Tea leaves are from the camellia sinensis plant, contain antioxidants, which may reduce or help to prevent cells damage. The difference between the main types of tea (green, black, and oolong) is the processing of making. Longer the tea is exposed to air or fermented, the darker the leaves are.
Several studies have shown drinking tea could lower the risk of cancer, but it is not a guarantee for everybody in general. Studies show drinking green tea may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, because it decreases body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. However, the FDA holds the suspicion toward the claims.
Research evidence shows the benefit from drinking green tea. Green tea may help to control glucose levels. However, more in depth research is needed.
The research of tea associated with the potential health benefits are the green tea, black tea, and/or oolong tea. Herbal teas are not included because they are not made from the camellia sinensis plant.
Other types of tea and their benefits:
- White tea: anti-oxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial agent, anti-inflammatory properties, healthy teeth and gums, preventing diabetes, cancer prevention, improves cardio-vascular disorder, strengthening bones, and stimulates lipolysis and metabolism.
- Herbal tea: chamomile tea (helps to reduce menstrual pain and spasms, improves sleep and reduces stress), rooibos (improves blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol, strong hair and healthy skin, etc.), peppermint (soothe an upset stomach, a cure for constipation, motion sickness, relief headaches and migraines), ginger (fight against morning sickness, helps to relieve joint pain), hibiscus (lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves liver health, prevent kidney stones formation)
- Green tea: high in flavonoids (boost heart health, lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood clotting), lower blood pressure, and triglycerides.
- Black tea: contain flavonoids which reduces inflammation and boost immune function, relieve pain from the minor cuts scrapes and bruises.
- Oolong tea: contains I-theanine which helps reduce anxiety, prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases; also contains polyphenols which helps lower inflammation, prevent cancer growth, and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.
Freshly brewed tea gives you the most antioxidants than instant tea, decaffeinated tea, and bottled tea. Researchers recommend drinking freshly brewed green tea every day. To bring out the antioxidants in the tea for maximizing the benefits, you should only let it steep in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Same amount of iced tea and hot tea does not contain the same amount of antioxidants. Iced tea is found contains lower amounts of catechins than hot tea.
Blended teas are teas from different origins to create a certain type of flavor. English breakfast tea is one of the blended teas, which is made with China keemum teas, Ceylon, and India teas.
While the majority teas are beneficial to your health, there are some concerns you might need to pay attention to, such as
- Allergic to herbal tea, etc.
- latte tea and bubble tea are high in sugar, calories and carbs,
- detox teas for weight lost often draw together with laxatives,
- most traditional teas do not provide enough nutrients,
- drinking tea that is too hot might increase the risk of esophageal and stomach cancers,
- Women, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children should carefully monitor their consumption of green tea
- According to a Swiss study, drinking black tea with a meal reduced iron absorption by 79% to 94%
Anyway, relax and enjoy your tea and enjoy your self-time.
Citation:
- WebMD
- Penn Medicine: The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea?_ga=2.241184711.474209561.1662438793-910160375.1662438793
- eat right – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Health Benefits of Tea https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/the-health-benefits-of-tea
- Harvard T.H. Chan: Tea https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/tea/
- NIH – National Library of Medicine: Chapter 12 Health Benefits of Tea https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92768/
- CR (Consumer Reports): The Benefits of Tea https://www.consumerreports.org/healthy-eating/benefits-of-tea-a3247818759/
- Lybrate: Health Benefits of White Tea, Uses and Its Side Effects https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-white-tea-and-its-side-effects
