Tea is more than just a comforting drink to start or end your day. Drinking certain types of tea has been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health, stronger immune system function, and reduced risk of chronic disease, depending on the tea. Interestingly, some teas are known to offer more pronounced health benefits than others due to high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other beneficial compounds.
There are two categories of tea. Camellia sinensis Botanical teas and herbal teas made by infusing various plants, herbs, fruits, or spices in boiling water. In addition to caffeine, real tea contains antioxidants known as catechins. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus are caffeine-free teas that have a variety of health benefits, including soothing an upset stomach, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
Most teas provide comfort and health benefits with a cup, but some teas may be more beneficial to your health than others. If you’re looking for the “best” tea for your health, check out our top 10.
Frank Ross/Getty Images
Green tea stands out as one of the healthiest options among the different types of tea, mainly due to its high concentration of antioxidants. The origin of green tea is Camellia sinensis plant.
Just like any other real tea, green tea is unique in its preparation. The leaves are harvested immediately and steamed to prevent oxidation, preserving their natural green color and strong nutritional profile. This process makes green tea rich in catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant known for its myriad health benefits.
These benefits include promoting weight loss, supporting brain function, and heart health benefits. Green tea has also been linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health.
Kirito Chan/Getty Images
Black tea is also a great choice, with its rich flavor and dark color. Characterized as a fully oxidized tea, it undergoes a longer fermentation process than green tea, contributing to its unique robust flavor and higher caffeine content.
same origin Camellia sinensis The differences in the health benefits and characteristics of black tea are primarily due to its unique processing method. This step increases the concentration of flavonoids, especially theaflavins and thearubigins. Theaflavins and thearubigins are powerful antioxidants known to support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, improving gut health, and potentially helping lower blood pressure.
Black tea has also been linked to a reduced risk of stroke and a lower chance of developing dementia, making it one of the healthiest tea options for those looking to enhance their overall health.
Natalia Kimmich/Getty Images
Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, scientifically known as: Mentha. It is loved not only for its refreshing taste but also for its wide range of health benefits.
Peppermint tea, rich in antioxidants, supports digestion in certain situations. It also has antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce muscle spasms and stomach discomfort. It’s naturally caffeine-free, making it perfect for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying a pleasant, flavorful drink.
Peppermint tea may have unique benefits for people focused on lowering their testosterone levels, like some people diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some data suggests that drinking peppermint tea may lower testosterone levels, but better quality data is needed to confirm this.
Tetra Images/Getty Images
Chamomile tea is extracted from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant and is a widely consumed herbal tea known for its calming effects. This is a healthy choice for several reasons. First, chamomile tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of several diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Chamomile is also known to have the potential to improve sleep quality, as it contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to specific receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and initiate sleep. It is being Additionally, chamomile tea is believed to aid digestion and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Its calming and soothing properties make it the perfect drink for relaxation and stress relief.
Guido Vrolla/Getty Images
Oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea that falls somewhere between green and black tea when oxidized, offers countless health benefits and is a great choice for tea lovers. A unique process is used in which plants are withered in strong sunlight, oxidized, curled and twisted.
This special method preserves antioxidant properties and mineral content that are beneficial in reducing inflammation, supporting a healthy metabolism, and supporting heart health.
Stefan Tomic/Getty Images
Dandelion tea, obtained from the roots and leaves of the dandelion plant, stands out as a health beverage option due to its rich benefits. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may support liver health, stimulate digestion, and reduce inflammation in the body.
Dandelion tea also has diuretic properties that help eliminate toxins and promote kidney health. The presence of powerful antioxidants further enhances its ability to fight oxidative stress, supporting overall health.
Stefania Perfini, La Wajia Photography/Getty Images
White tea, named for the fine white fluff that coats its buds, is a minimally processed tea known for its delicate taste and aroma. The main origin of this tea is Camellia sinensis Young leaves and buds of the plant. A distinctive feature of white tea is that it is rich in antioxidants. These compounds help fight oxidative stress and may support overall health by reducing the risk of chronic disease.
White tea’s low caffeine content makes it a gentle, calming beverage of choice for many people, providing a subtle energy boost without the jitters associated with strongly caffeinated drinks. Additionally, white tea is praised for its potential benefits, including supporting heart health, aiding in weight management, and promoting skin health.
Lyudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the leaves of the rooibos tea plant, which is native to the fynbos region of South Africa. Aspalathus linear plant. This red-brown tea is known for its sweet, earthy flavor and various health benefits. Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. It is also known for its calming properties, which reduce stress and promote restful sleep.
Mesioglu/Getty Images
Hibiscus tea is a refreshing drink made from dried flower petals. Hibiscus sabdariffa The flower is known for its tangy flavor and health benefits. It contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help neutralize free radicals that cause inflammation and disease.
Hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health, making it a healthy option for those looking to fortify their diet with beneficial plant compounds.
5 seconds/Getty Images
Known for its unique spicy taste and aroma, ginger tea is a popular herbal beverage made from ginger root. It is highly regarded as a healthy option because it is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, such as gingerol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties contribute to numerous health benefits, including easing digestive discomfort, reducing nausea, and potentially lowering the risk of chronic disease.
Preparing tea is both an art and a science. First, bring the water to a boil, but be careful not to overheat it. Different teas taste better at different temperatures. For most teas, steeping for 3 to 5 minutes will extract the perfect balance of flavor. Consider adding functional ingredients like ginger for digestion, honey for sweetness, and lemon for a vitamin C boost.
The choice between loose-leaf tea and tea bags has a huge impact on the quality of your tea experience. Loose-leaf his tea contains large leaves that have room to expand during steeping and fully release the essence, giving it excellent flavor and aroma. Tea bags, on the other hand, offer convenience and speed, making them perfect for people on the go.
Oversoaking (leaving tea in boiling water for too long) can do more harm than good. Especially black and green teas can have a bitter taste. Similarly, overheating water can damage delicate tea leaves, especially white and green teas, resulting in a harsh burnt flavor.
If you prefer cold drinks, it’s easy to turn your tea into iced tea. Brew a stronger cup than usual, pour over ice or refrigerate, and enjoy a refreshing twist on your favorite tea. On sunny days, brewing sun tea by using the sun’s rays to heat the water while brewing tea is a fun way to enjoy the season.
The vast world of tea offers a variety of flavors, aromas, and health benefits to suit every taste and need. Each tea brings its own unique characteristics to the table, from powerful, antioxidant-rich green tea, perfect for a morning boost, to soothing chamomile, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Regardless of their ranking, each of these 10 teas has the potential to add warmth, comfort, and a little wellness to your daily life. Experiment with these varieties to find the cup that’s right for you, and enjoy the simple pleasures and deep benefits it brings.
