Tea Health Benefits

In the East, tea has been consumed for its health benefits for thousands of years. In China, it is used to aid digestion, provide nutrients and calm nervous disorders. Now Western researchers are also discovering the amazing health benefits of tea.

In this article, we will examine the potential benefits of the tea you can buy from Tea My Way. Of course, this article is not medical advice and you should always see your doctor if you have any health concerns.

Why is tea healthy?

All tea derives from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to China and India. This plant contains antioxidants called flavonoids. These are considered good for the heart, and may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and clogged arteries. They could also improve the immune system and reduce inflammation.

There are several different teas, including black, green, red and white, as well as herbal teas.

Black tea

Black tea is the most common tea consumed in Australia. It is made with fermented tea leaves and has more caffeine than other teas – but still less caffeine than coffee!

The flavonoids in black tea have been found to potentially reduce inflammation and stroke risk, and improve immune function. It may also protect the lungs from damage caused by cigarette smoke. Traditionally, people also used to cool the tea and press it onto small cuts and bruises to reduce pain and swelling. If you have skin rashes, a black tea bath might do wonders.

Check out our tea range.

Green tea

Green tea has been widely studied and found to have many potential health benefits – possibly more benefits than all the teas. This is due to the high level of EGCGs, which may reduce inflammation, increase weight loss, and help prevent heart and brain disease.

Green tea contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of some cancers, stroke, artery clogging and neurological disorders, like Alzheimer’s. It might also reduce blood pressure, inflammation and fat, and improve cholesterol.

Check out our tea range.

White tea

White tea is completely uncured and unfermented, so it may give you more protection against cancer than processed teas. It has a very high level of antioxidants, and contains fluoride, catechins and tannins which could protect and strengthen your teeth. White tea also has minimal caffeine, so it is ideal if you want to reduce this in your diet.

Check out our tea range.

Red tea

Rooibos is a delicious red tea that comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant in South Africa. The fermentation gives it a rich red colour. Unlike black and green tea, rooibos is completely free of caffeine and has fewer tannins. But the main health benefit is the huge amount of antioxidants, which may neutralise free radicals that damage cells and cause illnesses. There is also evidence that rooibos may improve cholesterol levels.

Check out our Scarlet Rooibos and Amber Osmanthus.

Herbal tisane

Rooibos is actually a herbal tea, and there are more delicious herbal teas with their own potential health benefits. These may include herbs, spices, flowers, berries or fruits rather than tea leaves.

Herbal teas don’t have caffeine, so they are ideal before bedtime. Popular herbal teas are:

• chamomile, which may reduce menstrual pain, muscle spasms and stress, and improve sleep quality;
• peppermint, which could help with stomach aches, constipation, motion sickness, tension headaches and migraines;
• lemongrass, or citronella, may help with mouth infections and cavities, inflammation, stomach upsets, cholesterol and high blood pressure;
• osmanthus, which is grown only in Asia and may assist with toxin removal, appetite suppression, fatigue, menstrual cramping and blood pressure problems;
• rose, which may help reduce anxiety and stress, digestive issues, menstrual cramping and inflammation;
• jasmine, which may help with a range of issues, such as weight loss, cognitive function and oral health;
• sea buckthorn berries, with anti-inflammatory properties and can work wonders in treating the nervous system;
• apple dice, which known to be great for the metabolism, nutritional for the body and has a natural calming effect on the nervous system.

Teas to avoid

If you are prioritising your health, we recommend avoiding:

• instant and bottled teas, as they contain sugar or sweeteners and very little tea
• detox or diet teas, which contain laxatives
• bubble teas, which also contain more sugar than tea.

Hopefully this list inspires you to try our extensive tea range.