10 Tea Types and Their Benefits

Tea is one of the most common beverages across the globe. It is usually naturally derived from tea plants. However, herbal tea is brewed from dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs. At the same time, true tea varieties include green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. They differ from herbal teas as they brew from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Tea comes in various flavours and textures, making it an appealing substitute for sweetened beverages or water. In addition, a lot of these tea varieties are beneficial for health and have a pleasant taste. For example, people use many tea varieties to treat various diseases. This article talks about ten tea varieties that could provide you with the most traditional benefits in your modern life.

Health Benefits of Tea

Tea has numerous health benefits. The flavonoids present in tea are responsible for many of its health benefits. Flavonoids are a class of compounds with significant antioxidant qualities and the ability to minimise free radical damage. Let us look at various health benefits of tea.

1. Contains Catechins

Catechins are a type of flavonoid naturally present in tea. It controls blood pressure, helps control weight loss and improves brain health. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-bacterial properties. Studies link the intake of catechins-rich foods with the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

2. Contributes to Heart Health

There is increasing evidence for a protective effect of tea consumption against cardiovascular disease. A review of epidemiological studies and meta-analyses suggests that tea has protective effects against cardiovascular disease. It helps lower blood pressure and positively affects blood lipids, glucose, and body weight. In addition, experimental studies and human intervention studies suggest that tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-proliferative effects and may improve the function of the vascular endothelium. 

3. Essential Vitamins

Vitamins affect the human body in various ways. They are vital elements that the body cannot produce on its own. Therefore, it is essential to obtain the same from our diet. Vitamins are among the five essential nutrients used by the body. A vitamin deficiency can lead to skin problems, stiffness of hands and feet, fatigue and exhaustion. 

Green tea is best known for being richer in vitamins than other beverages. Green tea, high in vitamins, is beneficial to your health when consumed regularly. That makes it the preferred choice for people suffering from a lack of vitamins.

4. Consists of Methylxanthines

Caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline are the most well-known compounds of the methylxanthines family. They are naturally present in tea leaves, yerba mate, coffee beans, cocoa beans, kola nuts and guarana berries. Moreover, caffeine is probably the most broadly consumed central nervous system stimulant globally. 

Tea also contains caffeine, which results in enhanced alertness. In addition, caffeine bears a stimulant impact on the central nervous system (CNS); therefore, it can prevent fatigue and boost mental or physical performance. However, as per studies, the caffeine in tea was 2–3 times smaller than in espresso coffees. Consequently, it is improbable that you’ll experience any withdrawal symptoms if you decide to stop drinking tea.

5. Cures Hangovers

Tea is also helpful in preventing hangovers. It is because caffeine causes the digestion of alcohol more quickly. Tea has been consumed as a favourite drink by humans for centuries. The reason behind it is the refreshing benefits of moderate caffeine in tea.

Nutritional Content

Caffeinated and herbal tea variants contain minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, and zinc. The exact quantity differs based on the age of the tea plant and the environment and climate it grows in. For example, one cup of chamomile herbal tea contains around 5mg of calcium. Additionally, tea contains fluoride. The amount of fluoride varies as per the type and quantity of water used to prepare it.

Black, green, and oolong tea variants contain caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than black tea.

Ten Tea Types and Their Benefits

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is well-known for its relaxing properties. People facing sleep problems drink it to improve the situation. In addition, a study suggests that chamomile tea helps reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms. It has antispasmodic properties that help mitigate premenstrual issues like anxiety and cramps. It also improves blood glucose, insulin, and blood lipid levels amongst people who have type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, chamomile tea possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties. Chamomile also aids in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach ulcers by reducing acidity and inflammation in the stomach.

Green Tea

You can make green tea by steaming the tea leaves. It is rich in antioxidants that fight the free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. As a result, it protects the cells from significant damage. Antioxidants also keep the skin healthy.

Green tea also prevents blockage of arteries and promotes a smooth and regulated blood flow throughout the body. As a result, it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It has a high polyphenol content that helps prevent inflammation in the body. It soothes the digestive tract because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a widely consumed tea worldwide. According to research, it possesses antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. People most commonly use it to promote digestive system health.

As per studies, peppermint oil frequently incorporates additional herbs and helps reduce indigestion, nausea, and stomach pain. 

Another study suggests that peppermint tea helps ease spasms in the intestines, oesophagus, and colon by relaxing and soothing the muscles present in the digestive tract.

In addition, it helps treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, if you’re suffering from digestive issues like cramps, nausea, or indigestion, peppermint tea is an excellent natural cure to consider.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a delicious beverage high in antioxidants. It also prevents inflammation and boosts the immune system. As per studies, ginger helps reduce nausea, particularly in early pregnancy. Additionally, it helps with nausea produced by cancer therapies and motion sickness. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger aids in the prevention of stomach ulcers and ease indigestion or constipation. Ginger can also mitigate dysmenorrhea or painful periods. 

Ginger contains Zingibain, which safeguards the body from inflammation. Zingibain works by preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are pro-inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals contract the uterus and cause pain. Therefore, women can consume ginger tea to alleviate menstrual discomfort. You can also drink ginger tea to regulate blood sugar and lipid levels because it limits the release of enzymes that disrupts insulin absorption in the body. 

Hibiscus Tea

You can prepare hibiscus tea using the flowers of the hibiscus plant. It has a pleasant, tangy flavour and looks pink with a reddish hue. 

Hibiscus tea has antiviral qualities, and it effectively fights bird flu. Hibiscus tea also works effectively in reducing blood pressure. That is because it helps facilitate the blood flow in the body uninterruptedly. Additionally, regular consumption of hibiscus tea also reduces the risk of oxidative stress in the body. Prolonged oxidative stress is the primary cause of certain chronic diseases. 

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea tea is a well-known cure for preventing and alleviating the common cold. It lessens the severity of the symptoms associated with the common cold and improves the body’s immune system.

Echinacea tea further aids the body in tackling viruses and prevents diseases. It also lowers the risk of contracting infections and relieves a sore throat or a congested nose.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is a type of herbal tea native to South Africa. It comes from the rooibos or red bush plant’s leaves. For centuries, Africans have used it for medicinal purposes. 

As per studies, rooibos tea is beneficial to bone health. When consumed with green and black tea, rooibos tea activates the cells responsible for bone density and formation. Therefore, it is helpful for older adults who have weakened bones and suffer from frequent joint pain. Drinking rooibos tea can alleviate this issue. The tea also lowers inflammation and cell toxicity.  

Sage Tea

Sage tea is well known for its therapeutic capabilities. However, scientific study is beginning to back up numerous health advantages, mainly brain function.

As per studies, sage tea contains antioxidants and is advantageous for cognitive performance. Additionally, it fights the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and plaques. It also improves the cognitive performance of patients with Alzheimer. It also imparts mental benefits to healthy adults. 

Sage tea is rich in antioxidants that strengthen the brain’s defence system. Sage tea also restricts the breakdown of the chemical messenger acetylcholine responsible for regulating memory. As a result, it effectively improves mood, mental function, and memory in healthy adults.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea has a mild, lemony taste and benefits your health. Drinking lemon balm tea improves the elasticity of the arteries of our bodies. Stiffness in arteries is one of the leading causes of severe health issues like heart disease, stroke, and cognitive dysfunction. Stiff arteries interrupt a smooth blood flow in the body. It further makes it challenging for the heart to pump blood. 

Lemon balm tea makes the skin soft and supple. The skin starts to lose its elasticity as people get older. Lemon Balm Tea contains antioxidants that are healthy for the skin. It nourishes the skin and keeps it healthy and free from toxins. 

Drinking lemon balm tea for a month boosts the antioxidant content of the body. In addition, it further protects DNA from oxidative stress and the resultant damage, which negatively affect the DNA and other essential components of the cell. 

Rose Hip Tea

You can prepare rosehip tea using the rose plant’s fruit. It’s rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties. The antioxidants fight free radicals present in the body and prevent any chronic disease. 

Rose Hip Tea has anti-inflammatory qualities. As per studies, rosehip tea alleviates inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It reduces inflammation and the associated symptoms like severe pain etc. 

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of rosehip also aid in preventing skin ageing. Antioxidants retain the natural glow of the skin. It lessens the wrinkles on the face and boosts its elasticity. It also keeps the skin hydrated.

Passionflower Tea

You can make passionflower tea from the passionflower plant’s flowers, stems, and leaves. The use of passionflower tea helps reduce anxiety and promotes sleep. Studies suggest that consuming passionflower tea for a week enhances sleep quality considerably. It also lowers anxiety levels.

Research suggests that consuming passionflower with clonidine helps alleviate the mental symptoms of opioid withdrawal. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and agitation. Clonidine is the drug typically used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. 

Homemade Herbal Tea

Different people use various herbs depending on their preferences and tastes. However, ginger, cardamom, cloves, mint, and holy basil are the most popular herbs used in herbal tea. You can also use lemongrass, galangal, pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, fennel seeds, ashwagandha leaf, rose petals, nutmeg, and honey.

The medical worth and the climate determine the herbs you can use in herbal tea. For example, some plants, like ginger and cloves, generate heat in the body. On the other hand, mint, tulsi (holy basil), and rose petals have a chilling effect.

Precautions

Tea has several benefits, but drinking too much of it might harm your health.

Caffeine Overdose

Caffeine overdose is a threat to your health, in excess can cause agitation, restlessness, and sleep disruptions. Some people can also face loose stools and other digestive issues.

In addition, excessive caffeine can cause nausea, abdominal pain, heartburn, headache and muscle soreness. It can also react with certain drugs and spike caffeine’s effects in our body. Everyday caffeine intake should not exceed 400mg per day.

Other Precautions

• The FDA cautions against the consumption of ‘dieter’s teas,’ which contain senna, aloe, buckthorn, and other plant-derived laxatives.
• Avoid consuming hibiscus tea if you are on diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide. The combination can react with one another. Moreover, hibiscus tea can affect the effectiveness of aspirin. Therefore take either after 4 to 5 hours of consumption of any one of it. 
• People who have tuberculosis or AIDS should avoid echinacea tea. 

Conclusion

The numerous health benefits of tea extend far beyond strengthening the immune system. You should consume tea daily to help avoid neurological degeneration and safeguard heart health.

You will end up finding a tea flavour you like the best. It can range from green tea to herbal tea bags. Savour the rich vegetal flavours of classic teas, or substitute it with herbal teas’ floral, citrus, spicy, and fruity flavours. This refreshing elixir will undoubtedly keep you healthy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many types of tea are there?

A. There are over 3000 varieties of tea. All tea varieties come from the leaves of one plant called Camellia sinensis. Based on the type of tea leaves picked and the level of oxidation or processing, tea is classified into five primary types: Black tea, Green tea, Oolong tea, White tea and Pu-erh tea. Moreover, herbal tea is also a variant made from infused dried herbs, fruits, and flowers. 

2. What are the top 10 herbal teas?

A. There are a lot of herbal teas available for the consumer. The top ten herbal teas are chamomile tea, green tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea, hibiscus tea, Echinacea tea, rooibos tea, sage lemon tea, balm rose-hip tea and passionflower tea. 

3. What tea is healthiest?

A. Green tea is considered the healthiest tea. It is one of the least processed true teas because it does not undergo oxidation. It contains polyphenols and antioxidants, which help boost brain and heart health. Also, it has been used for its medicinal properties for many years. 

4. Is tea healthier than coffee?

A. Yes, tea is healthier than coffee because it contains less caffeine than coffee. Coffee has twice as much caffeine as tea. Moreover, tea contains more antioxidants than coffee. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the body. 

5. Which tea is best for weight loss?

A. Green tea is considered the most effective for weight loss. It is high in a type of antioxidant called catechins. Catechins control blood pressure, help control weight loss and improve brain health. In addition, they boost your metabolism and increase fat burning metabolism in the body. 

6. Does tea stain your teeth?

A. Black, green, and herbal teas contain a chemical compound called tannins, which naturally stain your teeth and gums. Green tea can leave a dull grey stain on your teeth. Black tea can leave a yellowish stain. Even herbal teas like chamomile and hibiscus tea can cause staining and discolouration if regularly consumed over time.

7. Does lemon tea burn belly fat?

A. Lemon tea can help burn belly fat as it contains very few calories. In addition, lemons help you lose weight because of vitamin C and antioxidants, which improve digestion. Moreover, lemons also have diuretic properties, which help detoxify the body, thereby helping you burn fat.