10 Ways A Cup Of Tea Can Change Your Life

There's no arguing that a cup of coffee has the ability to kick you into gear and help you start your morning, but there is nothing quite like beginning your day with a warm, soothing cup of tea.

What is it about tea, whether an herbal blend or the straight stuff, that gives us such a feeling of ease and satisfaction? Well, aside from its wide variety of flavors and delicious taste, it provides endless amounts of health benefits as well. This isn't a secret, though, for countries like China and India have been using tea in medicine since as far back as 2700 BC.

Whether you're feeling stressed, tired, depressed, or sick, we believe a cup of tea may be the answer to all of your problems.

Tea is cheap, easy to make, and it's been enjoyed by people around the globe for hundreds of years. Read on for 10 ways a cup of tea can change your life.

There's no denying the bliss that comes with holding a warm mug in the morning, but that feeling of comfort is only the beginning. According to research from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, some types of tea, such as saffron, can be as effective as antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine and imipramine. If you're feeling down, sip on a cup of saffron tea.

Black tea has been linked to treating headaches and improving overall mental awareness. Whether it be the perfect amount of caffeine (ranging from two to four percent per cup), or antioxidant properties such as epicatechins and catechins, a cup of black tea is sure to have you thinking straight shortly after drinking it. 

Researchers have disputed the effects of green tea on cancer. While it can't directly prevent cancer, it contains high amounts of catechins, antioxidants that fight and can prevent cell damage, which can contribute to cancer development.

If you have a hard time getting your full eight hours, a cup of chamomile tea may be the answer to your problems. Chamomile tea has been linked to alleviating abdominal gas, indigestion, and cramps, resulting in anxiety reduction and a better night's sleep. Sip on a cup of chamomile tea before bed and tossing and turning throughout the night will be a thing of the past.

Oolong tea contains two components that work marvelously together for weight loss: caffeine and theophylline. When they work as a team, they boost your metabolism, which helps burn fat quicker. It also contains polyphenols — abundant micronutrients that have the ability to block enzymes that build fat.

It's no secret that green tea has many benefits, but many people might not be aware that it can help memory, too.  Research published in Molecular Nutrition and Food found that a common chemical found in green tea called epigallocatechin-3 gallate, or EGCG, can help aid the neural cells in the brain, resulting in a better memory.

According to nutrition scientist Diane McKay at the American Heart Association, hibiscus tea is said to have beneficial effects on blood flow. It lowers blood pressure, leading to a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Along with green and black tea, white tea contains some of the most potent anticancer properties than any other tea available. The catechins found in white tea have been found to help prevent hardening of the arteries, resulting in lower cholesterol.

Black and green tea contains theanine, a natural chemical which has a calming effect. If you're feeling overwhelmed by post-holiday stress, brew a cup of black or green tea and watch the magic happen.

Surprisingly, if you're feeling queasy, catnip tea is one of the best teas you can drink. Unlike the stimulating effect the plant tends to have on cats, it's actually said to have a sedative effect on people who drink tea made from the dried leaves.