Is unsweet tea good for you? This is a question that many people ask, and for good reason. Unsweet tea has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people are looking for ways to cut down on sugar intake.
There are a few things to consider when answering this question. First, let’s look at what unsweet tea is. Unsweet tea is simply tea with a crisp flavor that keeps you cool during summer period and that has not had any sugar or sweetener added to it.
According to Harvard School of Public Health, Unsweet Tea is also a good source of hydration (second only to water), it also has low amount of calories and it's usually an acquired taste for those who grew up in the South side.
So, is unsweet tea good for you? Apart from being a refreshing and healthy drink, you might be surprised to learn that unsweet tea actually offers a number of potential health benefits. Here are just a few of the ways unsweet tea can be good for you;
What Is Unsweet Tea?
Unsweet tea is brewed with just water and tea leaves, without any sweeteners added. It has a slightly bitter taste and is lower in calories than sweetened teas. Unsweet tea may offer some health benefits, including reducing your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Potential Health Benefits Of Unsweet Tea
- Excellent Source Of Manganese
Manganese is an essential mineral that plays a role in many important bodily processes, including metabolism, bone formation, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation and reproduction. Though it's not as well-known as some other minerals, manganese is nevertheless crucial to good health.
There are a few potential health benefits associated with getting enough manganese in your diet. These include improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, healthy wound healing and stronger bones. Some research even suggests that manganese may help protect against osteoporosis. It also activates an enzyme called “manganese superoxide dismutase”, which prevents tissue damage.
About 520 micrograms of manganese are present in an 8-ounce serving of unsweetened tea, which equates to 35% of the daily recommended intake for women and 23% for men.
While most people get enough manganese from their diet, some groups of people are at risk for deficiency. This includes vegans and vegetarians, as well as people with certain medical conditions like Crohn's disease or malabsorption syndromes. Manganese supplements can be helpful for these groups of people.
- Low Amount Of Sugar and Calories
Unsweet tea contains a low amount of sugar and calories, which is ideal for those who are looking to cut down on their intake of these nutrients, making it a healthier choice than sweetened tea. Unsweet tea helps lower the calories levels in the body due to the presence of no sugar or sweetener inside the tea. It also helps you prevent certain health conditions which are caused by the high level of sugar present in the blood. As a result, if you choose to drink unsweet tea, the chances of having diabetes will be minimal day-by-day.
- Good Source Of Beneficial Flavonoids
According to recent research, unsweet tea may be a good source of beneficial flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant-based compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Studies have shown that unsweet teas contain high levels of certain flavonoids, including catechins and quercetin. Catechins are believed to play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation. Quercetin is an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Flavonoids in tea can also help to boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
While more research is needed to determine the exact health benefits of unsweet tea, it appears to be a promising beverage for those looking to improve their overall health.
- Good Source Of Hydration
There are many potential health benefits to unsweet tea, including that it is a good source of hydration. Unsweet tea is a low calorie beverage and can help you stay hydrated without adding extra calories to your diet. It is also a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to lower risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer.
- Improve Cholesterol Levels And Blood Sugar Control
If you’re looking to improve your cholesterol levels and blood sugar control, unsweet tea may be a good beverage choice for you. That’s because unsweetened tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that have been shown to help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improve blood sugar control.
In one study, participants who consumed black tea daily for 12 weeks had significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels than those who didn’t drink tea. Another study found that green tea improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
So if you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health or manage your diabetes, reach for a cup of unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks like soda or fruit juice. And enjoy the many other potential health benefits of this delicious beverage!
- Lowers Risks of Heart Diseases
Tea has long been known to be good for your heart, and the antioxidants in tea can help to protect your cardiovascular system. One study showed that those who drank at least four cups of unsweet tea a day had a 20% lower risk of dying from heart disease when compared with those who didn’t drink any tea.
Other studies have looked at the link between unsweet tea and heart health, and have found that it may help to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). These effects can all contribute to a reduced risk of developing heart disease.
So if you’re looking for a way to help keep your heart healthy, consider adding some unsweetened tea to your diet!
- Good Source Of Antioxidants
Unsweet tea is a good source of antioxidants, which have been linked to numerous health benefits. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and they have been linked to reduced risk of various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Aids Digestive System
When it comes to digestive health, unsweet tea can be a great ally. This beverage contains polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that have been shown to promote gut health. Polyphenols can help increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are important for gut barrier function and have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, polyphenols can also help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
So if you're looking to support your digestive system, unsweet tea may be a helpful option. Just be sure to choose a quality tea brand and enjoy this beverage in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
- Good Source Of Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in many foods and water sources. It is known for its ability to strengthen teeth and bones, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride can also help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. While most people get enough fluoride from their diet, some may need to take supplements or use fluoridated water to ensure they are getting adequate amounts.
- Boost Immune System
When it comes to boosting your immune system, unsweetened tea may be a helpful ally. Tea is rich in antioxidants and other compounds that can help fight inflammation and support immunity. In fact, some research suggests that regular tea consumption may reduce your risk of developing certain infections, including the flu.
So, if you're looking for ways to support your immunity, sipping on unsweetened tea may be a smart place to start. Just be sure to choose a quality tea made with fresh, organic ingredients for the most benefits.
Conclusion
Unsweet tea has a range of potential health benefits, including supporting weight loss, reducing the risk of heart disease, and improving gut health. If you're looking to improve your overall health, unsweet tea is a great option to consider adding to your diet. Thanks for reading and I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about unsweet tea and its potential health benefits.
