Tea is more than just a popular cold-weather beverage.

Dutch settlers to America first introduced tea in 1650.

Tea’s popularity isn’t just due to its pleasant taste either.

Natalie Butler, RDN, LD

For centuries it has been drunk for its therapeutic benefits, which have now been heavily studied.

So, let’s break down all the science-backed reasons you should be drinking more tea.

10 health benefits of drinking tea.

Tea seems to solve just about any problem.

Stressful day at work?

Curl up with a warm mug.

Perk up with a matcha latte.

Under the weather?Soothe a sore throat with some tea and honey.

The medicinal benefits of tea, no matter the variety, have been known for thousands of years.

And now, modern science is backing up a lot of those benefits.

Here are 10 science-backed reasons to drink more tea:

It revs up your metabolism.

Black, oolong, and green tea’s polyphenols all have been shown toincrease calorie expenditure1and reduce body fat.

Interestingly,tea actually promotes one throw in of fat: brown fat2.

It’s anti-inflammatory.

Inflammation has been linked to everything fromdiabetes to cognitive decline.

In fact, it has been implicated as the root of almost all chronic diseases.

The antioxidant polyphenols in tea arepowerful inflammation fighters.

Research has shown that tea can be beneficial for those with inflammatory bowel disease as well as otherinflammation-driven diseases5.

It reduces the risk of dying from certain chronic diseases.

Researchers credit green tea’s effect on hypertension and obesity along with potent polyphenols for its protective effect.

It can improve insulin sensitivity.

Green tea may helpreduce complications from diabetes7.

It’s good for your brain.

Regular tea consumption maylower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases8.

Additionally, it can boost memory and increase attention span to prevent cognitive decline.

It even changes the way your brain is organized for more efficient information processing.

It may help prevent cancer.

Green tea’s catechin EGCG is a potent antioxidant that has major cancer-fighting potential.

While more clinical studies in humans are needed, some long-term observational studies have found similar cancer-fighting benefits.

This amount of tea was reported to be equivalent to 2.5 grams of green tea extract.

It’s good for your mouth.

Not all drinks are good for you mouth (looking at you, sugary sodas and juices!).

Butteas can actually improve oral health12.

Tea contains fluoride and can improve bacterial populations in the mouth.

This reduces the risk of periodontal disease, cavities, and possibly even oral cancer.

It may boost fertility.

The polyphenols in tea have confirmed anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant effects.

Therefore, the authors suggest, tea can improve fertility in both men and women.

More research is needed, but it certainly looks promising.

It’s hydrating.

This one might surprise you.

It’s good for your gut.

Gut health isn’t all just fiber and probiotics.

Research shows that tea’s polyphenols canbeneficially modify gut bacteria15.

What are the different types of tea?

OK, now that you are craving a warm mug of tea, which jot down should you have?

These four types are all made from the leaves of the evergreen shrub,Camellia sinensisbut are processed differently.

For white tea, the leaves are harvested when they still are covered in silvery white hairs.

The majority of polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids.

Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is the most prominent and most studied catechin.

Black tea contains more caffeine than any other teas made from theCamellia sinensisplant.

For example, those allergic to the daisy family or ragweed may need to avoid dandelion tea.

Other concerns include:

Caffeine.Caffeine content varies in teas and among brands but is highest in black tea.

White, green, and oolong tea are lowest, providing only around 25 to 35 mg per 8-oz.

Iron-deficiency anemia.Tannins and caffeine in tea (and coffee) can reduce iron absorption, especially from plant sources.

Vegetarians, vegans, and those with anemia should be cautious about their tea consumption.

Despite your tea of choice, the research is clear.