Tea-riffic: health benefits of tea

By Nikki Addison

Tea-riffic: health benefits of tea
We delve into some of the many health benefits of tea.

Tea has been around for thousands of years, and the tasty drink has been proven to carry multiple health benefits. If you didn’t already love tea, here’s a break-down of just some of its perks.

Black Tea

Black tea has the highest level of caffeine than any other tea. Made from fermented tea leaves, it helps reduce the risk of a stroke and protects lungs from smoking damage.

Contrary to popular belief, black tea actually carries the same level of antioxidants as its green counterpart. “Green tea and black tea are equally good for you and have the same level of antioxidants in different formats,” explains Bell Tea Company’s expert taster and blender Matt Greenwood. “Consumers think that green tea and black tea are different products. The reality is that they come from the same bush.”

White tea

Unfermented, white tea acts as an antibacterial agent and protects the body from disease. It is high in nutrients and contains flavanoids, fluoride and tannins. It also has strong anti-cancer properties, and works to reduce the effects of ageing.

Through its antioxidant properties, white tea aids in the repair and recovery of damaged skin. When drunk regularly, the free radicals in white tea promote healthy, glowing, youthful skin.

Green Tea

Made from steamed tea leaves, green tea is hailed for its strong detoxifying capabilities. With a high concentration of EGCG, green tea fights against cancers and protects the arteries from clogging. Its antioxidant abilities also work to improve cholesterol levels, relieve stress and even burn fat.

To unlock green tea’s antioxidant powers, Greenwood says 4-6 strongly-brewed cups will boost antioxidant levels significantly. “Brewing your tea for a long amount of time is important. It’s better to have two cups of tea brewed for five minutes than having eight cups brewed for ten seconds.” He adds that, due to its hydrating properties, herbal tea counts towards the daily recommend intake of 8-10 glasses of water.

Read the full interview with Matt.

Oolong tea

A fruity, fragrant tea, oolong contains a number of vitamins and minerals from calcium and manganese to copper and potassium. These work to improve bone, skin and teeth quality while reducing inflammation and the risk of heart disease. It also lowers cholesterol levels through the presence of antioxidants.

Oolong has been linked to weight loss, due to its polyphenol compound which helps control the metabolism of fat.

Some teas can also ward off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

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