Health benefits of teas
Studies have shown that teas have multiple health benefits, some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; promote weight loss and lower cholesterol. Tea has antimicrobial qualities as well. Nutritionists recommend drinking brewed teas instead of bottled ones in order to avoid the extra calories and sweeteners.
Health benefits of green, black and white teas
1. Green tea: Green tea’s antioxidants appear to prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, decrease risk of stroke and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and improve cholesterol levels.
2. Black tea: Made with fermented tea leaves, studies have shown that black tea has the highest caffeine content. Black tea can help reduce the risk of stroke and protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.
3. White tea: Uncured and unfermented. Studies have found that white tea has the most powerful anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
Health benefits of herbal teas
Made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water, herbal teas have lower concentrations of antioxidants than green, white, black, and oolong teas. There is a variety of herbal teas, such as: ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos (red tea), chamomile, and echinacea. Studies have shown that the antioxidants of the chamomile tea may help prevent complications from diabetes, like vision and nerve loss, kidney damage and stop the growth of cancer cells. Another study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily can help lower blood pressure.
Health benefits of instant teas
Instant tea may contain very little amounts of actual tea and plenty of sugars or artificial sweeteners. So you need to check out the ingredients on the label for your health’s sake.
Experts also warn consumers to be wary of herb-containing supplements that claim to fight cancer and kill pain. Studies have shown that some of the herbs have caused bowel problems, liver and kidney damage.
These cautions aside, nutritionists recommend drinking up and enjoying the health benefits of tea.