It is the drink of choice for millions of people all over the United States. It can be found in 80 percent of homes where tea is served hot or cold. In 2015, Amercians consumed 80 billion servings of tea, the Tea Association reported. The most consumed was black tea, followed by green tea, Oolong tea, white tea and dark tea. A beverage that is enjoyed this much must be great for your health, right? Tea has antioxidant properties like flavonoids that have been found to help reduce the risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. Flavonoids are believed to aid the body and  help revitalize cells that are damaged by free-radicals. Antioxidants contained in green and black teas can help with memory loss by protecting brain cells. Tea can also boost fat loss, increase exercise endurance, and help with weight control. Not bad for some leaves. Here are 5 reasons to join the tea revolution.

Helps Overall Health

Studies have shown that people who regularly drink black tea reduce their risks for heart disease. It has catechins and epicatechins which could protect the heart from damage. Harvard reported that those who drank black tea saw their risks of having a heart attack go down by 44 percent. Also, the flavonoids found in your cup of tea can help with inflammation, and will help to reduce plaque buildup in arteries. Green tea has more of these benefits than black tea, but both are good choices to use and have half the caffeine than coffee. Tea also helped to regulate glucose levels by slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating.

Helps Cognitive Function

Tea can be good when you feel the occasional blues and could help with anxiety. The component L-theanine in green tea and has been found to have a calming impact on people. L-theanine stabilizes the blood pressure, heart rate, and the mood of those suffering from anxiety, and depression. Amino acids that are found in green tea is believed to increase memory as it prevents the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain that hampers cognitive function. Another bonus is that its boosts the area in the brain that we use for our memory. There are more impressive reasons how green tea can help you neurologically. Adults who drank green tea reduced the risk of having Parkinson’s by 69 percent.

It is Calming 

Tea is more refreshing than coffee as it hydrates, unlike coffee. Since it has less caffeine, it can keep you going longer without the crash. We know that coffee is a depressant, and so is tea, but you will not have the caffeine headaches, or food cravings. After a long day, you don’t want too much caffeine. This is where herbal teas come in. They are perfect to warm up to and to settle in for the night. Try lemon, ginger or a cup of chamomile tea when you get home, or have a cup of mint or ginseng tea in the morning.

Controls Weight

Tea helps you burn fat quicker. Studies suggest that if you drink tea regularly that it will help you reach weight-loss goals. University of Maryland Medical Center shared that drinking three cups of green tea could help you lose two pounds a week. “Researchers think that polyphenols found in green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. However, studies have shown mixed results,” the Center offered. Proceed with caution with any change in a diet, but drinking tea is a lot better for losing weight than having a latte or a soda. It is low in calories and a good alternative. A cup of brewed black tea has just over two calories plain and green tea has just two calories.

Tea is a great alternative and there is so much variety to choose from. Whether you pour a cup for your overall physical health, mental health, weight loss, or sip it for a moment to relax. The choice of black, green, white or herbal tea are all worth exploring for its many wonderful attributes.