Tea was regarded for thousands of years in the East as a key to good health and happiness. Now tea has caught the attention of researchers in the West, who are discovering the many health benefits of different types of teas. It’s pretty well established that the compounds in tea - their flavonoids - are good for the heart and nutritionists agree that any tea is good tea but choose brewed teas over bottled to avoid the extra calories and sweeteners.
What is Black Tea?
Black Tea is made from the leaves of the plant, Camellia sinensis. Black tea leaves are prepared by breaking the leaves or rolling them, which allows them to fully oxidize. The oxidation process also turns the leaves a darker colour. If you enjoy the flavour of black tea, you also have a choice to consume it in a variety of ways. Chinese people add sweetening agents, spices, chocolate, or even rare herbs while brewing black tea. In India, milk and sugar is normally added to black tea. Some people also add various herbs including ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon grass, mulethi, or holy basil (tulsi). Black tea is known for its curative qualities and are positively loaded with health benefits. So, go ahead, enjoy that freshly brewed hot cup of black tea and stay healthy all your life!
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is considered one of the world's healthiest drinks and contains one of the highest amount of antioxidants of any tea. The Chinese have been drinking green tea for centuries and it is now well known that green tea may improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of many health conditions and can assist with weight loss as unsweetened brewed green tea is a zero calorie beverage. Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea, but is harvested at a younger age. It is consumed "fresh", while black tea is consumed roasted. Drinking three cups of green tea a day gives an antioxidant benefit. But green tea contains about 20 grams of caffeine per serve, so be careful if you're sensitive to caffeine.
What is White Tea?
White tea is an antioxidant powerhouse, because white tea leaves are processed only minimally after they are harvested, they hold onto most of their naturally occurring antioxidants which are so important for good health. They protect us from free radicals, fight harmful inflammation and much more. Choose organic as the tea plant readily absorbs fluoride from pesticides. The most popular types of White Tea are White Peony and Silver Needle. White Peony is made from the first and second tips of a tea stem and is considered to be the best quality. It gets its name from the way the brewed leaves seem to bloom like the buds of the first flowers in springtime. The tea has a light yellow colour and refreshing taste and aroma. White tea also tastes different to green, having a smoother, gentler, almost sweet taste.
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha or maccha is a finely ground, bright emerald-green tea powder. It is a natural, organic green tea which has been the heart of the famous Japanese tea ceremony for over 900 years. Matcha is prepared from a high-quality shade-grown leaf known as tencha. The tea bushes are sheltered to avoid the exposure of direct sunlight which reduces the pace of photosynthesis and slows down the growth of the plants. This provides the leaves with a darker shade of green and stimulates the production of chlorophyll and amino acids. Harvesting of matcha is done by hand to ensure selection of youngest and smallest leaves for the finest quality tea. Unlike other green teas, leaves used for matcha are briefly steamed to protect them from oxidation and preserve its flavour and nutritional content.
Bergamot - The citrus fruit is known as the main ingredient in Earl Grey tea and has been used for digestion problems. Look for it in herbal blends rather than as a stand-alone tea.
Chamomile - Chamomile has many benefits, it soothes the stomach and can be helpful for nausea, reflux and abdominal cramps including period pain but the benefits don't stop there - it was recommended in the 1600s to 'comfort the brain' so if you are anxious, swapping coffee for chamomile tea is a good move.
Cinnamon - Not only is it a delicious ingredient in apple pie, cinnamon in herbal tea helps improve digestive function too. Cinnamon is a warming tonic, wonderful for easing winter chills, and also for people who feel the cold.
Fennel - Don't let the distinctive liquorice flavour put you off, fennel tea is often served with honey for indigestion. A weaker form blended with chamomile flowers is great for babies with colic.
Hibiscus- Hibiscus flowers contain high levels of antioxidants, and in tea, it is helpful for the inflammation of mucus membranes.
Peppermint- Excellent for an upset tummy, peppermint tea is also good for sniffily colds. Sipping cool peppermint tea can also help relieve the hot flashes of menopause.
Raspberry Leaf
This herbal brew is particularly good for pregnant women. Drinking raspberry leaf tea was traditionally used to assist in preparing a woman's body for childbirth.
Sage - Even though sage tea is quite pungent to taste, it is a perfect cure for the blues. "It has an uplifting effect and is great during menopause and PMS".
Spearmint- Another tea to get us through a long, cold winter. Spearmint tea is a fragrant way to clear nasal passages - especially delicious mixed with lemongrass.
Source:healthylife
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