6 varieties of tea and their benefits

After water, tea is one of the most popular drinks around the world. Where most of Asia prefers it as their traditional, even national drink in some countries, tea is loved in all seasons

Tea can help one relax on a stressful day in the summer and warms you up during the winter. From houses to small dhabas (tea cafes) in Pakistan, tea is where the heart is. However, as most of us are lovers of brown tea, we do not attend to the other ones that are available as a choice.

There are many varieties of tea available in the world with many different health benefits. Pakistan has finally taken its toll on green tea but there are still many more to go.

Here are 6 varieties of tea you should try.

Black Tea

Black tea is the most popular one as choice the choice for about 75 percent of tea drinkers all over the world. It’s made of Camellia Sinensis plant’s leaves, which are first rolled and fermented, so they can be dried and crushed. Black tea is the highest in caffeine and has a bitter like taste.

It is highly concentrated with antioxidants theaflavins and thearubigins. These have been associated with lower levels of cholesterol. It has also reduced the possibility of having a stroke.

Green Tea

This has become famous in Pakistan for some time, especially amongst those who believe it helps reduce weight. This has a lighter flavor than black tea. Green tea leaves are picked in an earlier stage and then dried and heat-treated right after. This helps to stop the fermentation process. It contains less caffeine than black tea. Enriched with antioxidants called catechins, a subcategory of the compound EGCG, green tea helps prevent most diseases, from cancer to heart disease.

A daily cup may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10 percent.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea can be comparableto black tea, as it is also fermented for a shorter span of time. This helps contribute to its richer taste. This is the tea that may come to aid in losing weight by stimulating an enzyme accountable for dissolving triglycerides, the dietary fat that’s stored in fat cells.

White Tea

The leaves of this tea are hand-picked when they’re much undeveloped, giving it a delicate flavor than any other variety as well as less caffeine. However, loose tea may also hold more antioxidants than tea in bags, because the leaves are less processed.

Known as a “multitasker” when it comes to benefits, it has the ability to provide cardiovascular and cancer fighting benefits, as well as help individuals with diabetes. Consumption of white tea has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and a reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Herbal Tea

Now, these teas are a myth to the real tea. Due to the fact that this kind of tea is a combination of dried fruits, flowers or herbs, it has zero caffeine. Those who are trying to lose weight, avoid herbal tea as it can contain dangerous amounts of laxatives.

However, different kinds of herbal tea have other benefits. Consuming at least three cups of hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure in those that suffer hypertension. Whereas, chamomile tea can help relax you and provide better sleep, while peppermint tea can relax the stomach.

Lemongrass Tea

This is derived from thin long leaves that can be found in Asian countries. The name comes from the fact that it smells like lemon, and is mild and sweet in taste than other teas.

Lemongrass tea is enriched with sources of potassium, vitamins A and C, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, folic acid, manganese and calcium. It is best to help with inflammation.

If you are a big tea drinker, and want to try other types, try consuming one of those. Green tea is great for weight loss, and chamomile herbal tea can help you relax at night for better sleep.