Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world after water, enjoyed by two-thirds of the global population. Its consumption dates back to ancient times, where it played pivotal roles in medicinal practices, religious traditions, royal customs, and even political events—such as the Boston Tea Party.
With so many varieties of tea now available, if you think it’s not for you, you may simply not have found the right one yet! Let’s explore the fascinating world of tea.
Where Does Tea Come From?
All non-herbal teas originate from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. The key differences in flavor, color, and chemical composition stem from how the leaves are harvested and processed.
- White Tea: The least processed tea with a delicate, subtle flavor.
- Green Tea: Non-fermented. In China, it’s pan-fired or roasted, while in Japan, it’s steamed—giving distinct regional flavors.
- Oolong Tea: Semi-fermented, resulting in a unique color and taste.
- Black Tea: Fully fermented, giving it a darker hue and robust flavor.
The drying and fermentation processes determine the tea’s chemical composition, which includes powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins, as well as amino acids. These components are what make tea so beneficial to your health.
The Health Benefits of Tea
White Tea
- High Antioxidants: Rich in polyphenols, white tea is linked to cancer-fighting properties, particularly for lung and colon cancers.
- Low Caffeine: Contains the least caffeine of all teas, making it ideal for individuals sensitive to stimulants.
Green Tea
- Packed with Catechins: Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Multiple Health Benefits: Supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and reducing blood clotting. It also offers anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties.
- Cancer Protection: Research links green tea consumption to a reduced risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, liver, lung, prostate, stomach, and esophageal cancers.
Oolong Tea
- L-Theanine Boost: Oolong contains L-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety, enhances alertness, and may lower the risk of cognitive diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Anti-Inflammatory: High in polyphenols, it reduces inflammation and prevents the growth of some cancer cells. It also helps decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Black Tea
- Unique Theaflavins: Black tea contains theaflavins, a type of polyphenol exclusive to this tea. These compounds are linked to heart health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, and reducing the risk of stroke.
- Cognitive Benefits: Black tea’s L-theanine content promotes focus, mental alertness, and clarity.
Tea offers not only a comforting ritual but also a wealth of health benefits. Whether you prefer the delicacy of white tea, the vitality of green tea, the balance of oolong, or the boldness of black tea, each variety brings something unique to the table. So, brew a cup and enjoy—your mind and body will thank you!
Erin Pellegrin, RD, LDN
Sources:
- Tea and Health: Studies in Humans
- Molecular evidence of health benefits of drinking black tea
- Association of Tea Consumption with Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Anti-Beta-Amyloid Effects of Tea
- Green tea catechins and blood pressure: a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Penn Medicine: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea
- UCLA Health: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-black-tea
- Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins
- Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice: Second Edition