Tea is an aromatic beverage, which is typically prepared hot. Tea is made from a plant called Camellia Sinensis which is normally grown in China, India, and other east Asian countries. Tea is the most consumed drink universally after water.

Studies have found that some teas help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes to name a few. It also boosts weight loss, controls blood pressure, and also brings mental alertness. As per American Dietetic Association, “it’s a great alternative to drinking coffee. It has less caffeine. It has been established that tea has flavonoids that are good for the heart and may reduce cancer.

There has been a lot of debate on how much time is the right time to steep tea, but most nutritionists agree that any tea is good tea. Still, they prefer brewed tea over boiled tea to avoid extra calories and sweeteners.

Green Tea: Green tea is made from Camelia Sinensis leaves and buds which are being made mostly in India, China, and other Asian countries. The types of green tea vary depending on the types of Sinensis used, growing conditions, horticultural methods, processing methods, and time of harvest. There have been several debates and research but none of them have proved that green tea consumption is bad for health.

Black Tea: Black tea is normally made from fermented tea leaves of Camellia Sinensis and has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavoured chai. It has been medically proved that Black tea may protect the lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It may also reduce the risk of heart stroke. Black tea is rich in antioxidants and lowers bad LDL cholesterol.

White Tea: White tea is picked from the Camellia Sinensis plant just before they are fully open when they are covered in fine white hairs. This is the least processed tea making it contain the highest amount of antioxidants. White tea is believed to be one of the best types of teas for fighting free radicals. It is strongly linked to chronic inflammation. White tea may be just as effective when it comes to burning fat. White tea is a great source of fluoride, catechins, and tannins combination which could help strengthen teeth by fighting bacteria and sugar.

Studies have shown that White tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to most of processed teas.

Oolong Tea: Oolong tea represents only 2% of tea production and is consumed around the world. It combines the quality of Black and Green Tea with much more health benefits than green or black tea. It is made from the same Camellia Sinensis plant with a different kind of production process. A cup of brewed Oolong tea contains small amounts of Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. It also contains 38mg of Caffeine. Regular consumption of Oolong tea improves heart health. Oolong tea also has weight loss properties.

Health Benefits of Tea: Herbal Tea

Made from herbs fruits, seeds, roots and dried flowers steeped in hot water; herbal teas have lower concentrations of antioxidants than any teas. Their chemical composition may vary depending upon the plant used. Varieties of tea include Ginger tea, Chamomile tea, Rose tea, Jasmine tea, Rosehip tea, Rooibos tea, and so on. Several research has been done on the health benefits of herbal tea and some findings are as below;

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. Chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants that may play a role in lowering your risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. It also helps prevent complications from diabetes, like loss of vision, and nerve and kidney damage, and stunts the growth of cancer cells. Chamomile contains apigenin that binds to certain receptors in your brain that promotes sleepiness and reduce insomnia. Chamomile can be effective for promoting better digestion by reducing the risk of certain gastrointestinal conditions. Chamomile tea is abundant in flavones, a class of antioxidants. Flavones have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important markers of your heart disease risk.

Hibiscus Tea: As per a study, drinking three cups of Hibiscus tea daily lowers blood pressure in people with modestly elevated levels. Hibiscus tea is rich in powerful antioxidants and may therefore help prevent damage and disease caused by the build-up of free radicals. In addition to lowering blood pressure, it has been stated that hibiscus tea may help blood FAT levels which is another risk factor for heart disease. Regular consumption of this tea improves liver steatosis.

Rooibos (Red) Tea: Rooibos is an African herb that is fermented and is completely caffeine free unlike Green tea and Black tea. It has been said to contain cancer-fighting properties. It is made from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis, unlike other teas. Contrary to claims, Rooibos tea doesn’t have many health benefits like green tea or black tea but it’s full of antioxidants that help protect free radicals in your body.

Jasmine Tea: Jasmine tea is rich in polyphenols that protect your body against free radical damage which in turn reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Drinking Jasmine tea may reduce your weight by speeding up your metabolism. The fat-burning properties of jasmine tea are related to its content of caffeine and the polyphenol EGCG. Caffeine is Jasmine tea stimulates your nervous system by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine — a chemical that delivers signals between your brain and body. Normally, adenosine helps your body relax. Jasmine tea is packed with powerful polyphenols, which may lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Mint Tea: Peppermint is known for promoting digestion. Tea made from Peppermint and spearmint can be a great option to help support digestion. Peppermint contains a compound called menthol that can help relax the intestinal tract and help relieve bloating. As peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, it may diminish certain types of headaches and migraines. In addition to its pleasant smell, peppermint has antibacterial properties that help kill germs that cause dental plaque — which may improve your breath. It may fight clogged sinuses due to infections, the common cold, and allergies. Peppermint tea may improve energy levels and reduce daytime fatigue. Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, which is linked to reduced symptoms of allergic reactions, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma.

Citations: