The Benefits of Tea

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With 2013 off to a great start and all of our resolutions in full gear, I’m sure that many of us had healthier eating on our list. Drinking tea is a wonderful and easy way to work added nutrients into your diet. These days the wide variety of teas available in any grocery store can be intimidating, but if you know what type of benefits you’re looking for then it’s easy to narrow the selection.

1. Green Tea: Green tea is easily the most widely touted healthy tea these days. Its benefits include a high amount of antioxidants that stave off various types of cancer and heart disease. It also has been said to increase metabolism, improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of neurological disorders, and improve skin. In addition, it has 25 mg of caffeine per cup.

2. White Tea: Low in caffeine, white tea has even more cancer fighting antioxidants than green tea. The difference between the two is the stage within which the leaves are picked.

3. Black Tea: If it’s a boost in energy you’re looking for, black tea may be your answer. It’s also known for reducing the risk of stroke by 21 percent.

4. Oolong Tea: Similar in caffeine levels to black tea, oolong tea is a multi-talented tea. It has been shown to increase metabolism, thus aiding in weight loss and improved metabolism, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and improving skin conditions such as eczema.

5. Herbal Tea: Scientific research involving herbal tea benefits has not been extensive as of yet, though there is some proof that herbal teas can aid in lowering blood pressure. Regardless, many people swear by chamomile tea to help them sleep and peppermint tea to soothe an upset stomach.

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