We love our cup of warm tea in the morning, don’t we? Apart from being a comfort drink, tea is known to offer cure for various health disorders, right from constipation to cancer. It is also good for your skin and hair.
In Chinese and Buddhist texts, Camellia sinensis has been mentioned as a potential remedy for better health and longevity. Although all types of teas are beneficial, a few contain higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidants than others. Ideally, one should try to consume all the varieties of teas to reap the numerous benefits. Check out the popular tea varieties before knowing their benefits.
Green tea is made from steamed tea leaves. The leaves are dried and heated soon after they are picked, thus preventing the leaves from fermentation. It contains around 25 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Green tea is more delicate in terms of flavor when compared to black tea. Green tea comprises of catechins, caffeine, Theanine as well as various vitamins and minerals.
Black tea accounts for about 75% of the global tea consumption. It is made from the leaves of camellia sinensis plant, which are rolled, fermented, then dried and crushed. It contains the highest amount of caffeine and has a slightly bitter taste. It contains about 40 milligrams of caffeine per cup. However, caffeine sensitive people should avoid consuming black tea. It is great for people who need a quick energy boost.
Technically, herbal tea is not a tea as it is not a Camellia sinensis derivative. They are derived from the leaves, roots, seeds, bark, and flowers of other plants and are rich with medicinal values. They contain no caffeine at all, making it suitable for young children. Avoid herbal teas for weight loss as they might contain dangerous laxatives. Herbal teas contain high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C. Lavender tea promotes relaxation and calms the mind and body. Chamomile tea also has strong calming powers and is used as a natural pain reliever. Peppermint tea is used in many traditions to aid digestion and clear sinuses. Herbal tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
White tea is the least oxidized of all types of tea. It is the mildest in terms of flavor taste as the leaves are picked very young. White tea has the most potent anti-cancer properties. It is very low in caffeine, making it a good choice for people who are caffeine-sensitive. White tea contains a mere 15 milligrams of caffeine per cup. It contains high levels of antioxidants because the leaves are less processed. White tea is an excellent addition to your diet.
A tea prepared by adding herbs, spices, flowers, and scents – that is what flavored teas are. They are available in many varieties, including flavors such as blueberries, cinnamon, orange peel, and lavender. These teas are paired with black, green, or white tea leaves. Flavored tea has the same levels of antioxidants and health benefits as the unflavored ones. The flavored teas with super fruits such as blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants.
Oolong tea is similar to black tea and is fermented in a short time. This gives oolong tea its great taste. Caffeine levels vary accordingly. While green oolong has less caffeine content, the darker oolongs have higher caffeine content. It contains about 30 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Oolong teas have higher amounts of antioxidants than green tea.
Pu-erh tea is made from fermented and aged leaves. Pu-erh tea has generally low levels of caffeine and contains high levels of flavonoids. The leaves of Pu-erh are pressed into cakes.
Passion flower tea is naturally rich with the flavone Chrysin that is known to provide anti-anxiety benefits. It is ideal for those who are prone to intensive stress, insomnia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Drink a cup of passion flower tea every day before going to bed to calm the mind. Black tea reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body and lowers the systolic blood pressure, giving a stress free life.
Researchers have found that tea contains polyphenols, which, along with caffeine, increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, resulting in weight loss. Oolong tea, sans sugar, is one of the best drinks for weight loss. Yerba mate tea is also very beneficial for weight loss. The tea contains a fat fighting compound called mateine, which boosts the metabolism, aiding weight loss. Additionally, yerba mate tea does not produce the caffeine related crashes that some people experience with coffee and other caffeine induced drinks. Green tea is also well-known for its weight loss benefits by boosting metabolic rate.
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