THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA
Ever since I went to Hong Kong and visited a tea shop, I’ve been really interested in all of the different types of tea out there – the different varietals and their health benefits. My head was spinning with information as the lady poured us cup after cup of tea, touting what each was good for. I tried to remember as much as I could, but I ended up leaving the shop with a belly full of tea and a yearning to learn more about the health benefits of tea.
TEA VARIETALS
WHITE TEA
White tea is known as “the multitasker”. It is known to help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. White tea does not have too strong of a taste to it, as the leaves are picked when they are young. Try to get white tea loose rather than in a tea bag as it is less processed and will contain more antioxidants.
BLACK TEA
The most caffeinated of all teas, black tea is consumed the most of all teas. Its bitter taste is due to its fermentation and drying process. Black tea’s antioxidants (theaflavins and thearubigins) are known to help lower cholesterol. I’ve read that if you drink 2 to 3 cups a day, the risk of stroke goes down over 20 percent!
OOLONG TEA
I remember distinctly that oolong tea helps to cut down triglycerides – fat. The niacin in oolong is known to help detoxify and prevent tooth decay. Oolong is up there in caffeination but doesn’t contain as much caffeine as black tea.
RED TEA
I had never heard of red tea until this trip, but am so glad I was introduced to this powerhouse! Low in tannins and caffeine-free, it has been used to help cure insomnia, headaches, asthma, eczema, and stomach cramps (perfect for that time of the month!). Red tea also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, and alpha hydroxy acid – great for our skin and bone health.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is my all time favorite tea. I love it both hot and chilled. Filled with antioxidants green tea is known to prevent cancer and heart disease! A study in the Oxford Journal showed that drinking one cup of green tea a day could lower one’s risk of cardiovascular disease by 10%.
HERBAL TEA
I learned something interesting about herbal tea – it isn’t really tea. It is a combination of dried herbs, fruit and flowers. Perfect for people looking for the decaffeinated variety, peppermint herbal tea is known for calming an upset stomach whereas camomile is popular to help promote sleep and has been linked to prevent side effects associated with diabetes. People with hypertension have been known to drink hibiscus tea to help lower their blood pressure.
BREWING TEA
I personally recommend purchasing loose tea if you can. It is less processed and can be used for way more than one cup of tea. There are a few ways you can brew your loose leaf tea.
TRADITIONAL TEA POTS
There are so many tea pots out there – from glass to ceramic. Make sure you purchase one with a rust-free infuser to ensure longevity.
INDIVIDUAL TEA INFUSERS
Individual tea infusers are great for singular cups of tea. Here are a couple of options:
Stainless Steel Mesh Ball Tea Strainer
ELECTRIC TEA POTS
The electric tea pots are great because all you need to do is add water and plug it in! Pour the hot water over your tea infuser or strainer and you’re good to go. You can also use these if you make oatmeal or hot cocoa with water in lieu of milk.
The Breville one below was purchased for my husband as a gift. It is programmed to allow you to choose the tea you are going to make, along with many other options.
Sofie says
I am in love with tea since I found out that there was more to it than just black breakfast tea! I am in love with my Chai mogli Melange that is so full of spices and warmth that it can get me through any cold day (which is almost everyday here) I never heard of red tea before until this post! I’m definitely going to try finding some of it!
Dana says
Sofie, the Chai mogli Melange sounds very different! Where do you live that it is cold a lot & where would I find some of that chai tea? I’d love to try it!
Amanda | Glitter & Spice says
Love this! I am a tea FIEND and I drink at least 1-2 cups of tea every day. I went to London last summer and I swear I spent more on tea at Fortnum and Mason than I did on my hotel.
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
Dana says
Amanda, I need to check out Fortnum and Mason now that you just mentioned it!! What is your favorite variety of tea?
Cori says
I need to find some red tea! This is very educational. Thank you!
Dana says
Cori, google online tea houses and you’ll be able to find some red tea. Either that or you can go to Hong Kong and get some 😉
LeighAnn says
I have never heard of oolong tea. Very interesting post!
Dana says
Oolong is delicious! Thanks for stopping by LeighAnn!
Beth | Daily Dog Tag says
I love Chai tea as well as green tea with ginger
Dana says
Ginger in green tea sounds delicious, Beth!
Ri says
I love tea, especially steeped tea, though i have never tried red tea.
Dana says
Ri, I’d check it out – red tea is becoming a staple in my home!
Kelsie says
Tea for the win! I didn’t now of all these health benefits, but it makes me happy because my husband and I are avid tea drinkers 🙂
Dana says
That’s awesome Kelsie! Which variety is your favorite?
Tawni says
Whoa, thank you for this! I’ve always been a little intimidated by all of the different varieties of tea (and ways to brew it), and this was such a helpful post!! Pinning for later reference.
Dana says
Thanks Tawni and I am so glad you liked it! What’s your favorite type of tea?
Rachel Ritlop says
I had no idea herbal tea wasnt really tea! Such a great and informative post! Thank you!!
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
Dana says
Thanks Rachel, I was surprised too!
Rachel says
What great info! I love tea!
Dana says
Thanks Rachel!
Carly @ Fitliving Eats says
I LOVE tea and am finally getting into drinking it more! I really like herbal teas since they are caffeine free, but matcha green tea is my favorite!
Dana says
Carly, I’ve never tried matcha tea – what does it taste like?
Lindsay Satmary says
I absolutely LOVE tea! I try to have a cup of tea every day. That diffuser tea pot looks amazing!
Dana says
Lindsay, that tea pot was a game changer. It took all of the guesswork, if there was any, out of making tea!
Ayesha Heart says
Ohhh so herbal tea was not really a tea. I am learning a lot here 🙂 I hope i can switch to tea and stop drinking Coffee.
Vry informative post! Keep em comin’
Dana says
Ayesha, I didn’t know that herbal tea wasn’t made with tea leaves either until I went on my last trip to Hong Kong! I have been trying to break my coffee habit too…tea will definitely help!
Bella says
That’s a great write-up! I have the switch from coffee to tea very recently but within this short span, I have become a tea lover and all the credit goes to Halmari tea; soothing aroma and flavour with so many tea varieties. Chamomile and white tea are my favourites. A hot cup of tea in the morning makes me refreshed for the entire day.
Dana says
Thank you Bella!
Julie Watson says
It surprised me how many diverse benefits green tea had as well. I always knew it was good. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing the health benefits of green tea.
Dana says
I was surprised too that such a commonplace beverage could have such wonderful benefits!
Chenden says
Thank you for this post. I’m currently researching the differences between a tea pot and a tea kettle and would like to get the insights of experts. Between a tea pot and kettle, which one would you choose? Why do you choose one above the other? Thanks so much.
Rhoot says
Red tea is a thing?! I didn’t know! Very cool! Many thanks!
Dana says
My pleasure!
John Gatesby says
White tea was a revelation! Never knew tea of the white variety also exist. Liked your advice on buying the loose tea, instead of tea bags, make complete sense.
Dana says
John, I am glad my article was informative! 🙂
Ema walker says
Wow, really amazing article. I did not know about the benefits of tea before reading this. Thanks for sharing.
Dana says
My pleasure, Ema! What’s your favorite type of tea?
BCP Veterinary Pharmacy says
Wow! Thanks for sharing all this information!
Umi Tea Sets says
Hi Dana
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Very detailed and valuable information. It helps me a lot.
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Umi Tea Sets