5 Anti-inflammatory Teas Beneficial For Health

Are you someone who cannot start your day without a hot brewing cup of tea? Neither can I. Running late for work, my cab is waiting downstairs, the lift will stop at 10 other floors as I go down from the 20th floor while I’m late, but do I forget to take that one cup of tea? No, heck no! A cup of ‘adrak wali chai’ is all I need to make my day better.  

Okay, I sound obsessed with tea, and I cannot deny it, but let’s talk about health here, shall we? Tea is rich in antioxidants which helps in boosting health and reducing the risk of many diseases. Tea has anti-inflammatory properties and studies suggest that it can prevent chronic diseases. 

Tea is rich in polyphenols which are said to be anti-inflammatory. A study by ScienceDirect says that the role of anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidant properties of tea help relieve inflammatory diseases.

Here’s a list of types of anti-inflammatory teas

Here are types of anti-inflammatory teas which help you strengthen your defences to fight against diseases. 

1. Black Tea

Black tea may not sound as fascinating but studies show that it prevents early death. A research study by Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who drank 2 or more cups of black tea every day had lower risks of dying. The study, which continued for 11 years, states, “Higher tea intake was associated with lower mortality risk among those drinking 2 or more cups per day, regardless of genetic variation in caffeine metabolism. These findings suggest that tea, even at higher levels of intake, can be part of a healthy diet.” This anti-inflammatory tea lowers the risks of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. 

2. Peppermint Tea

Refreshing peppermint leaves are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds as per a research published by National Institute of Health. “Among medicinal plants, mint (Mentha species) exhibits multiple health beneficial properties, such as prevention from cancer development and anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective effects,” the study states. Peppermint has been found to be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. In winters, peppermint can heal cold and sinus conditions. And it tastes amazing and refreshing, it is one of my favourite go to teas. 

Also read: Unwind Naturally: 6 Remarkable Benefits of Tulsi Tea for Stress Relief

3. Turmeric tea

Turmeric has been an ancient medicine in India and it has enormous health benefits from skin care, minor cuts to digestive disorders and even cancers. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants. It helps in arthritis pain and helps easing viral infections like cold, cough and sinus. According to research, the content of curcumin in turmeric can enhance cancer therapy. If you want your body immunity to be boosted, turmeric tea is your go to tea as it fights and defends against a lot of diseases and conditions. 

4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is one of the most soothing teas. It is generally taken before bedtime as it helps you put your body and mind to relaxation. Its anti-inflammatory properties help heal stomach ulcers, gas and nausea. Research by the National Institute of Health calls chamomile flowers one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It states, “The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and haemorrhoids.” 

5. Ginger Tea

Drumroll please! Here comes the majority of India’s favourite tea, including me. Ginger tea, as refreshing and strong as it smells and tastes, its health benefits are enormous. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger helps in soothing acid reflux and aids digestion. The antioxidant properties in ginger helps in preventing neurological conditions like parkinsons and Alzheimer's disease as per research. 

Also read: Roshni Chopra’s Morning Tea Recipe: Here's How It Can Clear Your Skin And Improve Digestion

Bottomline

Choose your anti-inflammatory and add it to your diet to obtain all the healthy benefits it provides. But excessive consumption of tea does not have pretty consequences. Consuming extremely hot tea is also not advised as it can cause ulcers in your stomach or oesophagus. Deal with your health wisely.