09/06/2021
The Amazing Health Benefits of Tea
We have been drinking tea for thousands of centuries and numerous studies have shown that most teas have been shown to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and work against cancer and heart disease.
While some teas provide more health benefits than others, drinking tea on a regular basis can have a lasting impact on your general health. So put the kettle on and peruse through the list of teas that literally change your health:
White Tea
White tea has a delicate flavor and comes from the camellia sinensis plant, a plant that is native to China and India. White tea is also the least processed tea variety. It may be the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer with a high level of antioxidants. White tea is also good for your teeth as it contains a high source of fluoride, catechins and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make it more resistant to acid and sugar. This variety also offers the least amount of caffeine, which makes it a good choice for tea drinkers who want to avoid or limit their caffeine consumption.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas which are also called tisanes, contain a blend of herbs, spices, fruits or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal teas typically do not contain caffeine,and are known for calming effects. There are so many types of herbal teas, all with their unique benefits. Here is a list of popular herbal teas:
Chamomile tea
Helps with PMS and muscle spasms, improves sleep and relaxation and can reduce stress
Rooibos tea
Improves blood pressure and blood circulation, can boost good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol, keeps hair strong and skin healthy and can provide relief from allergies
Peppermint
Contains menthol, which can soothe an upset stomach and can act as a cure for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. Peppermint can also provide pain relief from tension headaches and migraines.
Ginger
Helps to fight against morning sickness, or stomachaches and can also be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis
Hibiscus
Lowers blood pressure and body fat levels, improves overall liver health, it can help to control cravings for unhealthy sweets and may prevent the formation of kidney stones
Green Tea
Green tea originates from China, where the leaves are processed with heat using a pan-firing or roasting method and Japan, where the leaves are more commonly steamed. Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Green tea has shown to be anti-inflammatory and can also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
Green Tea Matcha
This is a form of green tea and has recently grown in popularity. Matcha is a very fine, high-quality green tea powder made from the entire leaves of tea bushes grown in the shade. Since it is the only form of tea in which the leaves are ingested, matcha contains even more antioxidants than regular green tea. One cup of matcha is the equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea.
Black Tea
Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant that’s used to make green tea. The difference between the two is that the leaves are dried and fermented, giving black tea a darker color and richer flavor. Black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor how much you are drinking. With black tea, you do also benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function. Black tea has many additional uses and benefits. It can be steamed, cooled and then pressed on minor cuts, scrapes and bruises to relieve pain and reduce swelling. A black tea bath can also ease inflammation caused by skin rashes and conditions such as poison ivy.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea variety that’s made from the same plant used to make green and black teas. The difference is how the tea is processed. Green tea is not allowed to oxidize much, but black tea is allowed to oxidize until it turns black. Oolong tea is somewhere in between the two, so it is partially oxidized. This partial oxidation is responsible for oolong tea's color and characteristic taste. Oolong tea contains l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness. Research has stated that l-theanine can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Oolong tea has also been shown to be high in polyphenols, which are linked to lowering inflammation, preventing the growth of certain cancers and decreasing type 2 diabetes risk.
Which Teas Should Possibly Be Avoided?
While a majority of teas are beneficial for your health, you may want to steer clear of these varieties:
Detox teas made for fad diets that suggest you will quickly lose weight. These teas often come laced with laxatives that can be harmful to your health.
Fancy tea lattes and drinks from your favorite chain store. While some of these drinks, such as a green tea latte, may appear healthy, they are loaded with sugar.
Trendy bubble teas that are also loaded with sugar, calories and carbs, and have little to no nutritional value.
Herbal teas that may potentially trigger allergies. Many herbal teas contain different types of fruits, herbs, spices and flowers that some people are allergic to. If you have allergies, always read the ingredients on the package before you consume a new herbal tea.
