Enjoy The Fruits Of The Camellia Sinensis
Tea has been a beverage staple for thousands of years, dating back to 2737 BCE. From its origins in ancient China to one of the most consumed types of beverages worldwide, tea has been a staple for comfort, ailments, and general body health since its discovery. If you haven’t been drinking enough tea, it’s never too late to start.
1. Cancer
While mostly shown in animal research, several studies have suggested that black and green teas can help protect you against cancer. This is likely due to the high amount of antioxidants that exist in tea, specifically the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG. While not widely confirmed, EGCG has been shown to reduce the risk of bladder cancer.
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2. Diabetes
Green tea polyphenols (naturally occurring plant compounds) have been shown to decrease lipid peroxidation, which is a process that leads to cell damage. Furthermore, green tea can help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Weight Loss
Certain teas, like green tea, can increase your metabolism, promoting fat breakdown. Furthermore, drinking tea is a great way to enjoy a low-calorie beverage when you’re craving something besides water. Tea can also help with appetite control, digestion, and fluid retention.
4. Hydration
Well, it is just water. Certain teas, like green or black, contain caffeine, which increases urine production, resulting in some fluid loss, but overall, you’re still getting your water intake up. Herbal teas are a great option for hydration as they don’t have the diuretic effect and contain electrolytes.
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5. Brain Health
Teas are full of antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine - all of which reduce brain inflammation. Not to mention, the amino acid L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity, which promotes relaxation and calm focus. In fact, drinking tea regularly can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
6. Antioxidants
Hibiscus tea is well-known for being the most antioxidant-rich of the bunch, and offers plenty of heart health benefits, low blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol. Other antioxidant-rich teas include matcha, green tea, white tea, oolong, and rooibos.
7. Immune System
Again, the antioxidant benefits of tea cannot be understated. The antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, combat free radicals in the body - unstable molecules that steal electrons from healthy molecules. Certain compounds in green and black tea have also been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
8. Relaxes You
Aside from the general coziness of curling up with a big mug of tea on a cold day, the aforementioned L-theanine will keep you alert without making you jittery. Other teas like chamomile and peppermint also contain apigenin - an anxiety reducer, which relaxes your digestive system.
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9. Boosts Energy
Tea has a wonderful one-two punch of blocking adenosine, the sleepy chemical, while still keeping you relaxed. While coffee can block that sleepy chemical, it doesn't have the same energy boost that caffeine-full teas provide.
10. Aids Digestion
Herbal and black teas relax digestive muscles, increase bile flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut bacteria. We’d recommend peppermint, ginger, and chamomile for these tummy-relieving results.
1. Butterfly Pea Flower
This herbal tea comes from a plant common in Southeast Asia, known as the Clitoria ternatea. The tea has a gorgeous blue color that will change based on the pH level of added substances. It supports skin and hair health, reduces inflammation, and can help boost your metabolism.
2. Lapsang Souchong
Created by smoking black tea leaves over a pinewood fire, Lapsang souchong is a smoky, but not bitter, tea that comes from the Fujian Province of China. The flavor of the tea is mild, but aromatic, and still contains all the benefits of a standard black tea.
3. Pu-erh
Another China-based tea, pu-erh, is a fermented tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis var. Assamica, which is native to the Yunnan Province. The tea has an earthy and complex flavor profile, but is known for supporting digestive and liver health.
4. Moringa
Moringa tea comes from the Moringa oleifera, or the “miracle tree.” It’s native to northern India, which is well-liked for its herbal medicine and water purification properties. This particular tea is caffeine-free, but still contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your immune system.
5. Buckwheat
This tea is made from roasted buckwheat and is quite popular in Korea, Japan, and China. This tea can be served warm or cold, and has a high fiber content. The tea is also known to support blood sugar and blood pressure regulation, and strengthen the blood vessels.
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6. Butter Tea
Butter tea is a traditional Tibetan beverage that consists of black tea, yak butter, and salt. The tea is quite creamy and savory, and was made as a way to sustain Tibetans through the harsh weather. Butter tea will provide you with more energy, support digestion, and has plenty of vitamins and minerals.
7. Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is a type of black tea that originates from West Bengal, India. The leaves are picked between March and November, resulting in a floral, fruity aroma. Darjeeling tea is known to support heart health, boost metabolism, and improve bone density.
8. Schisandra Berry
Native to the forests of Northern China and Russia, schisandra berries are small and bright red and have a unique flavor profile. The berries have been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries, promoting liver health, mental performance, skin health, immune system support, and stress management.
9. Kava Kava
Kava kava is a plant that comes from the Pacific Islands. The plant has typically been used for its psychoactive benefits and has been a traditional ceremonial beverage in Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Kava kava tea can promote muscle relaxation, sleepiness, and euphoria when consumed in small doses. Kava is no longer accessible in Canada, but it is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
10. Yellow
Yellow tea is one of the rarer types of tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis, and is quite similar to green tea without the grassy smell. The added step of sweltering the tea leaves is not a commonly practiced method anymore, making it a highly sought-after beverage. It still contains all the health benefits of green tea, just with a milder and sweeter flavor.
