Tea-tastic

The Best Tea to Drink For Your Health

Spilling the tea on the best drinks for you and your health

BY TONY BARRERA

MMany 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 them even serve the same purpose. Some teas have relaxing

Nung was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled water properties, while others have enough caffeine to energize for him, when suddenly some leaves fell into the water. The you for the day. Here’s a quick guide on the most common emitting aroma was pleasant, so the emperor decided to try types of tea and the purposes they serve. the concoction. Alas, tea came to be.

Of course, there is no way to know whether this story is fact GREEN TEA or fiction, but no historian can deny the ancient roots tea Known for its mellow grassy taste, green tea has countless has in this Asian country. It was established as a beverage benefits. These include improved brain function, fat loss, centuries before you could order it at your local corporate detox effects, and protection against several illnesses, coffee shop. For this, we are undeniably thankful. including cancer and diabetes. However, despite what some may say, green tea does in fact contain caffeine. So, make

While this drink has been a worldwide staple beverage sure you’re not drinking a cup in order to feel relaxed. for a long time, its popularity only seems to be increasing. Instead of having a cup before bed, consider having a cup

Coffee connoisseurs have been around for a while, but more before you go on your morning run. recently, tea aficionados have become a norm, too.

But with this wide-spreading popularity, it’s important ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA to recognize that not all teas are the same, and not all of English breakfast tea (which is made by combining different

black teas) is the perfect way to start the day. It’s also a good substitute for coffee for those trying to decrease their caffeine intake. The tea contains many healthy antioxidants and minerals, including flavonoids, magnesium, lipoproteins, potassium, and many more. These can help lower one’s chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. It can also help lower cholesterol levels.

MATCHA TEA This green tea is made from taking young green tea leaves and grinding them into a powder, which is then whisked with hot water (typical green tea is made by infusing the leaves in water). So, with matcha, you’re actually drinking the leaves—which are very nutritious. Matcha is believed to have cancer-fighting effects, and to help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. It is also reported to help lower blood pressure.

GINGER TEA Known for its spicy but sweet flavor, ginger tea has a considerable fan base that continues to grow—and with good reason, as this beverage has a lot of benefits, including helping with motion sickness and nausea. Additionally, ginger tea can help with blood pressure and heart health, and with weight and blood sugar control. Some find it to be a natural pain-reliever. Since it’s caffeine-free, this one can be sipped before going to bed. CHAI TEA This sweet or spicy tea offers many health benefits. There’s evidence it helps improve heart health, including potentially lowering blood pressure. It’s also been known to help reduce blood sugar levels, and can be good for digestion. Chai tea does contain a good amount of caffeine though, so limit the amount you drink per day. BLACK TEA Nothing like the classics. Black tea still reigns supreme as the most popular in the world. It can be enjoyed hot or iced, and with or without sugar. Although the southern U.S. has established it as one of its staple beverages, it’s consumed in most every corner of the planet. Fortunately, it’s also packed with benefits—such as improving heart and gut health, lowering bad cholesterol, and improving focus. CHAMOMILE TEA Last but not least, we have chamomile tea. Known for its calming and relaxing properties, it’s probably the most popular of the herbal drinks. It has a sweet floral flavor and is usually consumed hot. Because of its soothing properties, it’s a great drink to enjoy before bedtime. Some studies have even shown it can help with depression and anxiety symptoms. So, if you ever find yourself in a low or agitated state, try a warm cup of this—it might just provide the comforting properties you need.