Tea is one of the most common beverages across the globe. It is usually naturally derived from tea plants. However, herbal tea is brewed from dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs. At the same time, true tea varieties include green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. They differ from herbal teas as they brew from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Tea comes in various flavours and textures, making it an appealing substitute for sweetened beverages or water. In addition, a lot of these tea varieties are beneficial for health and have a pleasant taste. For example, people use many tea varieties to treat various diseases. This article talks about ten tea varieties that could provide the most traditional benefits in your modern life.
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea has numerous health benefits. The flavonoids present in tea are responsible for many of its health benefits. Flavonoids are a class of compounds with significant antioxidant qualities and the ability to minimise free radical damage. Let us look at the various health benefits of tea.
1. Contains Catechins
Catechins are a type of flavonoid naturally present in tea. It controls blood pressure, helps control weight loss and improves brain health. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-bacterial properties. Studies link the intake of catechins-rich foods with the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
2. Contributes to Heart Health
There is increasing evidence for a protective effect of tea consumption against cardiovascular disease. A review of epidemiological studies and meta-analyses suggests that tea has protective effects against cardiovascular disease. It helps lower blood pressure and positively affects blood lipids, glucose, and body weight. In addition, experimental studies and human intervention studies suggest that tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and antiproliferative effects and may improve the function of the vascular endothelium.
3. Essential Vitamins
Vitamins affect the human body in various ways. They are vital elements that the body cannot produce on its own. Therefore, it is essential to obtain the same from our diet. Vitamins are among the five essential nutrients used by the body. A vitamin deficiency can lead to skin problems, stiffness of hands and feet, fatigue and exhaustion.
Green tea is best known for being richer in vitamins than other beverages. Green tea, high in vitamins, is beneficial to your health when consumed regularly. That makes it the preferred choice for people suffering from a lack of vitamins.
4. Consists of Methylxanthines
Caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline are the most well-known compounds of the methylxanthines family. They are naturally present in tea leaves, yerba mate, coffee beans, cocoa beans, kola nuts and guarana berries. Moreover, caffeine is probably the most broadly consumed central nervous system stimulant globally.
Tea also contains caffeine, which results in enhanced alertness. In addition, caffeine bears a stimulant impact on the central nervous system (CNS); therefore, it can prevent fatigue and boost mental or physical performance. However, as per studies, the caffeine in tea was 2–3 times smaller than in espresso coffees. Consequently, it is improbable that you’ll experience any withdrawal symptoms if you decide to stop drinking tea.
5. Cures Hangovers
Tea is also helpful in preventing hangovers. This is because caffeine causes the digestion of alcohol more quickly. Tea has been consumed as a favourite drink by humans for centuries. The reason behind it is the refreshing benefits of moderate caffeine in tea.
Nutritional Content
Caffeinated and herbal tea variants contain minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, and zinc. The exact quantity differs based on the age of the tea plant and the environment and climate it grows in. For example, one cup of chamomile herbal tea contains around 5mg of calcium. Additionally, tea contains fluoride. The amount of fluoride varies as per the type and quantity of water used to prepare it.
Black, green, and oolong tea variants contain caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than black tea.
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