HEALTH &
Wellness
The Best Tea to Drink For Your Health Spilling the tea on the best drinks for you and your health
M
BY TONY BARRERA
Many countries come to mind at the mention of the word “tea.” There’s India, or Great Britain, or even the United States. And while the exact origins of tea are unknown, the most widely accepted story comes from a Chinese legend. The legend says that in 2737 B.C., Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled water for him, when suddenly some leaves fell into the water. The emitting aroma was pleasant, so the emperor decided to try the concoction. Alas, tea came to be. Of course, there is no way to know whether this story is fact or fiction, but no historian can deny the ancient roots tea has in this Asian country. It was established as a beverage centuries before you could order it at your local corporate coffee shop. For this, we are undeniably thankful. While this drink has been a worldwide staple beverage for a long time, its popularity only seems to be increasing. Coffee connoisseurs have been around for a while, but more recently, tea aficionados have become a norm, too. But with this wide-spreading popularity, it’s important to recognize that not all teas are the same, and not all of
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them even serve the same purpose. Some teas have relaxing properties, while others have enough caffeine to energize you for the day. Here’s a quick guide on the most common types of tea and the purposes they serve.
GREEN TEA Known for its mellow grassy taste, green tea has countless benefits. These include improved brain function, fat loss, detox effects, and protection against several illnesses, including cancer and diabetes. However, despite what some may say, green tea does in fact contain caffeine. So, make sure you’re not drinking a cup in order to feel relaxed. Instead of having a cup before bed, consider having a cup before you go on your morning run. ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA English breakfast tea (which is made by combining different
