For thousands of years, tea has always been considered a health drink. It is believed to have a number of health benefits from weight loss to happiness.
This is why, according to research, a lot of Asians live longer and healthier. The presence of tea in their diet has made them more resistant to different health conditions.
As of today, the tea industry is slowly being famous even in the Western part of the globe. But since it is not a staple in the American diet, some might get confused with which tea to drink. Here is a short guide on the different tea types and their health benefits.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is an all-time famous tea since it is known to help in weight loss. But green tea is more than that. It is made with steamed tea leaves and it has been extensively used in a number of health conditions.
For example, the high concentration of EGCG in green tea makes it ideal in preventing different kinds of cancer. In fact, it is known to help unclog arteries improving the flood of blood and oxygen around the body.
You can check out this article which gives you 11 benefits of green tea which you may not know about.
2. Black Tea
Black tea is made with fermented leaves. It is popular for two reasons. One is that it is the base of flavored teas that are starting to gain popularity in the market today, and two is that it is known to help relieve fatigue.
Black tea is rich in vitamins which makes it a good supplement to your everyday multivitamins. It is known to help regulate energy levels making you less drowsy and exhausted.
3. White Tea
Unlike green tea and black tea that go through a certain steam or oxidation process, white tea does not go through any. This is why it is considered as the healthiest type of tea simply because it is able to keep its potent properties intact.
White tea is rich in catechins which is a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial compound. The benefits of having potent antioxidants are that it is able to manage blood pressure and reduce the growth of bacteria in the body.
4. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is often found in Asian restaurants and milk tea shops even if it is more than just a fancy drink.
This tea is made of green tea leaves that have undergone oxidation but not all the way through. The leaves are removed once they turn a brownish color making them just half-oxidised.
Oolong tea is like the midpoint of green and black tea since it is not fully processed. It has retained its catechins but they are not as potent as the ones in black tea. Nonetheless, Oolong tea is a good weight loss and anti-cholesterol drink.
5. Puerh Tea
And then you have Puerh tea. Puerh tea has undergone both oxidation and fermentation. But regardless of the two processes it has gone through, this kind of tea is famous for having antibacterial and digestive properties.
In China, it is often consumed to cleanse the body of toxins that make it hard for people to have a healthy bowel movement.