How Hot Tea Keeps You Hydrated in the Cold
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated. But that doesn’t always mean we drink the right amount of water. When the weather takes a dip, staying hydrated can be more difficult.
People generally feel less thirsty in the winter. According to a study by The University of New Hampshire, cold weather can reduce your body’s thirst response by up to 40 percent. In cold temperatures, our blood vessels constrict and redirect blood flow from our extremities to our cores to conserve heat and protect our vital organs. This can trick the body into thinking it’s properly hydrated, reducing how thirsty we feel.
Regardless of how it feels outside, staying hydrated is important year-round. Thankfully, tea offers a great way to stay hydrated and healthy throughout the winter months.
Why Tea?
It might be difficult to drink cold beverages when you’re trying to warm up. That’s what makes warm drinks like hot tea perfect for this time of year. If you don’t want to grab drinks out of your fridge, you have the option of brewing tea with hot water.
Tea is 99% water, so you can drink plenty of it and receive benefits similar to those you would get from drinking mostly water. Many tea blends also have additional benefits like antiviral properties, antioxidants, and ingredients that promote anti-inflammation and heart health.
Tea also tends to have more flavor than water, which encourages you to drink more of it. If you’re someone who likes a little more flavor in your drinks, tea can be a great option.
How Tea Hydrates
Many teas can contribute to your daily fluid intake needs and keep you hydrated throughout the day. Although some teas contain caffeine, which can be dehydrating, most teas don’t have enough caffeine to make a significant impact, and even caffeinated teas can be hydrating.
Drinks like juice or soda often contain added sugars. These sugars can contribute to dehydration, as they cause the cells in your body to transfer more water, leading to a greater loss of fluids throughout the day. Tea blends tend to have low sugar content while still providing a decent amount of flavor. Even if you aren’t drinking water, tea is a better option than beverages with added ingredients.
Some teas even have electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes can help maintain the body’s fluid balance and aid in hydration.
How Much Tea Should You Drink?
Our daily water intake varies depending on factors like height and weight, but the consensus is that the average person should drink between 11 and 15 cups of water a day. So, how much tea should you consume?
Due to its high antioxidants, we can link drinking tea to health benefits like better cardiovascular health, weight management, and brain health. Some teas can also improve your immune system and reduce inflammation. Of course, to gain these benefits you’ll need to drink tea fairly consistently. You may even want to drink more than one cup a day.
If you already live a healthy lifestyle but want to enjoy tea to feel even healthier, you should drink one or two cups of tea daily. You might enjoy one cup in the morning and another in the afternoon or evening. If you would like to boost your metabolism or if you have weight loss goals, you should drink three to five cups of green tea or matcha a day.
So, how much tea is too much tea? Experts argue that 10 cups or more cups of tea a day is too much. Drinking too much tea might reduce your iron absorption. If you drink caffeinated tea, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine may cause increased anxiety and stress, poor sleep patterns, increased stomach issues, headaches, and heartburn.
If you don’t drink tea regularly, start small. Try introducing a cup or two into your routine and gradually increase your tea intake to your preferred amount.
Hydrating Tea Varieties
The most hydrating teas are herbal teas with little caffeine. When selecting a tea for your hydration, you’ll want a tea with low caffeine or no caffeine when possible. Pay attention to the ingredients in the tea you drink. Ingredients that are rich in electrolytes and have moisture-retaining properties will aid in hydration.
Some of the best ingredients in tea for hydration are as follows.
Ginger
People have used ginger medicinally for thousands of years to treat colds, nausea, arthritis, hypertension, and more. It may also contribute to our hydration.
Ginger can improve digestion and reduce water loss. It’s also high in antioxidants, improving relaxation and reducing stress. This may also reduce fluid loss and keep you hydrated.
Hibiscus
You can find hibiscus in many tea blends. This flower contains potassium, an electrolyte that plays a major role in regulating fluids and hydration. It also contains antioxidants known as flavonoids that can promote overall health and skin hydration.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herb that is part of the mint family. It’s been linked to improved mood and less anxiety.
Its distinct lemon scent and flavor taste great and offer a more flavorful alternative to drinking plain water.
Rosehip
Rosehip is high in vitamin C which helps collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the skin’s structure and retain water and moisture in the body.
Chamomile
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants that support a healthy skin barrier and water retention. Chamomile tea blends are great for settling down in the evening and can even be a sleep aid.
Acerola
Acerola is a fruit that is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and electrolytes to aid in hydration. Acerola contains minerals that encourage moisture retention in your skin.
Staying hydrated in the winter is just as important as it is during any other season. While we might not feel as thirsty when the temperatures drop, it’s important to find ways to consume the proper amount of fluids each day. One great way to do this is to turn to tea, a hydrating beverage with many health benefits.
Concerned with your employees’ wellness? Get started with Canteen today and be sure your breakrooms are stocked with the proper tea equipment and varieties to promote your associates’ well-being.