If your knowledge of tea varieties is limited to sweet or unsweet, you have a bit to learn about tea—and also how the many different varieties contain several health benefits.
Granville Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at eight different varieties of tea that can make for a healthier you.
- Black Tea
The most common tea, the first thing you’ll want to do, along with limiting the amount of sweet tea you drink, is stick to the fresh-brewed ones and avoid bottled teas at the supermarket or convenience store. If you prefer black tea (hot or iced), it’s high in theaflavins, which can help lower cholesterol, and antioxidants. Black tea also has the most caffeine of any tea, but it’s still around half of what’s in coffee.
- Green Tea
Green tea has around half the caffeine of black tea but is better at fighting disease than black tea, so drink some green tea the next time you’re sick. It can also boost your metabolism and help with insulin sensitivity.
- Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a Chinese tea that has similar health benefits of black tea but comes in a variety of flavors, from fruity to earthy.
- Matcha Tea
Matcha comes from green tea leaves that are ground into a powder and mixed with hot water. This increases the caffeine level to more of what you would get in a cup of coffee and also has three times the antioxidants of traditional green tea.
- Masala Chai
This is black tea that’s infused with a variety of spices to improve its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- White Tea
White tea comes from buds instead of leaves and generally has less caffeine than green or black tea, along with a milder taste. It’s better for your mouth, however, as it won’t cause stains on your teeth and also helps in plaque prevention.
- Chamomile Tea
Herbal teas are caffeine-free, so it’s a great option to drink at night while winding down for bed. Chamomile tea also has an antioxidant that helps you fall asleep and can reduce symptoms of insomnia, especially as you get older.
- Hibiscus Tea
Another herbal (thus caffeine-free) tea that has a nice fruity but a little sour taste. It has more antioxidants than chamomile tea but can have a laxative effect if you drink too much.
To learn more about Granville Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://granville-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
