Your traditional English breakfast might be a welcomed sight at the end of a challenging day of work but there are so many options to choose from that you could be missing out on some key health benefits. Drinking different teas is an easy way of getting a fix of some of the antioxidants and weight loss benefits that others cannot offer. To make sense of the long list of options, we have included some of the best tea types for your health and take a look at some of the most common benefits from each one.
Different Types of Tea
Although it can be a tad generalistic to do so, most tea can be put into four main groups. Traditional tea will be in one of the following:
- White Tea
- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Oolong Tea
Oxidizing will influence how each tea is produced with those that are not so fermented being lighter and greener in appearance and tea leaves that are significantly oxidized being redder and darker. Most of the time, these contain caffeine although it can be extracted which is why you will find a lot of them being suitable for use later in the day. Herbal teas are different and a lot of their benefits are lost in the process.
Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of different tea.
Oolong
Available in a variety of different forms, with the milky type being popular for its smokey aroma and taste, oolong has around 30 mg of caffeine per cup. One of the major health benefits often associated with oolong is its weight loss properties. Other benefits include links to skin health, energy-boosting, cardiovascular health, and metabolism-boosting.
Look for products picked at altitude so they mature slower. This will produce a concentrated flavor.
Black Tea
Easily the most popular and commonly drunk, it covers some of the easily recognizable types including English breakfast, Darjeeling, and earl gray among others. The catechins and polyphenols provide plenty of health benefits and some of the black teas health perks include expanding the air passage making it easier for asthmatics to breathe, reducing levels of bad cholesterol, preventing breast cancer, and preventing the formation of kidney stones among many others.
Best enjoyed loose to get the maximum benefit, the good news is that there are plenty of high-quality black tea brands so you are spoilt for choice.
Chamomile
The first herbal tea on our list, chamomile is well touted for its relaxing properties which is why it is often favored as a drink before sleeping. The lack of caffeine helps but it is used to alleviate anxiety and insomnia. Its links to reducing muscle spasms aren’t as widely proven. There are also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to gain from a cup of chamomile although the stronger evidence is still with its sleep-inducing benefits.
Turmeric
Having a golden moment that looks like it is going to last, Turmeric is becoming a superfood for many and the benefits extend to its tea form. A blend of spices that makes up a tea rather than deriving from leaves, has been touted as being able to provide anti-cancer benefits, weight loss, reduced risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as relief from joint pain.
Hibiscus
Effective for fighting flu, hibiscus with its red-tinted color can also help to reduce high blood pressure. This isn’t going to immediately fix such problems and a healthy diet and lifestyle are still required. It has also been found to reduce oxidative stress which makes it a good option for anyone who takes regular exercise.
Rooibos
Derived from the red bush plant in South Africa, rooibos is often linked to being able to reduce the likelihood of kidney stones as well as provide some allergy relief. However, these are not the most concrete available although it does show promise in preventing heart disease. As with many of the teas on the list, there is more evidence needed to fully support their claims, but the signs are encouraging.
Matcha
It’s unsurprising given its vibrant gree appearance that this is a form fo green tea, but matcha is often touted as being one of the best teas in terms of health benefits. High in polyphenols, there is strong support for its use. as protecting against heart disease and cancer but the benefits don’t stop there. It also strengthens the immune system and has a relaxing effect not too dissimilar to chamomile.
The best matcha teas are a ceremonial blend made of the first harvest for a premium brew. It is always best to look for an organic product of this East Asian favorite.
Echinacea
Studies have seen this popular tea become known as an immunity-boosting brew and is often drunk at the early signs of a cold or flu to lessen the impact of the symptoms and shorten the recovery time. Although the evidence on this is not concrete it is a relaxing drink and a pleasant one when consumed hot, something that will soothe some of the symptoms by itself.
Fruit Tea
These products aren’t going to offer much in the way of health benefits unless they are blended with the likes of green or black tea. The fruit itself can sweeten the brew which makes you less inclined. to add sugar – a health benefit on its own! Sometimes the company will add a lot of sugar to pre-made fruit teas which makes them less than ideal if you are looking for health benefits from tea.
What Tea Is Not Good For Your Health?
Although in reasonable quantities, most teas are better than they are detrimental to health if you drink a lot of tea, be careful. There are links between drinking seven or more cups a day to a higher risk of prostate cancer. Too much of any food is going to tip the balance to where it is not a good idea. When it comes to traditional tea, you should also consider the caffeine content.
Are There Side Effects From Drinking Too Much Tea?
A sensible diet doesn’t usually yield negative side effects and when considering tea, it is fine for most people to tolerate 4 cups with ease. If you drink more then look out for signs of digestive issues, anxiety, and poor sleep, especially in teas with higher caffeine content.