In 2014, Americans consumed over 80 billion servings of tea, or more than 3.60 billion gallons. Tea is a wildly popular drink… and it comes with benefits.

Stress

“Most of the time when I’m really stressed out I drink peppermint tea,” Katie Dames (10) said. “It’s relaxing and calms me down.”

Methanol, which is found in peppermint, relieves stress with its natural sedative and antispasmodic (muscle relaxing) nature. It is also anti-inflammatory which reduces blood pressure and body temperature.

If someone finds herself stressed out as the finals season approaches, peppermint tea may be a beneficial addition to their diet.

 Energy

“I drink a cup of hot tea every day of my life,” Mrs. Elisha Strecker, Journalism teacher, said. “It’s not that I get a headache if I don’t drink it, but I feel sluggish. It’s hard to get through the day without that jump start. I guess it gives me that little boost in the morning.

Like coffee, tea has caffeine, but tea has approximately 100 mg less caffeine than coffee. However, it can still give a kick start to the day, and it may even help students through that sleepy afternoon class.

 Illness

“I usually only drink tea when I’m sick,” Aubrey Elliot (10) said. “For that, I like chamomile tea. It smells really good and makes you feel warm.”

Chamomile tea is a natural, healthy way to support the immune system. It also has mild sedative effects and insures a good night’s sleep, perfect for people who have the spring-time sniffles.

 Pain

“I prefer tea hot,” Mrs. Janie Pickett, librarian said. “I love Constant Comment [orange spice tea]. It’s soothing because of the warmth that which a pleasant flavor”

Spice teas contain antioxidants that help reduce fever and inflammation and are commonly used to relieve gum pain and sore throats because they are pain-fighters. Getting your molars taken out next week? No worries! Try spice tea to reduce swelling and help numb the pain.

 Memory

Max Harrell (12) drinks tea at least ten times a week.

“I drink green tea mostly,” Harrell said “My moms British and she drinks a lot of tea so I get it from her.”

Green tea’s biggest benefit is it’s catechin content. Catechins are antioxidants that fight and prevent cell damage.

Drinking green tea also benefits memory.

In one Swiss study, MRIs revealed that people who drank green tea had greater activity in the working memory area of their brains. Green tea also has been shown to help block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Health

“I drink tea as much as five times a week, iced tea mostly,” Mr. George Calhoun, assistant principal, said. “It’s my favorite. A perfect Arnold Palmer that’s done right is the best type of drink; it tastes really good.”

Unlike tea, soda doesn’t have nutrition and can lead to vitamin/mineral deficiency which are essential to a healthy life.

Next time you think about having a soda with your lunch, think about getting a tea instead.