People all over the world have been drinking a variety of teas for centuries for a very good reason, it has great health benefits! Studies have shown that drinking a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease. Which is really awesome! It’s also beneficial to know which teas can help you with what.
While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your wellness. So, get your kettle ready and enjoy a nice cup of your favorite tea and learn about how it can improve your daily life!
White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant that’s native to China and India. It is the least processed tea variety. It also 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 it more resistant to acid and sugar. It also contains the least amount of caffeine!
Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, are very similar to white teas, but they contain a blend of herbs, spices, fruits or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which is why they’re known for their calming properties. There is also a wide variety of herbal teas that help with many different things.
Chamomile tea helps to reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep and relaxation, and reduces stress. If you suffer from stress and anxiety or have a hard time sleeping at night I would definitely recommend this tea choice!
Rooibos helps improve blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol as well as keeps your hair strong and skin healthy, and provides relief from allergies. Which is great if you have a whole lot of pets that give you allergies like me or possible seasonal allergies, it’s almost that time again!
Peppermint contains menthol, which can soothe an upset stomach and serve as a cure for irritable bowel syndrome also known as IBS and motion sickness, which would be great before going on a long road trip! Also, this tea variety offers pain relief from tension headaches and migraines. So, if you suffer from any of these then this is the perfect choice got you!
Ginger helps to fight against morning sickness for you expecting moms out there.! It can be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Hibiscus lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, can starve off cravings for unhealthy sweets so if you’re trying to cut back on your sweets and carbs intake then this tea is perfect! and it may even help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Green tea has many health benefits. Green tea originates from China, where the leaves are processed with heat using a pan-firing or roasting method and Japan, where 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. Other research has found that green tea has a possible impact on liver, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. This tea variety has also shown to be anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing!
Black tea is also a great option with some benefits. 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 color and richer flavor. Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor your intake. When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function. It’s also very interesting to know you don’t have to drink black tea to benefit from its healthy 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. So, pack this herbal remedy on your next camping trip in the woods!
Last but not least there is Oolong tea. This tea is a traditional Chinese tea variety that’s 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 somewhere in between the two, so it is partially oxidized. This tea’s health benefits l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention. Studies have shown that because it contains l-theanine it can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, which are linked to lowering inflammation, preventing the growth of cancers and decreasing type 2 diabetes risk.
That’s a lot of great benefits from just enjoying a few cups of tea a day! Just remember that these teas come with great benefits, if your new to the world of great teas try a new variety or two. I’m sure you’ll be surprised to find these teas not only have great health benefits but are delicious as well!