Top 5 Teas and Their Hidden Health Benefits

Tea has been used for generations and people in different cultures all around the world have been drinking tea for thousands of centuries in social settings, and for good reason. Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage worldwide owing to various health benefits associated with it such as promoting weight loss, lowering cholesterol, boosting immunity, and many more. According to Research Dive, the global tea market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% and generate a revenue of US$67,920.8 million during the forecast period from 2021 to 2028.

A number of studies have shown that a variety of teas can help to boost the immune system and fight off inflammation, and help with cancer and heart disease. While there are some brews that provide more health advantages than others, regularly drinking tea can have lasting impact on wellness. Some of the best teas and their benefits on human health are listed below:

1. White Tea

This tea comes from the camellia sinesis plant that’s native to India and China. White tea is the least processed tea variety and has a delicate flavor.

White tea is the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer due to the presence of high level of antioxidants. It contains a high source of fluoride, tannins and catechins, which helps in strengthening teeth and fight plaque. Also, this variety of teas offer the least amount of caffeine, making it a better choice for tea drinkers who want to limit or avoid their caffeine consumption.

2. Black Tea

This tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant’s leaves, the same plant used to make white tea. However, in black tea, the leaves are dried and fermented, which gives the tea a richer flavor and darker color.

Black tea is caffeinated. So, unlike many other varieties it’s important to monitor the tea’s intake. Black tea helps in benefitting from flavonoids that fight inflammation and also support healthy immune function. Besides drinking, black tea offers other healthy properties as well if steamed, cooled, and then pressed on minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Moreover, a black tea bath can ease conditions such as poison ivy and inflammation caused by skin rashes.

3. Green Tea

China is the native place to green tea. The leaves are processed with heat using a roasting or pan-firing method. Japan is where the camellia sinensis leaves are more frequently steamed.

Green tea is extremely high in flavonoids that can help boost the heart health by reducing blood clotting and lowering bad cholesterol. According to some studies, green tea can also help lower blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Other research has found that green tea has a possible impact on breast, liver, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Also, this tea variety has also shown to be anti-inflammatory that helps keep skin healthy, glowing, and clear.

4. Herbal Tea

Herbal tea, also called as tisanes are very similar to white tea, but contain a blend of herbs, fruits, spices, or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal tea is known for calming properties as it doesn’t contain caffeine.

There are various types of herbal teas and all have their unique benefits. Some of the most popular herbal teas are:

• Chamomile tea – Helps to reduce muscle spasms and menstrual pain, reduces stress, and improves sleep.
• Peppermint – Helps to soothe an upset stomach, and serves as a cure for constipation, motion sickness, and irritable bowel syndrome. This variety of tea also offers pain relief from migraines and tension headaches.
• Rooibos – Improves circulation of blood and controls blood pressure, boosts good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol, and keeps skin healthy and hair strong.
• Hibiscus – Lowers fat levels and blood pressure, prevent formation of kidney stone, and improves overall liver health.
• Ginger – Helps to treat chronic indigestion, fight against morning sickness, and relieve joint pain caused due to osteoarthritis.

5. Oolong Tea

It is a traditional Chinese tea variety made from the same plant used to black tea and green tea. However, the oolong tea is processed in a different way as it is partially oxidized, which is responsible for oolong tea’s characteristic taste and color.

Oolong tea contains an amino acid namely ‘l-theanine,’ that helps in reducing anxiety and increasing alertness and attention. According to some scientists, l-theanine can help prevent cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Besides, this variety of teas is high in polyphenols, which are linked to preventing growth of cancers, lowering inflammation, and reducing type 2 diabetes risk.

Tea is regarded as the key to good health, wisdom, and happiness for thousands of years and has caught the attention of many researchers across the globe who are involved in discovering the more health benefits of different types of teas.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.