The Health Benefits of Tea ~
For thousands of years, tea has been recognized for its capacity to soothe and has been used for many medicinal purposes. They are usually found in the forms of green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea. They are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India, and contain unique antioxidants called flavonoids.
Tea has been proposed to have many health benefits including reducing heart disease risk, boosting weight loss and the risk of cancer.
Some of the phytonutrients and antioxidants found in tea include Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), other catechins, flavanols, polyphenols and caffeine some of which are commonly found in many weight loss supplements.
Green tea: Contains a high concentration of EGCG.
Black tea: Made with fermented tea leaves and has the highest caffeine content. It forms the basis for flavored teas like chai and some instant teas.
White tea: Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
Oolong tea: Possibly reduces bad cholesterol levels.
Pu-erh tea: Made from fermented and aged leaves. Considered a black tea, its leaves are pressed into cakes. Possibly reduces bad cholesterol levels.