Tea is a hot beverage composed of steeped herbs, roots, fruits and other ingredients. Tea comes in many varieties–black, green, white or herbal–which provide various health benefits from sleep aids to anti-inflammatory effects and immune boosters. Contrary to popular belief, drinking three cups per day of any tea does not dehydrate you. In fact, research shows it may actually provide just as much hydration.
If you enjoy drinking herbal tea, then you already know it is free from caffeine and offers many health benefits. Depending on its ingredients, herbal tea can be used to alleviate insomnia, improve sleep, lower anxiety levels, reduce menstrual cramps, support weight loss efforts and even fight cancer!
Herbal tea is a blend of plants, herbs, flowers, spices and other ingredients brewed into a hot drink using boiling water. Herbal tea has been around for centuries and many people consume it on a daily basis to take advantage of its medicinal properties. Common herbal tea ingredients include chamomile, hibiscus, peppermint and ginger; each has different properties to offer benefits to the body – but chamomile is most well known for soothing properties to ease stress; peppermint refreshes taste while digestive benefits while rooibos has been shown to boost immunity!
Though all tea contains caffeine, its amount in each cup varies based on the type of tea and how long its leaves have been steeped. Oolong or Pu-erh Tea typically contain 30-40mg, while green or black Tea contain between 50-100 mg. Caffeinated Teas are considered mild diuretics that may alter fluid balance.
However, to have any noticeable dehydrating effect on the body it requires over 500 mg of caffeine – approximately six to thirteen cups of regular tea or coffee – so in order to reach this threshold it would take significant daily consumption of these drinks which is highly unlikely.
However, contrary to popular belief, drinking tea doesn’t dehydrate you; studies show otherwise. When consumed moderately both regular and herbal teas can provide just as much hydration as water. When in doubt about which drink to select, listening to your body is always best; when thirsty sip whatever feels most satisfying.
Water is the healthy and convenient solution when it comes to staying hydrated, but if you need assistance meeting your recommended fluid intake, teas may also be an ideal addition. Herbal teas offer delicious flavorful benefits that add flair and variety to beverage routines; just be sure to consult with your physician first if making major alterations.