Consuming health-boosting beverages is all the rage today given the fast-paced lifestyle and lack of time to prepare a nutritious meal from scratch. To meet the growing need and demand for healthy on-the-go food, various types of healthy drinks, juices and tonics have made their way onto grocery store shelves, inviting people to try them. However, we do have a health tonic on the shelf in our own four walls – tea!
Organic teas offer multiple health benefits to people of all ages thanks to their naturally occurring catechins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Regular consumption of tea offers a variety of health benefits ranging from anti-aging to weight management. Here are some of the most popular organic teas and their health benefits.
1. Black Tea:
Derived from the Camellia Sinensis shrub, black tea leaves are oxidized, heat treated and fermented, giving black tea its distinctive rich flavor and color. Black tea is known to reduce plaque build-up and prevent bacterial growth that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Polyphenols in black tea destroy tooth decay-causing bacteria while inhibiting the growth of bacterial enzymes. The phytochemicals found in black tea promote stronger bones and prevent arthritis.
2. Green Tea:
While green tea is also derived from Camellia Sinensis, green tea leaves are the result of skipping fermentation, which preserves a large concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols. Green tea is known to boost metabolism, primarily due to the presence of polyphenols that intensify fat oxidation in the body. It also helps control diabetes by regulating glucose levels, thereby preventing insulin spikes. Additionally, green tea is known to help prevent esophageal cancer and keep depression at bay due to the amino acid theanine, which promotes feelings of relaxation and calm.
3. White Tea:
The least processed of the three teas, white tea is the most potent as it contains the maximum concentration of health-promoting antioxidants, making it an antioxidant powerhouse. White tea offers protection against free radicals, helps fight harmful inflammation, improves the quality of cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, and promotes a healthy immune system. White tea is also known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
4. Oolong Tea:
Lightly fermented and semi-oxidized, this tea has a distinct flavor that falls somewhere between black and green tea. Oolong tea is best known for its ability to activate the enzyme lipase, which is known to dissolve body fat and aid in weight loss. Oolong tea also aids in digestion, increases mental alertness, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, promotes healthy skin and hair, and prevents tooth decay, helps strengthen bones, and boosts the immune system.
5. Chamomile Tea:
Brewed from the daisy-like chamomile herb, this tea is best known for its mild sedative properties, making it an ideal drink for sleep aids and to combat insomnia. Chamomile tea helps relieve anxiety, stress, and even fight depression. The flavonoids in chamomile tea possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it ideal for treating wounds and cuts, calming muscle spasms, and relieving abdominal pain. Its antiseptic properties help eliminate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and allergies.
Organic tea, be it black, white, green, oolong, chamomile, herbal or fruit tea, brings with it a whole range of health benefits in addition to its delicious taste. In addition, organic tea leaves you feeling refreshed, energized and healthier because it contains no chemicals or synthetic additives. Just choose your favorite tea and brew a cup of great-tasting health
Thanks to Karthik Guduru
