Types of Tea and their Health Benefits
Tea has been a wonderful extract and part of our culture for many years. A cup of tea in the morning just boosts your mood and makes you active. Tea has also earned an amazing reputation among the beverages due to its numerous health benefits. Teas are made from the plant leaves called camellia sinensis. The way these tea leaves are manipulated and processed determines the various type of teas. Do you know the types of teas and their health benefits?
Let us take a look at some popular types of teas and their health benefits.
Green Tea
Green tea is made with steamed tea leaves and it is the least processed type of tea and hence it retains its green color. The fresh tea leaves are picked and heated to inactivate the enzymes and also to prevent oxidation. The green tea has a high concentration of EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) and a good amount of antioxidants.
The green tea is rich in antioxidant named polyphenols. Polyphenols are used to prevent heart disease, neutralize damaging free radicals, prevents the natural aging process. It lowers bad cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, prevents cancer and clogging of the arteries. They also stabilize blood sugar level and helps in weight management.
Note: You should not consume more than 5 cups of green tea a day, it may lead to health risks than benefits
Black Tea
Black tea is made with fermented tea leaves and is completely oxidized during the process of black tea. It has the highest content of caffeine and provides excellent aroma, color, and flavor. It contains a number of vitamins essential for maintaining health and antioxidant properties.
Black tea protects the heart, decreases blood pressure, lowers LDL cholesterol and supports gastrointestinal health. Black tea has antiviral properties, prevents gum disease and tooth decay, also known for its sunburn relief and skincare. However, if you notice discomfort in your gums, do consider a dental checkup to discuss gum surgery by Dentist in Greenbelt.
Note: Too much black tea is not safe due to high caffeine content. 3 cups of black tea a day is fine.
White Tea
During the production of white tea, the tea leaves undergo the least oxidation as compared to leaves of all the tea types. This makes the white tea to intact more medicinal properties.
White tea has antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing properties. The catechins in white tea help in lowering the cholesterol and hampers the increase of blood pressure. It slows down the growth of bacteria that causes pneumonia, infections and prevents cavity. It helps in reducing skin acne and also promotes weight loss. White tea improves cardiovascular function and prevents cancer.
Note: High intake of White tea around 3 to 4 cups a day can affect the body’s absorption of iron.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is naturally 100% caffeine-free tea. The bisabolol, an active ingredient in chamomile has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is made of dried chamomile flowers and it is one of the popular herbal teas.
Chamomile Tea is used to fight acne, sore throats, eczema, and digestive problems. It almost supports overall health and promotes good sleep. It prevents diabetic complications, Panic attacks, and anxiety. It treats skin conditions like diaper rash, psoriasis, and chicken pox.
Note: High intake can cause drowsiness, nausea and also vomiting.
Rooibos Tea or Bush Tea
It is a Caffeine- free herbal tea, it is taken as an alternative to green and black tea. It contains essential mineral like zinc, fluoride, potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. It helps to maintain the good health of bones, teeth, and skin. The anti-oxidant properties of Rooibos tea helps to resolve diabetic complications, improves blood pressure, inhibits the growth of the pancreatic tumor.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is partially oxidized with the characteristics of black and green tea. It also provides the health benefits that both black tea and green tea contains. It has a good amount of catechins, antioxidants, theaflavin, polyphenols, etc.
Oolong tea improves lipid metabolism, reduces body fat content and helps in reducing obesity. The polyphenols present in Oolong tea improves the function of the digestive system. It helps to prevent cancer, heart disease and treats eczema.
Mint Tea
The peppermint tea is natural and caffeine- free tea. The mint tea helps in digestion, reduces flatulence, improves sleeping and reduces headaches. It also helps those having asthma and breathing problems. Drinking mint tea in the morning is good and just makes you feel fresh and active.
Yellow Tea
Yellow tea is a rare type of tea and is a processed version of green tea. The characteristics of yellow tea is almost similar to that of green tea. The extracts of yellow tea help in protecting the liver from developing cancer and from chemically induced injury.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a flavorful and spicy drink that comes with a package of health benefits. It has a good amount of disease-fighting antioxidants and boosts the immune system. Ginger tea helps to fight inflammation and is effective at relieving nausea. Drinking ginger tea helps to prevent stomach ulcers, constipation and improves digestion. Ginger tea also offers good health benefits to people with diabetes.
Fruit Tea
Fruit tea is well known for their low caffeine content and flavor, Fruit teas are totally sugar-free and have an amazing aroma, natural sweetness. Fruit teas are actually hot water infusions of fruit leaves, peels, and fruits.
They are a rich source of antioxidants and caffeic acid. The presence of phenolic compound has tumor prevention and anti-cancer properties. They also help in type -2 diabetes control.
Fruit tea is considered really well for your health and also provides a rich sense of aroma and taste.
Author Bio:
Gene Moore is a Marketer and a passionate writer working for wholesale online stores. He is a very adventurous and ambitious person having an interest in traveling, writing and reading food, beverage and restaurant blogs. His artistic background nurtures him in developing creative writing skill.