Written by: Chantel Biddix / Reviewed by: Lynn Clayton, RDN/LDN
Did you know drinking tea comes with health benefits?
Growing up in the South, when I heard the word “tea,” I automatically thought of sweet tea. It’s a staple beverage at picnics, family reunions, church dinners, etc. It turns out that sweet tea is just a drop in the bucket compared to how many types of tea are available. Believe it or not, there are literally thousands of varieties of teas, and they all have their own unique characteristics! If that’s not amazing enough, all tea comes from the same plant – the Camellia sinensis plant. The differences come from climate and soil variations, how the plant is processed, and the level of oxidation. Teas can be divided into four main varieties: black, oolong, green, and white.
Black Tea
Black teas have the most robust flavors and contain the most caffeine. They are also fully oxidized. Some examples of black teas are Earl Gray, English Breakfast, and Chai. Many people like to add milk to these teas (Have you ever noticed a chai latte on the menu at your local coffee shop?). In 2021, about 84% of all the tea consumed in the United States was black tea (most of which was sweet/iced tea). Studies have shown that people who regularly drink three or more cups of black tea per day have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. One study from Harvard University showed that people who drank at least one cup of black tea per day had a 44% decrease in risk of a heart attack. Flavonoids found in black tea help support a healthy immune system and combat inflammation. Black tea consumption has been shown to reduce incidence of different types of cancer as well.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It has less caffeine than black tea, but more than green or white tea. In the United States, oolong teas are consumed far less often than green or black teas. However, it is still one of the world’s favorite Chinese teas. The process of making oolong tea is a beautiful medley of art, tradition, and expertise. The leaves are oxidized between 20-80 percent and rubbed together repeatedly. A master oolong tea processor knows how to create just the right texture and flavor. Some of these teas have a soft floral flavor, while others are more toasty and nutty. They are known to be high in antioxidants, even more so than green teas. Oolong teas contain an amino acid called L-theanine, which is known to reduce anxiety and increase alertness. It may even help prevent conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Polyphenols found in oolong tea have been shown to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower inflammation, and prevent the growth of some types of cancers.
Green Tea
Green teas contain less caffeine than black or oolong teas. They are unoxidized and undergo minimal processing. The flavor of green tea varies based on the region from which they originate. Some are more grassy flavored, while others have a fruity or chocolaty flavor. Research shows that green teas are anti-inflammatory and provide multiple health benefits from lowering bad cholesterol, reducing blood clotting, and lowering blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
White Tea
Of all the teas, white teas are processed the least. They are not roasted or fermented and are minimally oxidized. White teas have the lowest caffeine content compared to the other types of teas, so they make an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy hot tea while limiting caffeine intake. Studies show that white teas are effective in fighting multiple types of cancer. This is related to their high antioxidant content.
Herbal Teas/Infusions
It’s relevant to take a moment here and discuss herbal teas. These are made from combining boiling water with things like fruits, flowers, herbs, berries, spices, etc. Although they are packaged, steeped, and enjoyed like tea, they do not contain any tea leaves and are technically not teas. Don’t let this deter you from trying them, however. They also boast many health benefits and can be quite delicious. Chamomile tea is great for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep. Peppermint tea is known for its ability to relieve pain from tension headaches and migraines, as well as soothing an upset stomach and relieving constipation.
How to Prepare Tea for Exceptional Flavor
Depending on the type of tea that you chose to enjoy, you want to make sure you steep it at the optimal temperature and time to get the most delicious flavor. Black teas are steeped at a higher temperature, while delicate white teas are steeped at a lower temperature.
Take Time to Slow Down
The relaxing process of preparing and drinking hot tea causes you to slow down, be intentional, and savor the moment. There is something calming about waiting for the water to heat up, slowly pouring it over the tea, allowing it to steep, and sipping it slowly. In the busy world that we live in, we could all benefit from a hot cup of tea once in a while, or, better yet, every day!
We want to know…
Do you drink tea? Have you ever tried hot tea? If so, what are your favorite teas? Are you interested in trying some new teas? Let us know in the comments below, then head over to https://www.bigelowtea.com/ to explore some amazing teas. We hope you find some flavors that you love! Cozy up with a cup of hot tea and enjoy some health benefits as you sip!
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