Water and tea, the most common beverages in daily life, have long been a subject of interest regarding their health impacts over long-term consumption.
While both have their unique health benefits, which one is more suitable for long-term consumption? Let's explore this question by examining their respective characteristics and effects on the body.
Boiled Water: The Most Basic Hydration Drink
Boiled water is known as "the source of life" and is the most basic and burden-free way to stay hydrated. It contains no sugar, caffeine, or any additives, making it suitable for most people, including healthy individuals and those with special health conditions.
Drinking adequate amounts of boiled water is crucial for maintaining normal body functions, particularly in areas like skin health, digestion, and blood circulation.
First, boiled water helps maintain skin health. Sufficient hydration can keep the skin moisturized, promote metabolism, slow down aging, and reduce the formation of wrinkles and spots.
Second, hydration aids blood circulation by promoting smooth flow and reducing the risk of clots. Adequate water intake also helps prevent dryness in the respiratory tract, reducing the likelihood of infections and respiratory diseases.
Additionally, water is an essential component in the digestive process, helping to prevent constipation and promote intestinal health.
Moreover, boiled water can effectively protect the stomach. Boiled water helps to "nourish" the stomach, preventing damage to the stomach lining and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort.
Recommended Daily Water Intake
Although boiled water offers many health benefits, it's important to note that the more water you drink does not always equate to better health.
The general water intake for an average individual under normal activity conditions is approximately: 1700 ml per day for men and 1500 ml per day for women. In hot weather or during high physical activity, water intake should be appropriately increased.
However, for certain groups, such as patients with kidney disease, heart failure, or gastrointestinal conditions, water intake must be strictly regulated. For example, chronic kidney disease patients may have difficulty excreting water effectively due to impaired kidney function, and excessive water intake could harm their health.
Tea: A Healthy Supplementary Beverage
Unlike boiled water, tea not only hydrates but is also packed with beneficial components like polyphenols, polysaccharides, caffeine, and minerals. Tea is considered a natural "regulator" of health, with long-term moderate consumption offering numerous health benefits.
Studies show that tea can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research published in the "European Journal of Preventive Cardiology" indicates that people who drink tea regularly have significantly lower rates of cardiovascular diseases and mortality compared to non-tea drinkers.
Moreover, the polyphenols in tea, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are believed to aid in supporting weight loss and help regulate blood lipids.
Tea has also been found to have a certain blood pressure-lowering effect. Multiple studies indicate that long-term tea consumption can help lower blood pressure, making it a potentially healthy supplementary beverage, especially for individuals at risk of hypertension.
Understanding daily water intake
Video by CNN.
Precautions When Drinking Tea
While tea offers many health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone, and drinking tea in certain situations may have negative effects.
First, individuals with nervous exhaustion, insomnia, or gastrointestinal disorders should avoid strong tea because the caffeine in tea can exacerbate insomnia or stomach discomfort. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also reduce their tea intake to avoid potential adverse effects on the fetus or infant.
Additionally, the timing of tea consumption is crucial. Drinking tea on an empty stomach can stimulate gastric acid secretion, leading to stomach discomfort.
Drinking tea immediately after a meal is also not recommended, as tannins in tea can bind with iron and proteins in food, affecting digestion and absorption. The ideal time to drink tea is about an hour after a meal, and it's best to avoid strong tea.
Tips for Proper Hydration
Whether it's boiled water or tea, it is important to follow the principles of moderation and appropriateness. Maintaining a regular hydration habit and avoiding excessive intake of a particular beverage is key to better health. Here are some hydration tips:
1. Drink proactively. Drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty. Thirst is a signal that your body is dehydrated, so keep yourself hydrated regularly, especially in dry environments.
2. Drink slowly. Drinking too much water at once can put a strain on your heart, so sip water slowly, particularly for individuals with heart conditions.
3. Avoid drinking water that is too hot. Water temperatures above 65°C can burn the esophageal lining.
4. Choose the right type of tea. Various teas are best for each season. Green tea is ideal for summer, while black tea is better for winter.
