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Tea was always regarded as a key to good health, happiness, and wisdom in the East. In recent years, the westerners discovered many health benefits of tea.
What are the health benefits of tea?
Strictly speaking, only green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea are considered as tea. These tea leaves contain a unique antioxidant known as flavonoids. Flavonoids may be beneficial against free radicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, and clogged arteries. These teas also have caffeine and theanine, which increases mental alertness.
These are the potential health benefits of tea:
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Green tea
Green tea, made with steamed leaves, contains antioxidants that may:
- Slow the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers
- Prevent arterial clogs
- Offset oxidative stress on the brain
- Lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
- Lower the risk of stroke
- Improve cholesterol levels
- Burn fat
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Black tea
Black tea, made with fermented leaves, has the highest caffeine content. Studies have shown that black tea may:
- Prevent lung damage due to cigarette smoke exposure
- Decrease the risk of stroke
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White tea
White tea, being uncured and unfermented, is the most potent in preventing cancers as compared to more processed teas.
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Oolong tea
It was discovered in a study that animals given antioxidants from oolong tea resulted in lower bad cholesterol levels. On the other hand, Wuyi, a variety of Oolong, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement without scientific claims.
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Pu-erh tea
Considered a black tea made from fermented and aged leaves, the leaves are pressed into cakes. One animal study revealed that pu-erh led to less weight gain and reduced bad cholesterol.
How about the health benefits of herbal teas?
Herbal teas are made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water. Generally, herbal teas have lower concentrations of antioxidants. The health benefits of herbal teas are supported by limited data. However, claims that these tea helps to lose weight, fight colds, and encourage restful sleep are largely unsupported.
Reference:
Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits. [Internet] [cited 2018 October 6] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits#1
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
