Tea is something that you can drink, either hot or cold. People all over the world have been drinking it for its taste and therapeutic benefits. If you are drinking one now, each one of your body organs is benefiting from it. There are two primary classifications of this beverage in a tea store, herbal and true teas. There are also those flavoured teas that are a combination of herbal infusions and true tea bases.
Various Teas to Try
- Green tea
The leaves are gathered from the plant Camellia sinensis and heated through steaming or pan-firing. The tea leaves are also dried to prevent oxidation. Green tea is usually light brown, yellow, or green. Its taste can range from seaweed-like, sweet, and vegetal (when steamed), and toasted and grass-like (when pan-fired).
- White tea
It is also harvested from Camellia sinensis, but the least type of processed tea. The tea leaves are covered with silver-white coloured hairs. White tea offers quite a delicate flavour.
- Black tea
It is the most processed form of leaves, causing the polyphenols to provide the drinkers with unique benefits, including obesity treatment and prevention. Also, black tea has more caffeine content than other teas.
- Oolong tea
This type of tea contains the same level of caffeine as green and white teas. The tea leaves of oolong are obtained from partially fermented leaves. Oolong tea also offers many benefits to tea lovers.
- Rooibos tea
It is derived from the fermented Aspalathus linearis leaves. It has an earthy and sweet flavour and comes with lots of antioxidants. Many people prefer Rooibos tea to black or green tea.
- Herbal tea
It is made through the infusion of leaves, herbs, stems, roots, and fruits of various plants. Herbal teas do not have caffeine content in them and offer different health benefits from true teas. Chamomile tea, ginger tea, and peppermint tea are a few of the popular herbal teas available in tea stores.
The Benefits to Enjoy
- Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is associated with cognitive impairment, diabetes, and many chronic diseases. The polyphenols in the tea you drink are antioxidants that can combat inflammation. Green tea, in particular, has EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) known to be more powerful than the antioxidant in vitamin C.
- Good for the mouth
Teas have fluoride that improves the bacteria in your mouth. It helps prevent the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. So, while sipping your tea, think of its benefits to your oral health.
- Good for the brain
Drinking tea can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Black and green tea help enhance cognitive scores in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In general, tea consumption helps improve attention span, memory, visual processing, concentration, and reaction time.
- Activate metabolism
The polyphenols in green, black, and oolong teas cause the body to reduce fat as well as boost the calorie expenditure. However, tea supports a specific type of body fat, which is the brown fat. This fat has a high number of mitochondria and is highly active metabolically; thus, improving metabolism and burning calories.
Whatever type of tea you prefer, drinking this beverage allows you to enjoy a healthier body. So, purchase your favourites from a tea store and drink them warm in the colder season and cold during the warm season.
