National Hot Tea Day: Benefits of Tea for Your Mental Health

Just like coffee, tea is a drink consumed on a daily basis by many across the globe. As we celebrate National Hot Tea Day on January 12 and Hot Tea Month in January, it would be useful to understand that the benefits of taking a freshly brewed cup of this wonderful drink can extend to one’s mental health.

The cold days of winter prompt us to seek warmth and coziness in the comfort of our homes. Some of us ignite flames to our fireplaces and some light candles. For others, a comforting cup of hot coffee or tea does the trick. Indeed, we drink more tea during the winter months, which could be a reason why January 12 is designated National Hot Tea Day.

Although we associate warmth and comfort with hot tea, did you know that this ancient drink might also have many mental health benefits as well? Take a look at these wonderful things tea can do for your body if you drink it regularly.

What Are the Mental Health Advantages of Drinking Hot Tea?

Tea lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol

When we experience internal and external stressors, the hormone cortisol is released. Also known as one of the fight-or-flight hormones, too much cortisol can wreak havoc in the body, triggering conditions such as heart problems and cancer. In some people, unhinged cortisol levels can also be a trigger for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Research has shown that drinking at least half a cup of green tea a day decreases one’s cortisol, which could lower a person’s risk of developing mental health problems associated with too much of the stress hormone. So, the next time if you’re stressed, consider having some green tea.

Tea decreases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases

The benefits of tea doesn’t just stop with stress management. The substance can protect the body from neurodegenerative conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cognitive impairment

Antioxidants found in tea, specifically green tea, have protective properties that can restore neuron health. These neurodegenerative conditions affect one’s quality of life as well as the lives of the individual’s loved ones. Taking simple measures such as drinking hot tea daily may reduce a person’s risk of developing such problems later in life.

Tea assists in metabolism and energy

Gut health affects many areas of the body and how it functions. It can affect:

• Metabolism: Poor gut health can be related to a slower metabolism.
• Brain: Gut conditions can have an impact on neurotransmitters and affect mood, memory, and concentration.
• Energy: Digestion problems can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. These feelings can lower your energy and make you feel sluggish.
• Immunity: A person who has poor gut health may have compromised immunity and be more prone to contracting more viruses and bacterial conditions and developing autoimmune disorders.

There is evidence that drinking tea helps boost metabolism, especially if you drink it right after meals. A metabolism boost can help one lose weight, feel better emotionally, and have more energy throughout the day.

Tea can improve sleep patterns

Different types of tea have different effects, so you might want to consider the time when you consume specific types of tea. Green tea, black tea, and other caffeine-containing variants are best consumed in the morning. There are also kinds of tea that help in relaxation so are ideally consumed before going to bed.

Researchers have found that teas and tea-related aromatherapy products using lavender, chamomile, and peppermint can help reduce depression and fatigue. Not only is the warmth of hot tea comforting, but the properties of these plants help improve muscle relaxation, slow-wave brain patterns, and overall length of deep sleep.

We all know that when you sleep better, you feel better, both physically and mentally. If you’re tossing and turning in your bed and finding it hard to fall asleep, perhaps adding a calming tea before bedtime can help curb this problem.

National Hot Tea Day: Drink a Cup for Mental Health

The simple habit of drinking hot tea or using tea-related aromatherapy products can provide mental and physical benefits. National Hot Tea Day can increase your awareness of these benefits and take you a step further toward overall wellness.

Sources

sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – What Are the Different Types of Drugs and How Are They Treated?

nature.com – The Science of Tea’s Mood-Altering Magic

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Green Tea Intake and Risks for Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

healthline.com – The Gut-Brain Connection: How It Works and the Role of Nutrition

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – The Effects of Green Tea Consumption on Metabolic and Anthropometric Indices in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Effects of Lavender Tea on Fatigue, Depression, and Maternal-Infant Attachment in Sleep-Disturbed Postnatal Women