Much like coffee, tea has been linked to increasing fertility, like that of our teas FertiliTea and ViriliTea. Studies have shown that women who drink two cups of tea a day allegedly double their chances of conceiving – due mainly to the powerful antioxidants found in various types of tea called polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that work to protect the body from various types of cell damage that can lead to a lengthy list of several diseases and cancers.
We’ve done a couple blogs on coffee consumption while trying to conceive or pregnant – the main point being that you must LIMIT your daily consumption of coffee (no more than 300mg/day while trying to conceive and even less while pregnant!), and now we suppose tea should be included in that rule. The main issue with tea and coffee consumption while pregnant remains the caffeine content found in them, which affects the human body in several ways and can be extremely detrimental during pregnancy.
Most notably, caffeine works as a stimulant and creates energy and focus, but can also lead to insomnia. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels of the body much like smoking does, and this constriction can lead to hypertension, possible miscarriage and infertility. While pregnant, constricted blood vessels can deprive the fetus of proper levels of oxygen and nutrients it requires to achieve optimal growth and development. For these reasons, it would be best to try and avoid caffeine consumption altogether while trying to conceive, and especially while pregnant.
Did You Know …Drip coffee has twice as much caffeine as percolated coffeeBlack tea contains three times more caffeine than green teaBlack tea contains far less caffeine than coffeeSome studies have suggested that tea drinkers have stronger bones than non-tea drinkers
Black TeaAll that said, there are countless health benefits to drinking tea, for which there is always a caffeine-free option. But caffeine-free or not, black tea has considerably less caffeine content than coffee does. Believe it or not, results from several studies have suggested that black tea is even more beneficial to our health than green tea is.
Boasts an abundance of antioxidants (including several types of polyphenols)Prevents damage to the bloodstream and artery wallsThe Polyphenols found in black tea help prevent the formation of carcinogens associated with several cancers (including oral, ovarian, lung, prostate colorectal and bladder) and can also help to prevent stomach and breast cancerReduces the risk of heart disease, blood clotsFacilitates cardiac muscle function
Green TeaWe may be kicking a dead horse with this one, as I’m sure everyone knows by now that green tea is exceptionally good for you, unless you live under a rock. But here is a quick recap of what green tea is capable of:
Helps prevent cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, infection, enhances immunity and lowers cholesterol levelsIts powerful team of antioxidants inhibit the growth of cancer cells, blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokesPrevents tooth decay, acne and destroys bacteriaGreen, oolong and black tea all come from the Cameilla sinesis plant, but green tea is steamed, which prevents the polyphenols from being oxidized. This makes the antioxidants in green tea much more powerful than those found in black or oolong tea, which are fermentedReduces the effects of smoking and a fatty dietIncreases metabolism and calorie burn
White Tea
It is argued that antioxidant levels in white tea are highest due to the fact that it is the least processed of all teas, including green and black. Used for medicinal purposes for centuries and dubbed by some as the “Supreme Drink of Health,” there are several health benefits associated with drinking white tea.
Loaded with antioxidantsHelps to reduce blood sugar and may reduce symptoms associated with diabetesFights cancer-causing cellsWorks as a blood thinner and improves artery functionLowers blood pressure and cholesterolProtects the heart and entire circulatory systemNaturally kills harmful bacteria and viruses, improving immunityCan reverse skin cell damage and promote healthy teeth and gums
Oolong TeaOolong tea is yet another tea with a long list of health benefits. Containing considerably low caffeine, oolong tea combines the qualities of black and green tea, making the benefits of drinking it double, and is only partially oxidized.
Controls and maintains healthy fat metabolism within the bodyRemoves free radicals and toxinsTreats and reduces the symptoms of several skin disorders such as eczemaPromotes good bone structureConsidered very helpful in treating type 2 diabetic disordersProtects the body from cancer-causing carcinogens and the development of cancerous growthsStudies have shown oolong tea to have powerful stress-reducing capabilities
Herbal TeaOk, so there are A LOT of herbal teas out there. Herbs have all sorts of healing powers, plus herbal teas are additionally a great source of countless vitamins and minerals. Here are some different types of herbal tea and their associated health benefits:
PeppermintGood for treating nausea by heating up the body and making it sweatRelieves abdominal gas and bloating
GingerCan also treat nausea, vomiting or gastrointestinal problemsCan help treat a cold when used in combination with fresh lemon juice and honey
ChamomileCan help treat insomnia and digestionHelpful in treating coughs, bronchitis, colds, fever and inflammation of the mouth
RooibosHigh in antioxidants and Vitamin CHelps prevent the signs of aging Improves immunity and prevents coldsUsed to treat skin disorders such as eczema
Lemon BalmImproves concentrationPrevents nightmares in childrenMilk Thistle and DandelionPowerful, but gentle liver cleansersAids in digestionHelps in the production of bile
RosehipHigh in Vitamin CPromotes immune system, skin and tissue healthAid in the function of the adrenal glands