After water, tea is the second most popular beverage. This statement was reaffirmed in an article published by National Geography in April 2014. According to the article, the world’s top beverage is not Coffee or Beer, its Tea. A good cup of tea is the perfect way to start your day.
What does the research say?
Numerous studies have been carried out to emphasize the health benefits associated tea consumption. A paper titled –Tea and Health: Studies in Humans authored by Naghma Khan and Hasan Mukhtar with affiliation to Helfaer Professor of Cancer Research, Director and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, says that drinking tea has been considered a health-promoting habit since ancient times and modern medical research is providing a scientific basis for this belief. Each new study published in the scientific literature strengthens the evidence that tea drinking is good for your health.
In their paper, the authors say, “Tea plant Camellia sinensis has been cultivated for thousands of years and its leaves have been used for medicinal purposes. Tea is used as a popular beverage worldwide and its ingredients are now finding medicinal benefits”.
“Encouraging data showing cancer-preventive effects of green tea from cell culture, animal, and human studies have emerged. There is increasing evidence that black tea could have similar benefits. Tea consumption has also been shown to be useful for the prevention of many debilitating human diseases that include maintenance of cardiovascular and metabolic health,” they add.
With tea becoming the latest super-drink among health enthusiasts all over the world, trying various options and experiencing its health benefits, it’s time for us to magnify our knowledge for the same! It’s no wonder that Green tea, Black tea, and Chamomile tea, to name a few, have gained acceptance among many as a health drink. Why not? They help us in many ways!
You may not be aware that there are many new teas on the market, including Dandelion Tea, Ginseng, Peppermint and Cranberry teas.
This article will guide you to the best type of tea that will provide you with the health benefits you seek.
How Tea Can Help You
1. For your digestive systemJasmine tea, Peppermint tea, Chamomile Tea, Dandelion Tea, and Cranberry Tea are the best teas for stomach and liver relief. Many restaurants serve Jasmine Tea as an appetizer. That’s because of Jasmine tea aids in digestion and helps produce saliva which contains digestive enzymes.
Chamomile tea relaxes and eases the digestive system, as well as peristaltic muscle. It also helps to reduce menstrual cramps. A paper titled Chamomile: An herbal medicine of the past with bright future reiterates the above statements. It says, “Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids”. The study also says that Chamomile tea is one of the world’s most popular herbal teas and about a million cups are consumed every day.
Peppermint and dandelions tea can reduce bloating following a heavy meal, and also increase digestive enzyme secretion. A review of the potential health benefits and bioactivity of peppermint, published in a study entitled: A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea, suggests that Peppermint leaves and essential oil are used to make tea and are used as traditional medicines.
2. Cold, cough, and fluGinger, thyme, and tea with white blossoms contain essential oils, which help the immune system fight off viruses and infections. Ginger tea and honey are an ancient Indian alternative medicine for treating colds and coughs. Ginger root contains anti-inflammatory compounds, gingerols and shogaol, that help soothe a sore neck quickly and kill cold-causing virus.
3. Pain reliefGreen tea, Chamomile Red Bush and Rooibos Tea. Green tea is the best remedy for body aches and swelling. These teas are packed with antioxidants and minerals which give them the magical pain relieving qualities.
Green tea can reduce puffiness around the eye and dark circles when used as an eyepad. Many of the beneficial effects of green tea are related to its catechin, particularly (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, content. “There are human studies on using green tea catechins to treat metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors,” the study adds.
4. Healthy and radiant skin: Calendula, White tea, Green tea and Liquorice tea help clean the skin at the cellular level by removing toxins. These teas are essential in activating the liver and lymphatic system. Their extracts are effective in preventing pigmentation, acne, and eczema.
A study –Green Tea and Skin concludes that the outcome of the several experimental studies suggests that green tea possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic potential, which can be exploited against a variety of skin disorders. Though more clinical studies are required, the addition of green tea to skin care products may have a profound effect on various skin disorders.
5. Reduce stress and insomniaChamomile, Passionfruit, Lemongrass, and Mint Tea promote calmness and tranquility in the body.
Chamomile is a tea made from dried flowers of the plant. It can help to fight insomnia. Fruit teas are full of vitamin-C and antioxidants. They make a refreshing and fruity choice for tea drinkers.
Lemongrass tea stimulates the body and helps it recover from tiredness. Winter is the perfect time to drink lemon balm and mint flavored teas. They protect against colds and improve concentration. Mint can be added to any iced tea for a refreshing option.
6. To refresh and revitalize you:Green, White Oolong, Calendula, Roasted dandelion, Natal, Lemon Balm, and Liquorice Root teas are the best for maintaining fitness and health due to their high antioxidant content. These herbal mixes help to detoxify the body by acting as natural diuretics, which remove toxins.
Lemon balm tea and Liquorice is good for the nervous system. They also help to maintain a regular energy flow in the body. Green tea promotes weight loss – which can be attributed to the thermogenic effect of the antioxidants and caffeine present in it.
7. Preventing and treating nausea and vomitingPeppermint tea, Ginger tea, and Raspberry Tea are refreshing, but they also have many other benefits.
Peppermint has anti-emetic properties (prevents nausea) and it also helps the gall bladder to produce bile, which aids in fat digestion. The taste of this tea is strong for many people, but you can adjust it by diluting it to your taste.
In India, ginger tea is an ancient remedy for colds, coughs and other illnesses. Ginger tea is available in two forms: pure or mixed with herbs and ginger. The raspberry leaf tea is good for pregnant women who are suffering from morning sickness. It is said to be tonic for the uterus.
Based on your needs, you can pick and choose which teas and their benefits you’d want to explore! I hope this article was helpful. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.