When it comes to herbal teas and other types of tea, the list of varieties seems endless with so many choices. How can you be sure which types of tea you will like and which ones offer the health benefits that you need? Here is the lowdown on what tea has to offer and how it can help you.
Herbal teas are great if you want to relax and enjoy a great infusion of flavor but not consume any caffeine. Popular herbal infusions include fruits, flowers, or leaves that are combined with the hot water. You may have heard of chamomile, which is known to be a comfort tea that settles the stomach, soothes the throat and helps one fall to sleep. If you have digestion problems or want to detoxify the body, an herbal tea is the way to go.
If you are nervous, Rooibos tea can help calm your nerves. Rooibos tea, also known as red tea, unique in its ruby color and sweet, subtle favor is another tea that soothes you. It has also been linked to helping with allergies and digestive problems.
Another choice for herbal teas is Mate tea. Mate tea is steeped from dry leaves and is especially popular in countries in Central America and South America. Loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, Mate tea can lower cholesterol*. However, studies are still researching whether or not carcinogens are found in the tea and whether it is linked with causing cancer. It is said that the very hot temperature that Mate tea is served at may have something to do with the risk. This controversial herbal tea has a blend of health benefits but also a scary health risk that is still being researched. You may want to read up on where you can find this tea, and what the hype is really all about.
A different type of tea that earns its name for being light in color and flavor is white tea. This tea prevents colon cancer*, controls obesity* and provides an abundance of antioxidants. White tea is also great when infused with cherries, pomegranate seeds, or apples. It is best steeped in water that is between 170 and 185 degrees.
You’ve probably heard that green tea boosts metabolism and have been it listed as an ingredient in many health supplements and diet pills. It is true that green tea is said to boost metabolism, but it also does many more things besides that. It can also reduce the risks of certain types of cancer, and even lower the risk of heart disease. There are many variations of green tea (it comes from China and Japan), and it is great served hot or cold. You have to steep it between 170 and 185 degrees so that it retains its sweet flavor, otherwise it can be very bitter.
If you are looking for a tea that will keep you awake all day and on your toes, black tea is known for being the go-to tea for those in search of a caffeinated beverage. Black tea also has a powerful, strong flavor and it can retain its flavor a lot longer than other teas, which can ultimately lose their flavor. This tea is specifically known to help patients with coronary artery disease.
You may have heard of a tea diet, and while green tea is also associated with the weight loss industry, it is Oolong tea that is said to be able to reduce obesity. This tea was used as ancient medicine in China and is said to activate the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving triglyceride, a type of fat that is carried into the bloodstream that causes obesity. It is marketed for being a weight-loss tea or a tea diet, and while it may be beneficial, obviously diet and exercise are going to be essential for overall weight loss results. This tea can also be infused with different flavors and often is infused with woods to add to the taste.
The variations of herbal tea and other types of tea do go on and on. It is best to experiment and sample different teas to find out what you preference is. When people claim that they don’t like tea, it makes you want to ask if they’ve tried all types of tea. With so many undeniable health benefits and variations, you know you will always feel healthy drinking tea and you can also try a new herbal tea or a tea you’ve never tried before to spice things up!
