31 Benefits of Tea
The therapeutic effects of tea have been recognized since ancient times. For example, the *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing*, compiled during the Warring States period, described tea’s medicinal properties and functions: “Tea tastes bitter; drinking it enhances mental clarity, reduces sleepiness, lightens the body, and improves eyesight.” The Tang Dynasty’s *Ben Cao Shi Yi* also recorded: “Long-term tea consumption causes weight loss and removes body fat.” Today, tea’s slimming, beautifying, and cosmetic effects are widely known both domestically and internationally. In the section titled *Modern Medical Understanding and Application of Tea*, 31 benefits of tea are listed:
1. Aids digestion.
2. Enhances alertness.
3. Promotes longevity.
4. Lowers blood lipids and aids weight loss.
5. Improves eyesight.
6. Promotes diuresis and reduces edema.
7. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
8. Prevents arteriosclerosis.
9. Lowers blood pressure and prevents hypertension.
10. Helps prevent coronary heart disease.
11. Antiradiation (e.g., TV radiation).
12. Calms the spirit, induces tranquility, and soothes emotions.
13. Acts as a nutritional supplement.
14. Can treat diabetes.
15. Beautifying effects.
16. Helps prevent anemia.
17. Anti-fatigue and relieves fatigue.
18. Detoxifies alcohol and relieves drunkenness.
19. Quenches thirst and refreshes.
20. Prevents and fights cancer.
21. Tonifies Qi and increases strength.
22. Antibacterial and stops diarrhea.
23. Detoxification.
24. Increases the body’s adaptability.
25. Anti-tuberculosis.
26. Eliminates odors and relieves bad breath.
27. Increases white blood cells and treats leukopenia.
28. Antiviral.
29. Protects teeth.
30. Regulates acid-base balance in body fluids.
31. External use for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial purposes.