Teas for Health
Although it’s been under-appreciated for decades, tea is a remarkable drink that can do a lot more than just warm you on a wintery day. Whether it’s black, green, or herbal tea its enticing aroma can do wonders for your health. In fact, it not only has the ability to soothe pain and inflammation, but it can actually heal up a sore throat and your heart too. Plus, drinking it daily can improve your overall health and give you more energy. If you’re wondering how this is possible, read on to find out more about the essential health benefits that tea can give us.
Whole Leaf Teas (More Than Green and Black)
The beverages that are referred to as whole-leaf teas are generated from the leaves of the tea plant. All other teas come from the roots, leaves, and flowers of various plants, and are known as herbal teas. Whole-leaf teas have been ingested for hundreds of years and their beginnings can be traced back to ancient China. The Chinese swore by their tea and even used it in sacred ceremonies. Not only are they acclaimed for providing a vast array of health benefits, but they’re backed up by scientific research.
Green Tea
This is believed to be one of the most beneficial teas for health that you can get. It’s normally processed modestly and has fragile leaves that are steamed or roasted. This produces a flavor that is rather earthy and grassy laced through with touches of seaweed. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and there is even one tea that has been especially documented to protect the health of your heart by lessening inflammation and increasing blood circulation. Better circulation lowers the chance of getting heart disease and heart attacks. The inflammatory easing action helps to decrease blood pressure and lower the LDL cholesterol level.
It is believed that green tea may aid in speeding up weight loss by increasing the metabolism rate and promoting the decomposition of fats — instead of glucose — into energy. Further studies have also indicated that consumption of green tea may prevent the reproduction of specific types of cancer cells among which are those found in lung cancer and breast cancer. Under certain conditions, it might kill off the cancer itself.
White Tea
Since out of the above-mentioned teas this tea is processed the least, its leaves hold a natural green hue as they are sun-dried after harvesting. White tea has less caffeine in contrast to other true teas, so it is perfectly fine for you to drink it at any time. It also carries a delicate floral flavor that has slight nuances. It is believed that white tea may help prevent type 2 diabetes. At least one study indicates that consuming five cups of white tea each day may lower the chances of getting type 2 diabetes. It seems that the antioxidants work to lower the resistance of insulin and can also regulate the level of blood sugar.
Oolong Tea
This tea is semi-fermented. When the tea leaves are harvested, they are dried and then oxidized. Due to the varying oxidation levels, this tea can range in taste from sweet and a bit airy, to hearty and earthy. It has chemical compounds that cause a whole array of health benefits. Research indicates that it can boost antioxidant activity, lessen inflammation, and protect against cancer.
Black Tea
Just like green tea, black tea has a reputation for containing powerful health benefits. Because it has the greatest caffeine amount of all the so-called true teas it can be used as a replacement for that morning cup of coffee. Furthermore, it has an amino acid called L-theanine, which slows the body’s intake of caffeine and creates a longer-lasting surge of energy — minus the nerves. It has been proven that consuming four cups of black tea every day can lower the chance of heart ailments, which is quite common nowadays. Black tea has polyphenols that aid in digestion and ease digestive problems. It has even been suggested that these polyphenols can actually help in the growth of good gut bacteria.
Pu-Erh Tea
This is one of the most unusual types of tea available. It is an aged tea that provides a deep lasting flavor and can actually be aged for over 50 years. Pu-erh tea comes in two types: raw and ripe. Raw Pu-erh goes through a process of natural fermentation while ripe Pu-erh tea is aged enlisting the help of wet cloths. This tea provides a robust taste with traces of sweet and floral flavors paired with woodsy, roasted tones. It contains antioxidants that aid in detoxifying the body and preventing oxidative stress from occurring. Oxidative stress is known to cause premature aging and mental decline, even leading to Alzheimer’s.
Rooibos Tea
This tea is a South African tea that is made from the leaves of the red bush plant. A plant which, when brewed in extremely hot water, the leaves create a fiery red hue loaded with tartness. Research has indicated that rooibos tea holds antioxidants that increase overall health and may even protect the liver. Further research has indicated that rooibos tea might just have cancer prevention properties and improve digestion too.
Hibiscus Tea
This is a great-tasting floral tea made from the hibiscus plant. When brewed, it turns a magenta color with a flavor akin to that of wild cranberries. It is the ideal combination of sweet mixed perfectly with sourness and provides medical advantages that have been known for centuries. There are indications that hibiscus tea shows anti-tumoral properties. One study found that it aided in the elimination of free radicals and even halted the growth of tumors. It is also possible that it may help prevent aging by providing cells with additional protection. Hibiscus tea is also known to provide heart benefits due to having large amount of anti-inflammatory and also many antioxidant properties. One study even found that hibiscus tea acts to markedly lower blood pressure.
Ginger Tea
This tea is made from the root of the ginger plant. It provides a spicy, unusual flavor that makes taste buds come to life and goes well with honey and lemon. This is a fantastic drink for digestive health. It is well known that ginger is an aid for easing nausea due to motion sickness. Ginger is found in gum and natural supplements for the treatment of nausea. Ginger tea decreases inflammation in the intestines and stomach, thus helping the body process food better. It is also possible that it may inhibit serotonin receptors, resulting in decreased nausea and nervousness.
Peppermint Tea
One more fantastic digestive tea is peppermint tea. It is made from the leaves of peppermint plants, among them chocolate mint and Nana mint. Peppermint tea provides a refreshing flavor that leaves behind a nippy feeling. The aroma is invigorating and when brewed the tea has a pale green hue. Peppermint tea has been used to assist in digestion for quite some time. The menthol contained in this tea helps to ease inflammation and calm the stomach. The tea further helps to reduce pain. The main source of peppermint tea’s health advantages is what is referred to as phenolic compounds and certain flavonoids.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its soothing, calming effects and there are many health benefits of this tea. It has a light flavor that reminds one slightly of freshly picked green apples. It’s both pleasantly refreshing and soothing. It is considered a perfect tea for bedtime because it increases relaxation and makes for better sleep. One of the most popular of all the herbal teas. That means that you will awaken feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a brand-new day regardless of what it has in store for you.
Conclusion
Tea is filled with antioxidants, polyphenols, and many other wonderful compounds that are a bonus to overall health. Being a tea drinker there may be many health benefits of tea for you, such as lowering cholesterol, improving immune health, and providing a welcome charge of energy. It can also decrease your stress level, and who doesn’t like that idea? It’s a lovely thought to be able to decompress and enjoy your favorite drink at the same time, knowing all the while that you are helping to restore and protect your health.
So go ahead and drink your tea to get the health benefits of this tasty beverage. Drink as much of it as you want, and while you’re at it, drink a toast to your health. It doesn’t matter if mild is more your style, or you prefer the sweet, grassy Japanese green teas, an herbal blend, or maybe you rather the robust flavor of Chinese or European black teas. Don’t be afraid to try a little variety. Sample different types of tea to discover new flavors that will delight your taste buds. Remember, the ideal tea for your health must be one you will actually drink. So select a wonderful-tasting tea and savor a cup or two, or even three a day to benefit from this healthy and tasty beverage.
