Many types of tea found in India come from the leaves of a plant called Camellia Sinensis. Its flavour, colour and other properties are determined by how much oxygen the leaves are left open to absorb after harvesting, in a process called oxidisation.
On This International Tea Day, Let’s Explore The Different Types Of Tea And Their Health Benefits
White tea:
This tea is harvested before the plant’s leaves are fully open, and still have white hair-like structures on them. It is not allowed to oxidise as much as other types and is a light tea with the most antioxidants.
Health Benefits Of White Tea
- Anti-cancer properties
- Increases metabolism
- Can help you lose weight
- Helps in preventing heart diseases
- Protects your teeth from bacteria and skin from ageing
Green tea:
This tea develops a green colour because it is not allowed to oxidise, but is fried dry. It is a popular beverage due to its calming effect and richness in antioxidants.
Health Benefits Of Green Tea
- Improves attention and brain activities
- Anti-cancer properties
- Full of catechins that can help in treating many diseases.
Black tea:
It is our everyday tea, and enjoyed both with and without milk. Black tea the most oxidised tea and contains the most amount of caffeine. It is also a popular base for iced tea.
Health Benefits Of Black Tea
- alerts the mind and recharges the nervous system
- can help in preventing heart diseases and stroke
- effective in strengthening the lungs and reducing the effect of cigarette smoke
Oolong tea:
This type of tea is oxidised more than green tea but less than black tea. Due to this, it is found in many forms and flavours.
Health benefits Of Oolong tea
- Famous for aiding in weight loss
- Helps in lowering cholesterol
- Increases immunity and metabolism
- Keeps the heart muscles healthy
Pu-erh tea:
This tea is left to ferment after oxidising, and is aged like wine. It is considered to have rich flavour depending on the time it has been aged. An appealing aroma and taste are to look forward to along with this tea’s health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Pu-erh Tea
- Help in digestion
- Slow the ageing process, and reduce stress
- Helps in preventing diseases due to its anti-bacterial properties
Apart from these, herbal tea is gaining popularity as it is a blend of tea with a variety of flavours. Here are some beneficial herbal teas you should consider adding to your dietary routine:
- Chamomile tea has a calming effect on the body, helps in sleep and also has anti-bacterial properties.
- Hibiscus tea has anti-viral properties and helps in reducing blood pressure.
- Ginger tea keeps the stomach healthy and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peppermint tea reduces nausea, is full of antioxidants and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Now that you know what benefits these different types of tea have, find your flavour and add a cup of health to your diet.
