We’ve all heard that tea is good for our health, but what types of teas do what, exactly?
This article will talk about seven common, easy-to-drink teas, from black to herbal, and how their many compounds and antioxidants can improve various aspects of the drinker’s health.
1. Black Tea
This is what most of us think of when we think “tea.” There are countless varieties of black tea, but all of them are made with fermented tea leaves.
Black tea has the highest caffeine content of any tea variety with roughly 40 milligrams in each cup, so it’s usually the tea of choice for those wishing to cut down on their coffee consumption.
If you drink at least three cups of black tea per day, your risk of stroke is a full 21% lower than non-tea drinkers. Plus, black tea contains two types of antioxidants (theaflavins and thearubigins) that play a role in lowering cholesterol.
2. Oolong Tea
Oolong teas are fermented for shorter periods of time than black teas, which preserves more of the antioxidants and gives the tea a somewhat smoother flavor, as well as ten fewer milligrams of caffeine per serving.
Like black tea, oolong has been linked with lower cholesterol levels. Preliminary trials have found that oolong tea consumption may help with weight loss, as compounds in the tea mobilize an enzyme in your body to destroy the triglycerides in your adipose cells, while also boosting your metabolism and regulating your blood sugar.
3. Green Tea
Because green tea is made with steamed rather than fermented leaves, it has a far higher antioxidant content than almost any other tea, particularly when it comes to EGCG. These antioxidants help to fight free radicals in your body, reducing the incidence of all kinds of cancer and lowering your body’s overall level of oxidative stress.
4. White Tea
This tea is the reason that green tea doesn’t get the top cancer fighting spot. White tea is not cured, fermented, or oxidized at all, giving it a light, refreshing taste and a huge antioxidant punch. Even more so than green tea, a few cups of white tea a day can help you stave off breast, lung, stomach, bladder, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, with the added bonus of antibacterial properties.
5. Chamomile Tea
While not technically from the tea plant, this herbal brew is also high in antioxidants, which in this case may help prevent vision damage. It’s also a frequent ingredient in relaxation and bedtime tea blends. Although research on chamomile’s sleep-inducing properties isn’t definitive, the soothing flavor may be enough to help you shake off some of the day’s stress.
6. Hibiscus Tea
Made from dried hibiscus flowers, this tea has a vivid red-purple color and a sweet and tart fruity taste. A preliminary study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea per day helped to lower blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension (high blood pressure).
7. Peppermint Tea
If you’re suffering from an upset stomach, a tea made from either fresh or dried mint leaves may soothe what’s ailing you. A number of small studies have found that peppermint is not only high in antioxidants, but can also ease some of the symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. The oils in peppermint trigger the production of bile, which can help you to digest food more easily, and also helps to reduce gas and associated pain.
sources:
- https://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/26/6-healthy-types-tea/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits
- https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/835225/tea-101-types-of-tea-their-health-benefits
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/415621-is-peppermint-tea-good-for-health/
What teas do you drink for health benefits? Which of the above is your favorite?