Health Benefits Drinking Team: First cultivated in regions across Asia, tea has spread around the world, becoming one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, second only to water. Widely consumed in Asia for its health benefits, tea is known to have medicinal values, even making its way into Western medicine too. Far from just helping with the common flu, tea can help improve one’s quality of life from a health perspective, even warding off illnesses and diseases.
There are three main categories of teas — True tea, Herbal tea, and Flavored tea. Let’s take a look at three types before exploring their health benefits.
True Tea
True teas are actually cultivated from the same plant known as Camellia Sinensis, and there are five variations — White tea, Green tea, Pu-erh tea, Black tea, and Oolong tea. Despite coming from the leaves of the same plant, these teas differ widely in flavor and aroma due to their different production processes — the least processed teas being White and Green tea. These variations are sun-dried after harvesting to prevent oxidation and produce an earthy and subtle flavor. As a result, these teas are lighter in color, usually yellowish-green, and provide the most health benefits.
On the other hand, Black and Oolong tea are made from oxidized tea leaves. Black tea is fully oxidized, resulting in a bold flavor and dark red-brown hues. If you enjoy fragrant and bold flavors, we recommend checking out the organic black tea on Velvet Foam. On the other hand, Oolong tea is semi-oxidized, resulting in flavors and colors that are stronger than Green tea, but mellower than Black tea.
Pu-erh tea is known as post-oxidized tea, made from leaves that have been aged, after undergoing the natural oxidation process. Of the five teas, the latter three — Black tea, Oolong tea, and Pu-erh tea, are considered to have lesser health benefits as compared to the others.
Herbal Tea
Tea made from infusing flowers, herbs, and even twigs, to produce a distinctly earthy flavor is known as Herbal tea. Their unique infusion results in a plethora of flavors and aromas that develop. Each variety of tea boasts its own medicinal properties depending on the compounds used. Some of the most popular Herbal teas are Chamomile and Jasmine tea. To fully appreciate the diverse range of Herbal teas, consider organizing a group tea ceremony where participants can experience the soothing and invigorating qualities firsthand. Such ceremonies create a shared experience and allow for a deeper connection with the flavors and health benefits of Herbal teas.
True Tea
True teas are actually cultivated from the same plant known as Camellia Sinensis, and there are five variations — White tea, Green tea, Pu-erh tea, Black tea, and Oolong tea. Despite coming from the leaves of the same plant, these teas differ widely in flavor and aroma due to their different production processes — the least processed teas being White and Green tea. These variations are sun-dried after harvesting to prevent oxidation and produce an earthy and subtle flavor. As a result, these teas are lighter in color, usually yellowish-green, and provide the most health benefits.
On the other hand, Black and Oolong tea are made from oxidized tea leaves. Black tea is fully oxidized, resulting in a bold flavor and dark red-brown hues. If you enjoy fragrant and bold flavors, we recommend checking out the organic black tea on Velvet Foam. On the other hand, Oolong tea is semi-oxidized, resulting in flavors and colors that are stronger than Green tea, but mellower than Black tea.
Pu-erh tea is known as post-oxidized tea, made from leaves that have been aged, after undergoing the natural oxidation process. Of the five teas, the latter three — Black tea, Oolong tea, and Pu-erh tea, are considered to have lesser health benefits as compared to the others.
Herbal Tea
Tea made from infusing flowers, herbs, and even twigs, to produce a distinctly earthy flavor is known as Herbal tea. Their unique infusion results in a plethora of flavors and aromas that develop. Each variety of tea boasts its own medicinal properties depending on the compounds used. Some of the most popular Herbal teas are Chamomile and Jasmine tea.
Flavored Tea
Herbal tea that has been combined with true tea forms what is known as Flavored tea. True tea, commonly Green or Black teas, will be used as a base, whilst herbs, spices, and flowers are added to create a more complex flavor profile. Some of the most widely known Flavored teas include Earl Gray and Masala Chai.
Health Benefits Drinking Tea
Protects Heart Health
The regular consumption of tea can help to improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk for heart-related problems and diseases such as clots and heart attacks. Teas, especially Black and Green tea, contain antioxidants known as catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the risk of inflammation, high blood pressure, and blood clots. Apart from that, polyphenols, the compound that gives each tea its distinct aroma, are known to produce good cholesterol, boosting cardiovascular health.
Boosts Energy
Much like coffee, true tea contains traces of caffeine in them. Caffeine is a stimulant that drives the brain and central nervous system. However, tea is much healthier than coffee as it has much lower amounts of caffeine.
Furthermore, teas contain an amino acid known as L-theanine, which slows down the absorption of caffeine. This results in a much longer-lasting effect, improving focus and attention without the caffeine-induced rise in blood pressure as well as the sudden drop that comes with the consumption of coffee.
May Aid Weight Loss
True teas, especially Green tea, promote long-term weight loss through various means. Firstly, the antioxidants, catechins, that improve cardiovascular health, are also responsible for aiding weight loss. These antioxidants help the breakdown of stored fat in the body and are also found in most weight loss supplements.
Secondly, the caffeine in tea also helps with promoting a healthier lifestyle, supplementing consumers with more energy to exercise, which can help you shed some weight.
Thirdly, Green and White teas have a natural sweetness to them, which may help to satisfy your sugar cravings. What’s more, these teas are calorie-free, making them a healthy replacement for sugary drinks. Consuming tea can help in reducing one’s calorie intake, promoting even more weight loss in the long term.
Supports Mental Health
Regular consumption of tea is said to have positive side effects on mental health. Consumption of tea helps with slowing the decline of one’s cognitive ability which leads to brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, tea is known to reduce stress whilst promoting alertness due to the presence of compounds such as L-theanine and catechins.
The anti-oxidative properties of tea also work to prevent oxidative stress, a phenomenon that arises from the excess of free radicals in your body which harms healthy cells. Tea is widely known to be able to cleanse your body of toxins too.
May Regulate Blood Sugar
The polyphenols in tea not only promote a healthy heart but also help regulate blood sugar levels. This results in a reduced risk for diseases such as Type Two Diabetes when tea, particularly Green tea, is consumed regularly.
Aids Digestion
It has been suggested that tea helps with digestive issues and other related problems such as nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea. Teas, such as Peppermint tea contain high levels of menthol which can help with digestive issues. Other common teas include the likes of Ginger and Fennel — these herbs and spices present in the teas contain different compounds that aid in different digestive processes. If you are looking for something to settle your upset tummy then it is time to brew a nice cup of Herbal tea.
Conclusion
Not only are they delicious, tea aids with the various aspects of your health — from mental to physical. The key to unlocking the health benefits of tea is consistency! The regular consumption of such tea will provide you with numerous benefits over the long term, hence, take some time to explore the various types of tea out there and their benefits.
