer.
Up to 350 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for healthy adults. The equivalent of up to seven cups of tea.
At normal consumption levels, caffeine develops a stimulating effect. For example, it can increase concentration, promote physical and mental performance and help you stay awake. Those who take in too much caffeine may experience undesirable side effects such as nervousness and insomnia. The effect of caffeine varies from person to person, but regular consumption increases tolerance.
Tea leaves and green tea, unlike black tea, contain the amino acid L-theanine, which has a relaxing and calming effect. According to scientific studies, the amino acid could mitigate the stimulating effect of caffeine. Significantly influences the taste of green tea: green tea connoisseurs refer to it as umami flavor (Japanese for particularly tasty).
Nutrient content – what's in it?
Unlike many other foods, tea contains remarkable amounts of fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth decay. Thus contributes to dental health. Depending on the type of tea, the average tea drinker absorbs 1-2 mg of fluoride per liter. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends 3.1 mg of fluoride daily for women and 3.8 mg for men.
The polyphenols in tea influence the taste and color of the teas, they also belong to the secondary plant substances and include a variety of compounds such as tannins, flavonoids or catechins.
Polyphenols may protect against cardiovascular disease, kill germs, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and may even prevent cancer. This is suspected to be particularly the case with the group of catechins, which are mainly contained in green tea.
Tea as a thirst quencher?
Tea is suitable as a thirst quencher, because black and green tea are no longer considered to be liquid thieves. Due to the stimulating effect, however, consumption should be limited. For children, black. Green tea unsuitable. Fruit and herbal teas are good thirst quenchers. Here, just as in the rest of your diet, you should pay attention to variety and not choose only one-sided varieties. Teas are calorie-free, as long as milk is not added or instant sweetened teas are not used.
Tea for stomach and intestinal problems
Black tea is an old household remedy for the relief of gastrointestinal disorders, as the polyphenols in tea have a soothing effect on the stomach and intestines. Ideally, tea should steep for about ten minutes to release as many tannins from the tea leaves as possible. Herbal teas such as fennel or lemon balm are often recommended because their ingredients have a caffeine-relieving effect. In case of doubt, a visit to the doctor should always provide clarification.
Status: 27.07.2020 / Author: Martina Spaeth, Bonn
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