Black, green, white, and oolong teas all come from the same plant known as Camellia Sinensis.
The more processing the leaves of the plant undergo, the darker they will turn. (Green and white being steamed quickly, black and oolong being dried and fermented.)
Regardless of the processing method, brewed tea not only tastes good, but can have many health benefits as well;
- Tea contains antioxidants. Antioxidants can help slow down the aging process, and help cells regenerate and repair. Many studies suggest antioxidants also assist our bodies in preventing cancer.
- Tea can lower stress hormone levels. Black tea can reduce the effects of stressful events by lowering the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.
- Tea fights cavities and reduces plaque. Compounds in tea are capable of killing or suppressing growth and acid production of cavity causing bacteria in our mouths.
- Tea keeps you hydrated. Every cup of tea you drink, especially low or no caffeine varieties, counts as a cup of water with the added bonus of providing antioxidants as well.
- Tea may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Tea can help prevent formation of dangerous blood clots which are often the cause of strokes and heart attacks.
- Tea can help lower blood pressure. Drinking green tea daily can reduce your risk of hypertension by up to 50%.
- Tea aids your body in digestion. Tea has been used for thousands of years as an after-meal digestive aid. It can also help relieve stomach cramps.
- Tea may help prevent diabetes. There is some evidence to suggest that green tea might help to lower the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes.
- Tea can help beat bacteria. An Egyptian study testing the effects of green tea on antibiotics found the tea to enhance the bacteria killing effects of the drugs.
- Tea aids your immune defenses. A study comparing the immune activity levels of coffee drinkers vs. tea drinkers found the tea drinkers to have levels up to five times higher.
Aside from these ten, there are many more benefits to drinking tea. Find a variety you like, and enjoy a cup or two daily.
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Image credit: Kanko on flickr creative commons.
I’ve never been a tea or coffee drinker. I have gotten too reliant of soda for caffeine and am trying to stop.
I heard that tea is good for you in so many ways and has some caffeine (which helps me get through the day – 2 kids under 4).
I want to start drinking it, but don’t have a clue where to start. I’ve never liked the taste of tea before. All I’ve ever had is the store brand and the terrible sweet tea served everywhere here in the south.
Can anyone suggest some types of tea to start with? Which teas have more caffiene and which have less? Which have stronger taste or milder taste? Anything to help someone try to get started drinking tea for the health benefits.
These are the reasons why I switched from drinking coffee to tea three years ago. It”s good to have a post like this to inform people regarding the health benefit of tea. Thanks!
Wow, I didn’t realize that 4 differing teas came from the same plant. That is really interesting. I’m wondering now, which is the better for you, green, black, etc. And, I wonder which has more caffeine than the others.