Source: Love yourself better tomorrow
In the middle of life's journey, simple daily habits, such as sipping a cup of tea, are often overlooked, but they carry profound health implications. Tea, a time-honored drink, is not only a cultural symbol in modern society, but also an important part of healthy living. Especially for middle-aged people, a reasonable tea drinking habit can be an effective way of daily health care. However, not all ways to drink tea are in line with health science. Some tea drinking habits, although seemingly harmless, may actually cause unnecessary burdens on the body.
Benefits of drinking tea
Tea, as a time-honored drink, is especially popular among the middle-aged population. Not only because of the taste, but also because of the health benefits behind it. Tea is rich in tea polyphenols, a natural compound that plays a vital role in the health of middle-aged people. Tea polyphenols have antioxidant properties and can effectively reduce free radical damage, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, the catechins in tea can help regulate blood lipids, which has certain benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Considering the health challenges often faced by middle-aged people, such as increased blood pressure in systemic arteries and abnormal glucose metabolism, moderate consumption of tea can be part of daily health care. For example, the catechins and theanine in green tea help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, while black tea and pu-erh tea support gut health due to the prebiotics produced during fermentation. However, it is important to note that drinking tea is not a panacea, and it is not a substitute for medication or other healthy lifestyles.
3. The principle of "drinking".
For middle-aged people, the right tea drinking habits are equally important. Here are three "drink" principles to help maximize the health benefits of drinking tea while reducing possible adverse effects: Choose the right tea: Different teas have different effects and tastes. Green tea is suitable for people who prefer a light taste and want to boost their metabolism, while oolong tea or black tea is suitable for people with indigestion or gut health needs. It is very important to choose a tea that suits your physique and health needs.
The right time to drink: Drinking tea in the morning can be refreshing, but drinking tea on an empty stomach may cause stomach upset. It is recommended to drink tea in moderation after a meal to promote digestion and absorption. In the evening, you should avoid drinking high-caffeinated teas, such as black tea or certain green teas, to avoid affecting the quality of sleep.
Drink in moderation: Excessive tea consumption may bring some side effects, such as sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Middle-aged people should pay attention to controlling their daily tea intake to avoid excessive intake of tea polyphenols or caffeine affecting their health. In general, 3-4 cups of tea per day (about 200-250 ml per cup) is an appropriate amount. In addition, individual differences should not be ignored, and those with sensitive constitution should reduce the dose appropriately.
3. The principle of "don't drink".
When it comes to enjoying drinking tea, there are also some "don't drink" principles to follow to avoid possible negative effects:
Don't drink tea on an empty stomach: Drinking tea on an empty stomach can easily lead to stomach discomfort and may even induce excessive stomach acid. In addition, the tannic acid in tea may also inhibit the absorption of certain minerals.
Don't drink tea before bed: The caffeine in tea has a refreshing effect, and drinking tea at night may affect sleep quality, especially for middle-aged people who are sensitive to sleep. It is advisable to avoid drinking caffeinated tea within two hours of bedtime.
Don't drink too much strong tea: The high levels of caffeine and tea polyphenols in strong tea can cause stress on the body, especially for the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The right concentration of tea is not only healthier, but also allows you to better experience the aroma and taste of tea.
Tea drinking is in harmony with lifestyle
Drinking tea should not be an isolated habit but should be integrated into an overall healthy lifestyle. The benefits of drinking tea can be mutually reinforcing with other healthy habits:
Combine a proper diet: A balanced diet combined with the right amount of tea can improve your body's overall health. For example, the antioxidants in tea can work with vitamin-rich foods to boost the body's ability to fight free radicals.
Moderate exercise: Moderate physical activity combined with tea drinking habits can further boost cardiovascular health and metabolism. For example, sipping a cup of tea slowly after a relaxing walk not only helps to relax the body and mind, but also increases the body's metabolic rate.
Adjust the pace of life: In a fast-paced life, taking time to enjoy a cup of tea quietly can be a way to relax. Not only is this good for mental health, but it also helps to reduce daily stress and improve quality of life. Middle-aged people can not only enjoy drinking tea, but also reap the health benefits from it. It is important to consciously choose and adjust one's tea drinking habits to make them part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.