My mom introduced me to tea at a young age and to this day, it remains a staple to my daily routine. Not only are teas delicious and a good alternative to coffee, but a lot of them also have many health benefits. Depending on what kind of tea, whether you’re drinking black, green, white, or herbal tea, you will receive different benefits.
Here are a list of teas and its respective health benefits.
1. Black Tea
Black tea is the closest alternative to coffee, and it’s known to stimulate energy and mental function. All of us want to be energized in the morning, however, some of us can’t handle over 100 milligrams of caffeine from a cup of coffee.
If you want to cut back on your caffeine intake, try having a cup of black tea in the morning instead. It tends to have half the amount of caffeine than a cup of coffee and because it has antioxidants in it, it also has a lot of health benefits.
According to a Healthline article, Autumn Enloe defines polyphenols as a group of antioxidants that is commonly found in tea and is known for improving overall health. Black tea contains polyphenols as well as Carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6, all of which are essential to maintaining health.
2. Green Tea
Green tea has less caffeine than black tea and is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a jolt of energy, but don’t want to feel on edge for the rest of the day.
However, green tea is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it can reduce pain caused by inflammation and protect you against certain health conditions.
In another Healthline article, Kris Gunnars notes that green tea is made up of catechins which are natural antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and lower cholesterol. In green tea, the specific catechin is known as EGCG, the most powerful type of catechin.
Gunnars also claims that green tea may increase the rate of burning fat and boost one’s metabolic rate in the short term, although it is not guaranteed.
While there is no definitive evidence that tea leads to weight loss, many studies provide evidence that green tea has a host of good benefits that can contribute to an improved metabolism, enough that you might want to consider adding a cup to your daily routine.
3. White Tea
Black, green, and white teas all have some type of antioxidants, but white tea is the least oxidized of them all, which allows it retains the most beneficial antioxidants.
Like green tea, white tea contains catechins which have high antioxidant properties and helps to reduce inflammation and to improve heart health.
White tea is also known to help keep your skin clear and is often used in many beauty products. It has a similar level of caffeine as green tea and is good for keeping a calm, but alert state of mind.
4. Herbal Tea
Unlike black, green, and white teas that are brewed from a Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are made from herbs, spices, and dried fruits.
There are so many herbal teas to choose from and they are the perfect option if you are seeking something to help calm you down. Since herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, they are often the best choice to alleviate stress.
Chamomile tea, in particular, is known for its calming properties and ability to improve sleep and reduce stress. However, different herbal teas have various properties.
For instance, rose-hip tea, which is full of vitamin C and plant compounds, is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain from diseases, such as arthritis.
Ginger tea is particularly beneficial if you are dealing with morning sickness or face the occasional nausea spell. Peppermint tea is also good for queasiness and for combating headaches and migraines.
Other herbal teas I recommend trying are lemon balm, rooibos, and hibiscus.
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Every type of tea offers many health benefits which is why more people are beginning to incorporate a cup of tea into their daily routine. From insomnia to migraines to high blood pressure, tea has been found to treat a variety of health problems. So the next time you’re at the supermarket, pick up a box of tea and give a tea-induced lifestyle a try.
Reflect & Refresh 