Best Teas For Your Health

There are a ton of different options when it comes to picking out the right tea. Tea can be more than just an enjoyable drink. Studies have shown that different teas can have different benefits for your health. There are two categories of tea. True tea which comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. True teas contain caffeine and contain a certain antioxidant called catechin. Herbal teas are concoctions of various plants, herbs, fruits, and spices that are infused in hot water. Examples of herbal teas are chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus. These teas usually tend to be caffeine free. They also aid in lots of health benefits such as soothing an upset stomach, reducing inflammation, or promoting relaxation. Finding what tea works best for you can be tricky since there are so many options.

Green Tea

One of the best teas for overall health is green tea. It is the gold star of teas. It derives from the Camellia sinensis plant making it a true tea. It does contain caffeine. It has a high concentration of antioxidants making it the best tea for overall health. The main antioxidants it contains are catechins which help protect your cells from damage that is caused by free radicals. Green tea can help with cancer prevention, fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure, it is anti-inflammatory, can aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol, and enhance cognitive function.

Black Tea

Another tea that derives from the Camellia sinesis plant is black tea. It goes through a different processing method than green tea. This different method enhances the concentration of flavonoids. This causes the tea to be excellent at helping to reduce cholesterol levels, improve gut health, decrease blood pressure, reduce risk of stroke, and lower the likelihood of dementia.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for generations to help settle upset stomachs. Ginger is sometimes suggested in women who are struggling with morning sickness while pregnant. Ginger tea is no different. It is a great tea option to help with your gut health. Ginger naturally combats nausea. It also helps your body speed up the process of moving food from the stomach farther down the digestive tract. This can help calm indigestion and ease stomach distress.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is another option for a tea that has gut healing properties. Peppermint tea is an herbal tea that is high in antioxidants. It can help aid in digestion. Peppermint is an antispasmodic. This can help stop muscle spasms from occurring. Peppermint tea can also help ease stomach discomfort. It is a caffeine free tea. Peppermint can also help lower testosterone levels which can help someone who has been diagnosed with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, which can cause higher levels of testosterone in women. Not only can peppermint tea aid in your digestion it also is packed with menthol. Menthol is beneficial when fighting a cold. Peppermint tea when you are sick with a cold can help relax a sore throat, relieve nasal congestion, and reduce a fever. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is another herbal tea that comes from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. It is a tea that is known for its ability to help you sleep. Since it is caffeine free it is a great option to sip on before bed. It has amazing calming effects, aids in digestion, and can help reduce the severity of menstrual pain. Chamomile tea has an antioxidant that binds to certain brain receptors that decreases anxiety and helps initiate sleep. This allows chamomile tea to be a great option to have right before bedtime.

Rooibos

Rooibos tea or redbush tea is high in antioxidants. The amount of antioxidants this tea has is close to green tea. This amount of antioxidants helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, relaxes tense muscles, reduces stress, promotes restful sleep, and lowers blood pressure. Since it is a herbal tea that is caffeine free it is another good choice to help promote a restful night’s sleep.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea has a more sour or tangy flavor to it. This gives it a different appeal amongst other flavors of tea. Hibiscus tea can help aid in weight loss. It is a mild diuretic which can aid in digestion, and be natural laxative. It also helps reduce bloating and gas after eating, lowers blood pressure, improves your cholesterol, and is high in antioxidants.

Between true tea or herbal tea there is no better option between these two choices. What tea is best is the tea that aids your health overall the best. True teas do contain caffeine which helps boost energy and focus. An herbal tea being caffeine free may allow you to drink it at any time of day, especially before bedtime, especially if it has some calming properties. The fun thing about so many different tea options is that you can try a variety to see what works best for you. To get full benefits from tea long term you will need to consume it daily consistently.