People have enjoyed the habit of drinking tea for centuries and even millenniums all around the world. The reason is obvious – tea has awesome properties very beneficial to our state and body. A cup of tea on a daily base will do much good for your physical health, as it will help you relax after a long day.
First of all, it's important to signify the difference between true tea and herbal tea. According to Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss in The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook: A Guide to the World's Best Teas, there are over 20 000 different types of tea in the world. But, only a few of the commonly known teas can be labelled as true teas. Real tea is made of leaves from one specific plant – Camellia sinensis. All other kinds of herbal teas made by boiling different kinds of herbs, roots and spices are actually infusions, not teas. True teas are green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea.
Green tea
Green tea is a very healthy beverage, filled with antioxidants and powerful anti-cancer properties. It's replete in beneficial nutrients that improve your brain function, help you reduce the fat and lower the risk of cancer. Some studies have proved that green tea's potent ingredients – polyphenols and EGCC – reduce inflammation, fight cancer and destroy free radicals in the body, which are responsible for developing all kinds of diseases and for ageing. Since one of its ingredients is caffeine, green tea is a good option for keeping you awake at night if you don't prefer the coffee at late night hours. Plus, it boosts your brain function and memory.
White tea
From Fujian province in China comes the sweet white tea. Given that it's less processed than green tea and black tea, it's richer in antioxidants. Because of this, it has many positive effects on the body, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, fighting ageing and reducing the weight. Furthermore, it is a great solution for fighting free radicals. White tea is a good way to strengthen your teeth because it is a great source fluoride.
Black tea
Other than the mentioned perks that polyphenols provide us with, as well as antioxidants and heart disease reduction, black tea also has some other beneficial traits. It strenghtens your bones, reduces the risk of diabetes and cavity and boosts our immune system. Black tea also has calming effects on the body, so it works as a great stress reliever. Plus, it improves gastric and intestinal function, so it's a great remedy for those with digestion issues.
Oolong and pu-erh tea have the amazing effects similar to those we mentioned with the first three (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, reduce cholesterol and weight loss, anti-cancerous, anti-stress, improve brain function and fight aging...).
So, what are you waiting for? Run to the store and buy yourself some true teas – they're an amazing beverage whether as late night drink or wake up - boost.
Nessie L.B.