Conditions Back ConditionsDrugs & Supplements Back Drugs & SupplementsWell-Being Back Well-BeingMore Back More Privacy & More Subscribe Log In Search Subscribe Health & Diet GuidePopular Diet PlansHealthy Weight ResourcesHealthy Eating & Nutrition Calorie CountingBest & Worst Choices View Full Guide Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Tea?Written by Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on December 29, 20243 min readTea is a common drink across the globe. It’s a hydrating beverage with a range of different types and flavors. Tea is an important beverage in many different cultures. With no calories, tea is a great addition to a low-calorie diet.Caffeine levels in tea vary depending on the type you drink, but in general, tea has much less caffeine than coffee. One 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains 96 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. The same amount of black brewed tea contains 47 mg and green tea contains only 28 mg. Popular such as ginger or peppermint don’t contain any caffeine.Tea is also associated with a lower risk of many ailments, including cognitive issues, , , , and more.But there may be many other nutrients and minerals in tea that you may not be aware of, contributing to different aspects of your health. Here’s what you need to know.Nutrition InformationHere are the nutrition facts for one cup of tea brewed with tap water:: 2Fat: 0g: 0mgSodium: 7mgTotal carbohydrates: 1gSugars: 0g: 0g Nutrients and important minerals found in many teas include the following:FlavonoidsCatechinsPolyphenolsPhosphorousCopperFluorideHowever, it’s important to note that many of these minerals are only found in trace amounts. The dehydration and boiling process involved in making tea and tea leaves removes many available nutrients.Potential Health Benefits of TeaNot only is tea hydrating and tasty, making it a good alternative to water, but the available nutrients and minerals can contribute to your overall health.While drinking tea on its own is not a solution or cure for any health condition, it can be easily integrated into a . Here are a few important health benefits of tea.Lower CholesterolBlack tea contains theaflavins and thearubigins (), which have health benefits for your body. One study found that they help alleviate (high cholesterol) when consumed in your diet.Reduced Risk of HyperglycemiaThe same study showed that black tea theaflavins and thearubigins also contribute to lower risk of , or high blood sugar. Lower Risk of CancerGreen and black teas also contain important polyphenols, which are micronutrients that are found in plant-based foods. The polyphenols found in these types of tea have been associated with the healthy regulation of cell growth and survival, leading to a lower risk of developing cancer.Better Sleep Quality and Lower Risk of DepressionSome teas, including chamomile, are consumed to help people relax at the end of the day so they can sleep better and wind down. And chamomile tea has been found to help postpartum women get better sleep and alleviate their .More Focus and AlertnessMore research needs to be done to accurately understand the effects of caffeine on cognitive function. However, some studies have indicated that consuming caffeine found in some teas, in low doses and regularly, may contribute to better focus and alertness.Potential Risks of TeaDrinking tea doesn’t have many health risks associated with it. However, because some teas have high levels of caffeine, including black tea and green tea, there are a few points to be aware of as you drink it. Too Much Caffeine IntakeWhen you consume too much caffeine, you could experience symptoms like a faster heartbeat, tremors in your muscles, , nervousness, , and . However, these symptoms are more commonly associated with drinking a lot of coffee, which has substantially more caffeine than even the strongest teas.Other than overconsuming caffeine, there are few risks associated with drinking tea. Enjoy a cup to hydrate your body and gain important minerals and microminerals.SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES:Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry: “Mechanisms of cancer prevention by green and black tea polyphenols.”Consumer Reports: “The Health Benefits of Tea.”ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon: “Tea.”Journal of Advanced Nursing: “Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial.”Lipids in Health and Disease: “Exploring the potential of black tea based flavonoids against hyperlipidemia related disorders.”Mayo Clinic: “Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?”Mayo Clinic: “Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda, and more.”Nutrition Reviews: “Psychological effects of dietary components of tea: caffeine and L-theanine.”SharePrintMore on Diet & Weight Management Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , The 2024 Annual Report serves as a vital resource for understanding the current state of public education in Texas and ongoing efforts to see every child, prepared for success in college, career, or the military., Many hotels and restaurants cater to afternoon tea lovers with seasonal menus and traditional service year-round. Here are 16 places around D.C. to find spreads of sumptuous scones, exquisite pastries, and finger sandwiches served with steaming pots of tea..