The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea
People worldwide have been drinking tea for thousands of centuries, and for a good reason. Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.
While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can impact your wellness.
Put the kettle on because we’re sharing some of the most significant benefits hidden in the world’s most popular teas.
White Tea
Known to have a delicate flavour, white tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant native to China and India. It is also the least processed tea variety.
Analysis shows it may be the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer thanks to its high level of antioxidants. White tea may also be good for your teeth since it contains a high source of fluoride, catechins and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make them more resistant to acid and sugar.
This variety also offers the least caffeine, making it an intelligent choice for tea drinkers who want to avoid or limit caffeine consumption.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, are very similar to white teas, but they contain a blend of herbs, spices, fruits, other plants, and tea leaves. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, so they’re known for their calming properties.
There are numerous types of herbal teas, all with their unique benefits. Some of the most popular herbal teas include:
Chamomile tea - helps reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improve sleep and relaxation and reduce stress.
Rooibos - enhances blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol, keeps hair strong and skin healthy, and provides relief from allergies.
Peppermint - retains menthol, which can soothe an upset stomach and serve as a cure for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. This tea variety also offers pain relief from tension headaches and migraines.
Ginger - helps fight against morning sickness, can be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Hibiscus/Roselle - Lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, can curb cravings for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Green Tea
Green tea originates in China, where the leaves are processed with heat using a pan-firing or roasting method and in Japan, 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. Studies show this type of tea can also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
Other research has found that green tea has a possible impact on liver, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. This tea variety has also been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing.
In recent years, matcha - a form of green tea - has become popular. Matcha is a very fine, high-quality green tea powder made from the entire leaves of tea bushes produced in the shade. Since it is the only form of tea in which the leaves are ingested, matcha contains even more antioxidants than that regular green tea. In fact, some have suggested that one cup of matcha is the equivalent of 10 cups of traditional green tea.
Black Tea
Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that’s used to make green tea. However, the leaves are dried and fermented, giving black tea a darker colour and richer flavour.
Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so monitoring your intake is essential. When you pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to merely drink black tea to benefit from its nutritional properties. 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 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 between the two, so it is partially oxidized. This partial oxidation is responsible for oolong tea’s colour and characteristic taste.
Oolong tea is notable for containing l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention. Scientists have found that l-theanine can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, linked to lowering inflammation, preventing cancer growth, and decreasing type 2 diabetes risk.
Conclusion
No matter your choice, each and every type of tea you choose or select will definitely contain some health and wellness benefits. Add them all to your tea cabinet, and savour them daily by changing your choices. Now that would make you a tea enthusiast!