Having a cup of tea (hot or iced) provides you with a wide array of health benefits. Tea is filled with nutrients and offers some surprising remedies for common maladies like upset stomach, headache and insomnia. A cup of tea can also provide health benefits on a larger scale by improving circulation, lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of some types of cancers. Pour yourself a cup of tea and read about the health benefits of tea varieties.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center , peppermint is a popular flavor for tea and is used to soothe an upset stomach and as a digestive aid. A cup of peppermint tea will also ease a headache and eliminate bad breath.
Chamomile tea has long been a popular drink choice when nerves or stress were hindering sleep. Chamomile tea reduces stress and insomnia through it’s active ingredient of Bisabolol , which contains an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and anti-microbial properties. Chamomile tea also helps relieve menstrual cramps.
Good old black tea, the one most of us have at least tasted. Southerner’s grew up drinking sweet black tea in their baby bottles, and given it’s health benefits, Southern mom’s weren’t all wrong for pouring the sweet concoction in the baby bottle.
Black tea reduces stress, lowers cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart attack and skin cancer and improves circulation.
Green tea (my personal favorite) has gained popularity in recent years for it’s refreshing flavor and it’s touted ability to aid in weight loss and reduce risk of heart disease. Studies on green tea’s health benefits in these areas are promising, according to WebMD , and the beverage is loaded with antioxidants.
The newest tea flavor on the American market, white tea has long been a popular drink choice in China made with the least amount of processing. White tea contains the least amount of caffeine and purportedly lowers blood pressure, protects against colon cancer, and is packed with antioxidants and antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Ginger is used to calm stomach upset and ginger tea is the perfect tea variety to drink to squelch motion sickness or morning sickness. Ginger tea also improves digestion and circulation.
Tea’s Nutrients
All tea varieties contain a surprising amount of nutrients. The amount of nutrients in each cup depends on the tea type and how long it’s steeped, but for each cup of tea you drink you’ll be getting the benefits of: antioxidants, folic acid, fluoride, potassium, manganese and zinc. As an added bonus tea contains no calories, no fat and no sodium.
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center
Home Remedies Web
teavana
WebMD
TeaBenefits
