Tea is one of life’s greatest joys and a zen-like experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives. We all have a favourite drink that we keep on hand and consume throughout the day. For some, it comes down to chugging a few cups of coffee while some go down the lane of chai addiction. It has been shown that certain types of teas have therapeutic effects. Different forms of tea have unique health and mental benefits. Which of these types of tea have you tasted?
1. Green Tea
The Camellia sinensis plant is used to make green tea. Camellia sinensis dried leaves and leaf buds are used to make a variety of teas. Green tea is made by steaming, pan-frying, and drying these leaves. Green tea benefits consumer health because it includes bioactive chemicals that enhance brain function. It hastens the fat-burning process and boosts athletic performance. Green tea also includes antioxidants, which reduce the risk of many cancers.
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2. Black Tea
Aside from water, black tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and is frequently combined with other plants to create distinct flavours such as chai, Earl Grey, and English breakfast. It has a stronger flavour and contains more caffeine than other teas, but not as much as coffee. It is produced throughout India’s four major tea production centres. Black tea includes powerful plant chemicals such as theaflavins and thearubigins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar-lowering activities. Black tea improves the health of the consumer’s heart and intestines. It may cut “bad” LDL cholesterol and help minimise cancer risk.
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3. Irani (Persian) Chai
Persian Tea is a beverage made from steeped black tea leaves in hot water. Rosewater and aromatic spices are frequently used to enhance the flavour. It is a favourite drink among Iranians and those of Iranian heritage. Persian Tea has been demonstrated to reduce damage to the drinker’s tissues and cells through both the tea and the spices that are frequently added to the beverage. Persian Tea is a natural astringent and can thus be used to clear up skin. Persian tea with cardamom and ginger boosts the immune system.
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4. Sage Tea
Sage tea is a fragrant infusion brewed from the leaves of common sage, a herb in the mint family. Sage, which is commonly used as a spice, has a long history of usage in alternative and traditional medicine. Many of the advantages of sage tea are linked to the presence of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances such as rosmarinic acid, camphor, and carnosol. Camphor and carnosol found in sage can help prevent skin damage. It may help hasten wound healing and eliminate pathogenic germs and fungi. Because of its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, sage tea has a variety of dental applications.
5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a popular beverage with a number of health advantages. Chamomile is a herb derived from the Asteraceae plant family’s daisy-like blossoms. It has been used for ages as a natural cure for a variety of health problems. Chamomile tea is made by drying the flowers and then infusing them in hot water. It is popular for its earthy, somewhat sweet flavour and as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea. Furthermore, chamomile tea is high in antioxidants, which may help to lessen your risk of a variety of ailments, including heart disease and cancer. It has characteristics that may help with sleep and digestion.
6. Rooibos (Red) Tea
Red tea or red bush tea are other names for Rooibos tea. It is manufactured from the leaves of a plant named Aspalathus linearis, which is commonly found on South Africa’s western coast. Rooibos is a type of herbal tea that is unrelated to green or black tea. Traditional rooibos is made by fermenting the leaves, which causes them to turn a red-brown colour. When compared to black or green tea, rooibos has fewer tannins and is free of caffeine and oxalic acid. Rooibos tea may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure. In patients at risk of heart disease, it may also lower “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.
7. Chrysanthemum Tea
The tea made from dried Chrysanthemum flowers is golden in colour and has a mellow, flowery flavour akin to chamomile. The petals, leaves, and stalks of the flower can also be blanched (briefly immersed in boiling water) and consumed in salads or on their own. Infusions of chrysanthemum are reported to decrease blood pressure and provide relief from coronary artery disease. Chrysanthemum tea is high in beta-carotene, which breaks down into vitamin A and serves a variety of functions in the body, including aiding vision.
8. White Tea
The Camellia sinensis plant is used to make white tea. Its leaves and buds are harvested right before they open when they are covered in fine white hairs. This is where the name “white tea” comes from. Because white tea is less processed than green tea and black tea, it retains a higher concentration of antioxidants. White tea is high in polyphenols, which assist to prevent chronic inflammation by protecting the body from free radical damage. White tea contains caffeine and catechins such as EGCG, which may have a synergistic impact that aids in fat burning and metabolism.
9. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a mint family aromatic herb that is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. It has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health advantages. It is native to Europe and Asia. Peppermint flavouring is used in breath mints, sweets, and other meals. In addition, many individuals drink peppermint tea as a pleasant, caffeine-free beverage. Peppermint leaves include menthol, menthone, and limonene, among other essential oils. While peppermint tea is commonly consumed for its flavour, it may also have a number of health benefits.
10. Lavender Tea
The purple buds of the Lavandula angustifolia plant are brewed with hot water to make lavender tea. Aromatherapy and oil formulations containing lavender have been demonstrated to help calm nerves and reduce symptoms of anxiety and despair. According to some research, lavender tea may have a similar effect. Lavender extract’s relaxing scent may also aid with sleep. Menstrual cramps may be relieved by inhaling lavender essential oil or using it in massage.
Feature Image Credits – Bon Appetit
