Federated Health Charities’ mission is to improve the health and quality of life of all Ontarians by supporting 21 different health charities providing critical services to those experiencing, or affected by, illness. We believe education and prevention are key parts of supporting the health of our communities, so our weekly Health Hint series strives to provide tangible and easy to implement hints and tips on how to maintain your health, prevent disease, and enjoy increased quality of life. Check out our latest Health Hint on the benefits of drinking tea. We hope you find it helpful. If you would like to join our efforts to support the health of Ontario, please consider a donation to Federated Health Charities.
People around the world, of diverse cultural backgrounds, have been drinking tea as a part of their daily routine for centuries. It has a deep-rooted history of wellness, tradition, and comfort, across the world.
Regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on health and wellness. Tea contains polyphenols (micronutrients that promote heath and protect against disease) and antioxidants (protect our cells from damage), both of which have been well researched to have health-promoting properties.
Benefits of Tea
Research has found numerous benefits of tea. These benefits vary depending on the specific type of tea, but in general, studies have found the following benefits to regular tea consumption:
- Boost the immune system
- Fight off inflammation
- Ward off cancer, heart disease, and diabetes
- Promote weight loss
- Lower cholesterol
- Increase mental alertness
Types of Tea & Their Benefits
White Tea
White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to China and India, and is considered the least processed kind of tea. While it does contain caffeine, it contains less than black or green tea. It is high in both antioxidants and fluoride. Research has indicated that, due to the high levels of antioxidants, it may be the most effective tea in fighting cancer due to the high level of antioxidants. The high levels of fluoride mean it has been found to be beneficial for your teeth, strengthening them and fighting plaque.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is like white tea, but contains herbs, spices, fruits, and plants, as well as tea leaves. It contains many of the same benefits, but it also is caffeine free, making it known for its calming properties.
Green Tea
Like black tea, green tea originates from China. Green tea has a reputation as being one of the healthiest types of tea, for good reason. It is very high in flavonoids that can help boost heart health, lowering cholesterol, reducing blood clotting, lower blood pressure. Other research shows it has potential impacts on liver, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. On top of this, it has high antioxidant levels that may prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, and reduce the risk of stroke. Finally, it contains anti-inflammatory properties, helping keep skin clear and glowing. Matcha, which has boomed in popularity, is concentrated green tea powder. Since the leaves are ground and you ingest them, they contain even more antioxidants than regular green tea.
Black Tea
Like white and green tea, black tea is also made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plant. It contains flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function and is also shown to reduce the risk of stroke. Of all the teas, black tea contains the highest level of caffeine.
Oolong Tea
Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea, made from same plant and green and black teas, but is processed in a different way. It contains l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention, which research has shown can also help prevent cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, which lower inflammation, prevent the growth of cancers, lower cholesterol and decrease risk of type-2 diabetes.
We hope you enjoyed out latest Health Hint!
References
The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea
The Nutrition Source
Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits
Healthy Diet for the Liver – Health Hint!