List of the Healthiest Teas

Tea is the most popular, as well as the most commonly consumed, drink in the world, besides water. According to records, more than 15 billion six-ounce cups of tea are drunk by people from across the world on a daily basis. Tea is simply a brew made by steeping the dried and processed leaves, buds, and twigs of a plant, namely, Camellia sinensis in hot or warm water. Camellia sinensis is a plant native to India and China, and contains in it antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids.  These antioxidants are regarded as being beneficial in reducing one’s chances of developing such devastating ailments as heart disease, cancer, and clogged arteries. Tea is also considered a stimulant, as it consists of elements like caffeine and theanine that stimulate the brain and aid mental alertness. In fact, teas are considered a healthy drink and are beneficial to lower cholesterol levels and prevent the onset of many serious ailments.  Listed below are some of the healthiest teas as well as their benefits.

Green Tea

This is perhaps the healthiest of all teas, as it is the least processed. In other words, green tea is made from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis. As a result, it contains a high content of polyphenols with cetachin like epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – a powerful antioxidant that helps to scavenge free radicals, thereby helping to prevent different types of diseases. In order to derive the complete benefits of green tea, it is recommended to drink 8 cups of green tea a day. Some of the prime benefits of drinking green tea are:

• Inhibiting pre-cancerous lesions
• Lowering bad cholesterol and elevating good cholesterol (HDL)
• Stabilizing blood pressure (BP)
• Lowering blood sugar and relieving type-II diabetes
• Preventing tooth decay
• Boosting energy
• Helping the body to burn calories
• Minimizing the chances of skin diseases and infections
• Inhibiting bad breath or halitosis
• Protecting the liver against toxins like alcohol
• Preventing blood clots

Green tea has a grass-like taste, and its flavor varies based on whether it is prepared in Chinese or Japanese tradition. Most popular among the green teas are decaffeinated green tea; green chai tea, that is available in different flavors like Kashmiri green chai and spicy green chai; herbal green tea with elements that aid for the enhanced functioning of the cardiovascular system; iced green tea; and Arizona green tea with a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs.

Black Tea

In contrast to green tea, black tea undergoes a fermentation process, and is regarded as the most oxidized of all teas. Therefore, it has a darker hue and a richer flavor when compared to white or green tea. Among the benefits of drinking black tea are:

• Preventing clogged arteries
• Lowering bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Reducing the chances of stroke
• Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease
• Improving digestion
  

White Tea

• Preventing different types of cancers that affect the prostate, colon, and stomach
• Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
• Enhancing functioning of the heart as well as the entire circulatory system
• Strengthening bones
• Healthier skin
• Healthier teeth and gums

Oolang Tea

• Preventing cavities
• Enhancing blood flow to the heart
• Strengthening bones
• Improving digestion

Apart from these, herbal teas are also regarded as beneficial for health. Herbal teas are mostly made from fruits, seeds, and herbs. For instance, herbal teas such as chamomile tea help to prevent diabetes and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Likewise, hibiscus tea helps to lower blood pressure. Further, such herbal teas as cramp bark tea and ginger root tea are considered effective for relieving menstrual cramps.