Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reasons. Not only does it taste great, but it also has many health benefits that can improve your well-being. Whether you prefer green, black, white, oolong, or herbal teas, there is a tea for every mood and occasion. In this article, we will explore 11 types of tea and their amazing health benefits, as well as some tips on how to brew them.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are steamed and dried before brewing. Green tea has a high concentration of a powerful antioxidant called EGCG, which may help prevent and fight various types of cancer, such as bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers 1. Green tea may also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and improving blood flow to the brain 1. Additionally, green tea may boost your metabolism and help you burn fat, as well as protect your brain from aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s 1.
To enjoy the health benefits of green tea, you should brew it with water that is not boiling, but around 80°C (176°F), and steep it for 2 to 3 minutes. You can add a slice of lemon or some honey to enhance the flavor and the antioxidant effect.
2. Black Tea
Black tea is also made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but they are fermented and oxidized, giving it a darker color and a stronger flavor. Black tea has the highest caffeine content among the true teas, and it may help improve your mental alertness and energy levels. Black tea may also lower the risk of diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, and prevent tooth decay and bad breath by inhibiting bacterial growth in the mouth 1. Furthermore, black tea may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are linked to chronic diseases and aging 1.
To brew a perfect cup of black tea, you should use boiling water and steep it for 3 to 5 minutes. You can add some milk, sugar, or spices to suit your taste.
3. White Tea
White tea is the least processed of the true teas, as it is made from the young buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are simply withered and dried. White tea has a delicate and floral flavor, and it contains the most antioxidants among the true teas. White tea may help prevent cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells, and lower the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function and lowering cholesterol 1. White tea may also have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, and protect the skin from UV damage and wrinkles 1.
To brew white tea, you should use water that is below boiling, around 70°C (158°F), and steep it for 2 to 4 minutes. You can enjoy white tea plain or with a touch of honey.
4. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is somewhere between green and black tea, as it is partially fermented and oxidized. Oolong tea has a complex and aromatic flavor, ranging from floral to fruity to nutty. Oolong tea may help with weight loss by increasing the metabolism and burning fat, and lower the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control 1. Oolong tea may also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and enhance the immune system by fighting infections and inflammation 1.
To brew oolong tea, you should use water that is near boiling, around 90°C (194°F), and steep it for 3 to 6 minutes. You can re-steep the same leaves for multiple infusions, as the flavor will change with each steeping.
5. Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea is a type of fermented and aged tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Pu-erh tea has a rich and earthy flavor, and it is often compressed into cakes or bricks. Pu-erh tea may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and prevent the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries 1. Pu-erh tea may also aid digestion and detoxification, by stimulating the production of bile and enzymes, and enhancing the breakdown of fats and alcohol 1.
To brew pu-erh tea, you should rinse the leaves with boiling water for a few seconds, then steep them for 2 to 5 minutes. You can re-steep the same leaves for multiple infusions, as the flavor will become smoother and sweeter with each steeping.
6. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas, made from the flowers of the chamomile plant. Chamomile tea has a sweet and soothing flavor, and it is often used for its calming and relaxing effects. Chamomile tea may help reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression, by inducing a sense of well-being and tranquility 2. Chamomile tea may also help with digestive problems, such as nausea, indigestion, gas, and bloating, by relaxing the muscles and nerves in the stomach and intestines 2.
To brew chamomile tea, you should use boiling water and steep it for 3 to 5 minutes. You can add some honey or lemon to enhance the flavor and the health benefits.
7. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is another popular herbal tea, made from the leaves of the peppermint plant. Peppermint tea has a refreshing and minty flavor, and it is often used for its cooling and invigorating effects. Peppermint tea may help relieve the symptoms of common cold, such as sore throat, cough, and congestion, by clearing the nasal passages and soothing the respiratory tract 3. Peppermint tea may also help with digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, by relaxing the muscles and nerves in the gastrointestinal tract and reducing spasms and pain 2.
To brew peppermint tea, you should use boiling water and steep it for 5 to 10 minutes. You can enjoy peppermint tea hot or cold, plain or with some honey.
8. Rosehip Tea
Rosehip tea is made from the fruits of the rose plant, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Rosehip tea has a tangy and fruity flavor, and it is often used for its immune-boosting and anti-aging effects. Rosehip tea may help prevent and treat infections, such as colds and flu, by enhancing the production and function of white blood cells . Rosehip tea may also help protect the skin and the brain from aging, by scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammation .
To brew rosehip tea, you should use boiling water and steep it for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add some sugar or honey to balance the tartness and increase the sweetness.
9. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is a unique herbal tea, made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, which grows only in South Africa. Rooibos tea has a distinctive earthy and sweet flavor, and it is naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins. Rooibos tea may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevent the hardening of the arteries, by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that constricts blood vessels . Rooibos tea may also help treat colic in infants, by relaxing the muscles and nerves in the stomach and intestines .
To brew rooibos tea, you should use boiling water and steep it for 5 to 10 minutes. You can drink rooibos tea plain or with some milk and sugar.
10. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is made from the root of the ginger plant, which has a spicy and warming flavor. Ginger tea is often used for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger tea may help with motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea, by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric juices, and suppressing the vomiting reflex. Ginger tea may also help with arthritis, muscle pain, and headaches, by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain .
To brew ginger tea, you should peel and slice some fresh ginger root, and boil it in water for 10 to 20 minutes. You can add some honey or lemon to enhance the flavor and the health benefits.
11. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant, which has a lemony and minty flavor. Lemon balm tea is often used for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving effects. Lemon balm tea may help improve cognitive function, memory, and attention, by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for learning and memory . Lemon balm tea may also help reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia, by modulating the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that is involved in relaxation and sleep.
