An expert has lauded the benefits of drinking tea whilst warning about some of its adverse properties for people suffering from certain diseases. Tea remains one of the most popular drinks worldwide. Due to its widespread availability, it is easy to forget that it is an herb and, like all herbs, has pros and cons. Dr Salah Zard, of the National Research Centre, pointed out that tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, after water. "This is why people should develop awareness about when to use it and when to avoid it, stressed Zard. But it seems tea has more pros than cons. Listing the positive aspects of drinking tea, Zard explained that the popular drink helps activate the nervous system and could, therefore, be used in cases of nervous breakdown and fainting. "It's also ideal in refreshing the memory, dispelling drowsiness and reducing the effect of migraines. Other benefits range from alleviating the effects of bronchitis, relieving congestion and asthma, and activating the kidneys by helping them get rid of all the harmful salts. It is also recommended for diarrhea and as a resistant against tooth cavities. "But most importantly tea with mint is an excellent digestive drink, provided it is consumed two hours after the meal. "It also helps ward off viruses and can be used to cure hepatitis, but I would like to warn that a physician should always be consulted before using tea for curative purposes, added Zard. Tea can also function as a remedy for sunburns and puffiness around the eyes. A fact that may be new to many is that it helps bring down the cholesterol level in the blood. However, Zard stressed that boiled tea should be avoided because it retards the digestive process. "When heavy, it should be diluted with lemon, milk or mint. "It's very true that to consume tea immediately after meals would block the absorption of iron in the body. It should also be ruled out completely by people with heart problems, stomach ulcers and stomach acidity as well as by others suffering from tension and insomnia. "Obese people should not consume tea because, in their case, the herb propels the formation of kidney stones. So at a time when several types of coffee are breaking into the market to crowd out tea, one should rethink whether it is best to opt for the bean, especially when we know about the benefits of the centuries-old herb.
