Nearly half of the U.S. population drinks tea every day. There are three types of caffeinated teas most popular: green, black and oolong. However, the popularity of each variety varies depending on where it is located. The US consumes far more black tea than the two other types. Contrary to this, Asians prefer green tea; in Southern China, the most popular variety is oolong.

The same plant is used to make oolong, green, and black teas. Each tea has a unique flavor profile due to the way the Camellia Sinensis leaves are processed. However, herbal teas are not made from the exact same plant. These teas are made from the roots, leaves and flowers of a variety plants. Two of the most popular herbal teas are peppermint and chamomile. The flowers of the Chamomile plant are used to make the tea, while the leaves from the mint plant make the peppermint.

Tea Contains Caffeine and Other Nutrients

Caffeine is found in all forms of tea, including green and oolong. Green tea contains more caffeine than black tea. The brewing process is also essential in determining the caffeine content. The higher the caffeine content, the longer the tea steeps. Caffeinated teas are typically lower in caffeine than coffee.

• A 8-ounce cup contains approximately 95 mgs of caffeine.
• A similar amount of black tea contains around 48 mgs.
• There are only 29 mg of green tea in a cup.
• Oolong contains 38 mgs of caffeine per cup
• Decaffeinated green, black, and oolong teas contain very little caffeine.
• Many herbal teas have no caffeine.

Caffeinated and herbal teas can contain very little minerals like potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. The exact amount depends on the growing conditions and age of the tea plant. In a cup of herbal tea like chamomile, you will find only 5 mgs of calcium. Fluoride can also be found in tea, although the exact amount will vary depending on what type of tea is used and how much water is used.

Tea’s Health Benefits

Both caffeinated and herbal teas contain natural substances called polyphenols. These compounds are called antioxidants and may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.

Some of the tea’s polyphenols are lost during processing. Decaffeinated teas, tea powders, and bottled teas may not provide the same health benefits. Research suggests that green teas have a higher antioxidant punch than most other types.

Weight management

Although the jury is still out on this, studies have shown that catechins and caffeine, which are a type polyphenol, may help with weight loss. The same results were not seen with decaffeinated green teas. Although the research on caffeinated teas looks promising, there are many unanswered questions. The results are also very modest, with only one to two pound of weight loss. It is important to note that not all herbal teas are supported by research and can cause harm depending on the ingredients.

Heart Health

Green and black tea drinkers could be keeping their hearts healthy by drinking more tea. Green and black tea drinkers have a lower risk of developing heart disease, according to some research. However, the results are mixed on tea’s effects on blood pressure and cholesterol.

Research on diabetes is less well-known. There are some studies that suggest that green tea catechins may be able to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. These findings are based on experiences in other countries, and have not been replicated in clinical trials. Researchers are currently examining whether spearmint and Chamomile herbal teas can play a role in preventing diabetes. There is more research needed to determine the right amount of tea and the type of tea. Some of these results were for tea as a supplement, not a beverage.

Although there are many articles online that recommend tea as a way to fight cancer, no research has shown that tea actually reduces the chance of developing it. While some studies have suggested that tea drinkers are at a lower risk of certain types, other studies don’t support this conclusion. It is not known if tea can lower your chances of developing cancer.

Too Much Tea is a Good Thing: The Health Risks of Tea

Although there are many benefits to drinking tea, it can be harmful for your health.

A caffeine overdose is one risk. A high intake of caffeine can cause nervousness, restlessness, and disrupt your sleep. Other gastrointestinal problems, such as loose stool or diarrhea, may be experienced by some people. Too much caffeine can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness, and muscle pain. Some medications may interact with caffeine and cause it to increase its effects. The daily intake of caffeine should not exceed 400 mg.

A nice cup of tea

While more research is required to determine all its benefits, tea can still be part of a healthy diet. To get the best out of your tea, make sure to steep it yourself. Also, be careful about how sweetened it is.