Different Kinds of Healthy Tea and Their Benefits
Tea is the world's favorite beverage, as demonstrated by the wide variety of different teas to choose from. Popular across the globe, tea is a strong part of many countries’ heritage and history. Today, the overriding association of tea is with personal health and wellness, as research has found that different types of tea can help with many ailments. If you're in it for the health benefits, these are the varieties that you need to watch out for.
Green Tea
Also known as matcha, green tea is the camellia sinensis tea plant in its least processed and non-fermented form. In a comprehensive study involving 100,000 participants, researchers have found that green tea is not only the most popular type of tea, but is also the one with the strongest links to actual health benefits. Journalist Katie Russell attributes this to the high concentration of polyphenols in the tea, which has been found to protect against heart disease. Regularly drinking green tea has also been linked to healthy weight loss.
English Breakfast
Originating from the same plant as green tea, English Breakfast is comprised of a variety of black teas from different parts of the world. Its deep brown color and rich taste is due to the fermentation process that every type of black tea undergoes. And as the name suggests, English Breakfast tea is best taken with the first meal of the day and has become a big part of British culture. If you want to have your tea in the same manner as the Brits, Gala Bingo reveals that the perfect combination is a bag of PG Tips English Breakfast with one sugar, milk, and a digestive biscuit on the side. Apart from its taste, there are other reasons why this type of tea is a beloved morning staple for many Brits. English Breakfast tea is known to contain thearubigins, which may mitigate indigestion. It's also rich in theaflavins, which are antioxidants that suppress inflammation and may protect against stomach ulcers.
Lavender
Technically speaking, lavender is not tea because it doesn't come from the camellia sinensis plant, from which green, oolong, and black teas originate. However, given the modern redefinition of tea —herbs steeped or brewed in hot water— lavender still fits the bill, especially considering the unique benefits of this herbal brew. As a known sleep aid, lavender has been found to have strong anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. It's also been used to treat insomnia in the past, whether in the form of tea or essential oil. Scientifically speaking, lavender is the most relaxing type of tea.
Yerba Mate
Originating from the ilex paraguariensis shrub plant species, yerba mate is a healthy herbal tea that's been gaining popularity in recent years. The Yerba Mate Market attributes the tea's increasing market size and popularity to its deep South American roots, as yerba mate has been consumed in the region for centuries due to its many health benefits. Indeed, researchers have found more than twenty vitamins and minerals in yerba mate, including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, fifteen amino acids, and other daily health essentials. Traditionally, it's also been used for weight management, allergy relief, and managing blood pressure.
Ginger
This common kitchen spice is also a well-known folk remedy. Apart from bringing instant relief to those with sore throats, ginger can also improve stomach performance, promote blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. It is also very good for you as it is packed with Vitamin C. Traditionally, ginger has also been used as a remedy for menstrual cramps, both through drinking the ginger tea and applying it directly to the lower abdomen.
These are just some of the many types of tea that can improve your health. You can also try combining or blending different teas into one brew, much like how English Breakfast is a combination of different black teas. Apart from teas that originate from the camellia sinensis plant, many other herbs can be used to adjust the taste of your daily brews, sometimes resulting in potent healthy drinks that can treat or mitigate certain conditions. Don't be afraid of experimenting with different types of tea.
