Tea is the second most popular drink enjoyed by people all around the world. There is a large history and diverse flavours. Did you know that tea offers a wide range of health benefits? From reducing stress to improving brain function, different types of teas have it all. Below you can find out about the benefits of different teas and maybe find yourself a tasty, healthy new drink to sip away at.
Black Tea
Black tea is one the most popular drinks worldwide. Not only do people seem to love it, it also has some great health benefits.
Similar to Green tea, black tea contains caffeine which is great for brain function, increasing mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory.
Black tea contains theaflavins and flavonoids amongst other antioxidants. These can help reduce the risk of heart disease by 8%, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes.
Green Tea
Green tea is seen as one of the most healthy teas and can bring many benefits to your life.
Green tea contains natural antioxidants that can help prevent damage to your cells as well as other benefits.
Tea has an abundance of polyphenols. These compounds help reduce inflammation and can supposedly have some benefits in helping to fight cancer.
Green tea can help reduce the creation of “free radicals”. Free radicals play a part in ageing as well as other diseases.
Not only does Green tea have physical health benefits - it may also help improve your brain function. This is due to the caffeine in green tea. Caffeine has been shown to improve mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine has been shown to help with anxiety and increasing dopamine.
Green tea has shown promising signs of aiding with fat burning. There are studies pointing towards green tea increasing the number of calories burnt, as well as increasing fat oxidation compared to those taking a placebo. There are also some studies that do not show an increase in these figures - so it may only affect certain individuals this way or the studies were set up in ways that promoted different results.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a flowering plant that is native to warm, temperate, subtropical and tropical areas of the world. They are known for their beautiful flowers and can be used in lots of cuisine.
Hibiscus is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin c and has also been used as medicine across the world. The antioxidants in Hibiscus get rid of free radicals which damage cells that can contribute to diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Hibiscus has also shown a role in fighting inflammation and lowering blood pressure. This may help inhibit the growth of Cancers, Asthma, Alzheimer's and more.
You’d think we’re done with Hibiscus, but we’re not! It has also shown signs of lowering cholesterol, promoting weight loss, fighting bacteria, and helping to protect the liver.
Turmeric & Ginger
We’ve combined these two into one section as Turmeric and Ginger are commonly found in tea’s together - they just work so well together!
Inflammation is a common theme for the benefits of different teas. Playing a huge part in the development of many conditions and worsening symptoms in others inflammation is a very common issue. Luckily Ginger and Turmeric have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can not only help protect against the development of these conditions but also reduce common pain.
Our immune system is extremely important to keeping you in top condition, and ginger and Turmeric can help support it. I’ve always loved a wee cup of ginger and turmeric tea when I've come down with a stinky cold.
Another benefit of Turmeric and Ginger tea is reducing nausea, helping with bloating and pretty much any digestive issues.
Turmeric Ginger Tea Tin & Spoon - Organic, Fair-Trade Herbal Tea
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has shown great signs in reducing stress (specifically cortisol levels). Not only can it reduce stress, but it has also shown signs in reducing anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha can also help with standard fatigue, it may provide stimulating effects by reducing exhaustion caused by stress. It can even increase your physical endurance up to 100%. This makes Ashwagandha a great alternative to caffeinated drinks.
Not only can it help with physical health, but it can keep you looking physically better as well since Ashwagandha encourages the product of natural oils in your skin, helps reduce acne and has anti-aging properties.
Skin Tea - Whole Leaf Silky Pyramids
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey Tea is one of the most popular teas in the world. Earl Grey is commonly a black tea base that is then flavoured with bergamot orange. This means it has all the benefits of the black tea base, as well as the bergamot orange benefits added on.
Like other teas with caffeine, Earl Grey can boost brain function and energy, though it may have lower levels of caffeine than coffee, it can still do the trick.
Bergamot is recognised as having antibacterial properties which can help improve immunity and soothe you when you’re feeling under the weather.
Bergamot also has natural qualities that can help boost your mood and reduce your anxiety. Another benefit is that it can be beneficial for your teeth, as Earl Grey contains an antioxidant called “catechin”. This antioxidant helps protect you from oral infections.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea is an extremely popular health tea, commonly used for it’s relaxing properties both for anxiety and as a sleep aid.
Chamomile contains apigenin which is an antioxidant that promotes sleepiness. If used alongside a valerian root supplement it can help wind you down for a good night's sleep (it worked for me!)
Chamomile can help to reduce the severity of anxiety and depression, as well as improving digestive health, benefitting blood sugar control, and improving heart health.
So... The benefits of different teas
There are many different teas with different benefits. If you have an issue or worry it could be worth trying out some of these teas to see if it benefits you and provides some relief - and they are also super tasty as well, so there's no harm in trying.
