Fall is the perfect time for tea. Not only does it warm you up and it is the perfect pairing to a good book, it is also very healthy for you. In fact, drinking tea on a regular basis will have a lasting impact on your overall wellness. Numerous studies have found that teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and help fight against cancer and heart disease. Here are some varieties of tea and their benefits.
White Tea: White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant that is native to China and India. It is the least processed tea variety and therefore is the most effective tea in fighting forms of cancer thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. White tea contains high levels of fluoride, catechins, and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque and make them more resistant to acid and sugar.
Herbal Tea: Herbal Teas are similar to white teas but they also contain various herbs, spices, fruits, or other plants. Herbal teas do not contain caffeine, which is why they are a calming tea. Some of the most popular herbal teas and their benefits are:
Chamomile:
Helps to reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms. Improves sleep and relaxation as well as reduces stress.
Rooibos:
Improves blood pressure and circulation. Boosts good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol. Keeps hair strong, skin healthy, and can provide relief from allergies.
Peppermint:
Peppermint tea can help soothe an upset stomach and help cure constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and motion sickness. It can also provide relief from tension headaches and migraines.
Ginger:
Helps to fight against morning sickness, treat chronic indigestion, and relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Hibiscus:
Lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves liver health, can help reduce sweet cravings, and may prevent kidney stones.
Green Tea:
You process Green tea in two ways. In China, you process leaves with heat using a pan-frying or roasting method, whereas in Japan leaves are steamed. Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can boost heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clots. Research has found that green tea can help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep your skin clear and glowing and can affect liver, breasts, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Matcha is a form of green tea that has gained popularity recently. A very fine, high quality green tea powder made from the entire leaf. It is the only tea in which the leaves are ingested (as opposed to drinking steeped water from the leaves) resulting in the consumption of more antioxidants than regular green tea.
Black Tea:
You make Black tea from the same plant leaves as green tea but the leaves are dried and fermented. Black tea is caffeinated. Black tea possesses flavonoids that help fight inflammation and help boost your immune system. Black tea can also help in first aid. You can steam, cool, and then press it on cuts, scrapes, and bruises to help 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 is also made from the same plant as green and black teas but is processed differently – Green tea has minimal oxidization, black tea has a lot of oxidization which causes it to turn black, Oolong tea is somewhere in the middle so it is partially oxidized. Oolong tea can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. It is also high in polyphenols, which can lower inflammation and help prevent the growth of cancers and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Avoid the following teas.
Detox teas:
Often laced with laxatives that can be harmful to your health.
Fancy tea lattes and drinks:
Although they are a tea and sound healthy, they tend to be loaded with sugars.
Trendy bubble teas:
Bubble teas tend to be loaded with sugar, calories, and carbs with no nutritional values.
Herbal teas that may trigger allergies:
Given the variety of herbal teas, it is important to read the ingredients to ensure you are not allergic to one of the ingredients.
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea
