
I prefer tea in an afternoon of relaxation. Aside from that, tea is also great for those who love a hot drink that is not as caffeinated as coffee. You may not be aware, but tea is derived from a plant called Camellia sinensis and has only four variations, namely: black, green, white and oolong. Other tea variants like herbal teas are derived from other plants and thus cannot be classified as real, authentic tea.
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THE TYPES OF TEA
- Black Tea
This is the type that has undergone full oxidation, which means that the leaves used are processed to turn their green color to a dark brownish-black. This happens when those leaves are exposed in moist air that’s rich in oxygen. Two varieties of Camellia sinensis are used in the making of black tea – the Chinese variety which has small leaves and the other one is an Assamese type that has large leaves. Black tea is slightly bitter in favor because it contains the most caffeine compared to the other types.
- Green Tea
Unlike black tea, this type has barely undergone an oxidation process. It also contains a lot more of Vitamin C compared to black tea, around 50%. This also has a lot of variations that one can find, and they vary from a strong taste to a mild one. The most common variation is the Sencha. Sencha is a type of green tea that is intended to be infused. This has a rich flavor that comes from the cultivation of the use of only the highest quality leaves. It gives off a flowery taste and a feeling of freshness. Green tea is also known to be the second most consumed drink globally next to the water.
- White Tea
White tea uses the buds and young leaves of Camellia sinensis. Unlike the previous two, this type is either steamed or fried thus deactivating oxidation. Then it’s dried. This minimal process makes the white tea the most delicate among the four types. Its white color came from the white hairs present in the buds of the plant source. If the green tea has lower caffeine content than black tea, then white tea has even less than green.
- Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is the type that aside from the leaves, it also uses the buds and stems of Camellia sinensis. It has an oxidation process that is classified to be a “partial” one since it’s more oxidized than green tea, but is less than black tea. It could be more like the black tea or green tea depending on the tea master’s way of processing it. Oolong is rolled into thin strands or compact balls. This rolling technique helps in the altering of the color and aroma. Its taste varies from what type of tea, either green or black, that is followed during the production process. It could be sweet or toasty and floral or grassy.
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WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA?
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1. Endurance
Tea is a good booster of endurance during exercise. Green teas most especially are best for this due to the antioxidants called catechins that increase the ability of the body to burn fat (thus it’s also a good drink for weight loss).
2. Diseases prevention
Drinking tea helps in the reduction of the risk of heart attack and other degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidants found in tea can also protect the body from various cancers including colon, breast skin, lung, liver and prostate. Also, it helps in lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease for both men and women.
3. Hydration
Even considering the caffeine content, tea is a good way to hydrate your body.
4. Sunscreen
Green tea is an effective substitute for sunscreen with its ability to provide protection against UV rays.
5. Smoking effects
Black tea, in particular, helps in eliminating some of the negative effects of smoking on the human body.
With these benefits, it’s clear that tea doesn’t only give you a great taste, but it also has numerous health benefits for your body. Start your tea habit today! My favorite monthly tea subscription is offered by Blend Bee.