Article By Stephanie Johnson

 

For centuries, many different cultures have made tea a daily part of life. Whether for simple family gatherings and meals, to welcome and honor guests, or for complex ceremonies, tea was the star … and with good reason.

 

There are many wonderful benefits to drinking tea, but there are also things you should know so you can make the right choices and prepare it properly.

 

Here is an overview of the more popular teas that are available, and what they can do for you: 

           

1) Black Tea

As all true teas, black tea comes from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant.  Black tea has been processed more than green or white tea, and has a stronger flavor.  According to studies, black tea (unsweetened!) helps prevent cavities and contains as many antioxidants as a serving of carrots, spinach, or broccoli.  It can also lower your risk of heart disease, up bone health, and slow physical signs of aging.

           

2) Oolong Tea

Unlike black tea, Oolong tea is partially fermented.  It has the same benefits as many of the other teas, but due to the level of oxidations the levels of beneficial antioxidants and such are slightly decreased.  However, some studies suggest that Oolong tea is even more helpful in weight loss efforts than green tea.

           

3) Green Tea

Green tea is less processed than black tea, and so is believed to have higher levels of antioxidants and flavenoids.  It has all the benefits of black tea, and then some.  It aids with weight loss, is believed to prevent many kinds of cancer, to slow aging, lower bad cholesterol, strengthen bone, and help with inflammation associated with arthritis.

 

4) White Tea

White tea is not cured or oxidized.  It has a lighter and more delicate flavor than other teas, and it is made from the buds and young leaves of the tea plants.  White tea seems to possess the highest level of the various properties that make tea a healthy drink.  It’s also slightly more expensive.

           

5) Red Tea (Rooibos)

Rooibos, also called Red tea or honey bush tea, comes from an African bush that is actually related to legumes.  It is very popular in South Africa, and has a rich history as an herbal cure for many different ailments.  It has a sweet, faintly nutty flavor that can enhanced with a little milk and/or sugar. Rooibos is high in antioxidants and caffeine free, so it’s a wonderful choice if you’re pregnant. It’s good for kids, too.  It’s also believed to help with digestive issues, allergies, and asthma.  

 

6) Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate comes from the dried leaves of a South American tree.  It has been popular in South America for centuries, and has only recently become widely available in North America.  Yerba Mate is exceptional as far as the amount of antioxidants, polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins, and falconoid it contains.  According to some, Yerba Mate actually has all the things in it required to sustain life, making it highly prized.  It’s good for the heart, nerves, digestion … the list goes on, really … which is why it is said to be a “wonder tea.”

 

7) Herbal Tea

Herbal teas can be a nice blend of tasty and nutritious, if you know what to look for.  Choose an herbal tea with rose hips or hibiscus for an extra helping of antioxidants and vitamin c.

 

Choosing the right tea

Here are four things to keep in mind when choosing the right tea for you:

 

1) Try to avoid pre-bottled teas that contain artificial flavors and additives such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, etc.  If you’re drinking these, most of the nutritional benefits are lost, and you might as well just be drinking a soda.  If you prefer your tea sweet, it’s much healthier and more cost effective to make it yourself and then sweeten to taste.

 

2) Loose tea contains higher levels of antioxidants and such than bagged teas, which are mostly tea dust.  However, loose tea tends to be a little more expensive, and you need more accessories to drink it (like a tea filter).  In the end, so long as you’re steadily drinking tea, it doesn’t really matter.  The health benefits will add up regardless.

 

3) If you can afford to, opt for Organic and/or Free Trade tea.  Organic tea farming is better for the environment, the consumer, and those harvesting the tea.  Free Trade tea makes certain that those harvesting the tea are paid a relative fair wage for their work.

 

4) Your tea will taste better, and be even better for you, if you make it with filtered water.

 

So … go and pour yourself a cup, hot or cold, of great health. You’ll be glad that you did!   

 

“It has been well said that tea is suggestive of a thousand wants, from which spring the decencies and luxuries of civilization.”

-Agnes Repplier

 

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