What are the Health Benefits of Tea for You?
Tea has been enjoyed by people all over the globe for thousands of years. Many studies show that teas can boost immunity, fight inflammation, and even prevent cancer or heart disease.
Although some teas have more health benefits than others, there is ample evidence to show that regular tea consumption can have a long-lasting impact on your wellbeing.
We’re going to share some of the greatest benefits found in the most loved teas around the globe.
White Tea Benefits
White tea is known for its delicate taste. It comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, native to India and China. It is also the most processed variety of tea.
Research suggests that it is the most effective tea for fighting cancer due to its high levels of antioxidants. White tea is good for your teeth because it has high fluoride and catechins. This can help strengthen your teeth and fight plaque.
This variety is also low in caffeine, making it an excellent choice for tea drinkers trying to limit or avoid caffeine.
Herbal Tea Benefits
Although herbal teas are sometimes called tisanes or white teas, they have a similar taste to white teas. However, they also contain herbs, spices, fruits, and other plants. Because herbal teas do not contain caffeine, they are known for calming qualities.
There are many types of herbal teas available, each with its benefits. These are some of the most well-known herbal teas:
- Chamomile tea – reduces menstrual pain, muscle spasms and sleep quality.
- Rooibos – Improves blood pressure circulation, raises good cholesterol, lowers bad cholesterol, keeps hair strong and skin healthy and relieves allergies.
- Peppermint – This tea contains menthol, which can relieve upset stomachs and help with irritable stool syndrome, motion sickness, and constipation. This tea also provides pain relief for tension headaches and migraines.
- Ginger – Can be used to combat morning sickness and can also be used to treat chronic diarrhea. It also helps to ease joint pain from osteoarthritis.
- Hibiscus – Lowers blood pressure, fat levels, and overall liver health. It can also help curb cravings for unhealthy sweets and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Green Tea Benefits
The origins of green tea are in China, where the leaves have been roasted or pan-fried. In Japan, the leaves are more often steamed.
Flavonoids in green tea are extremely high and can boost heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and decreasing blood clotting. Studies have shown that this kind of tea can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Research has shown that green tea may positively affect colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. The anti-inflammatory properties of this tea have been shown to help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Matcha, a type of green tea, has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years. Matcha is a high-quality, fine-quality green tea powder made from the whole leaves of tea bushes grown in the shade. Matcha is the only tea that contains whole leaves. It has more antioxidants than regular green tea. Some even suggest that one cup of matcha can be equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea.
Black Tea Benefits
Camellia sinensis leaves are used to make black tea. The leaves are dried and fermented to give black tea a deeper colour and richer taste.
Black tea, unlike wide other varieties, is caffeinated. You must monitor your intake. You can get flavonoids, which combat inflammation and support healthy immune function when you make a cup of black tea.
To reap the health benefits of black tea, you don’t need to drink it. You can steam it, cool it, and then press on small cuts, scrapes, and bruises to reduce swelling and pain. Black tea can reduce inflammation from skin conditions like poison ivy and skin rashes.
Oolong Tea Benefits
Oolong tea, a traditional tea, is made from the same plant that makes green and black tea. What makes the tea different is how it is processed. While green tea cannot be allowed to oxidize very much, black tea can oxidize until it turns dark. Oolong tea falls somewhere between these two and is therefore partially oxidized. Oolong tea’s characteristic flavour and colour are due to this partial oxidation.
Oolong tea is known for its high levels of l-theanine. This amino acid reduces anxiety and improves attention and alertness. Scientists discovered that L-theanine might help prevent cognitive diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
Polyphenols are also found in Oolong tea, which can help to lower inflammation and decrease type 2 diabetes risk.
Teas to Avoid
Although most teas are good for your health, there are some that you might not like.
- You can lose weight quickly with detox teas. These teas are often laced with laxatives, which can be dangerous to your health.
- You can get fancy tea lattes and other drinks at your local chain store. These drinks can look healthy but are high in sugar.
- Trendy bubble teas are high in sugar, calories, carbs, and other nutrients but have very little nutritional value.
- There are herbal teas that can trigger allergies. Some people may be allergic to certain herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers in herbal teas. Allergies? Always read the label before you drink a new herbal tea.