Health Benefits of Tea

By Lauren Scott, Arizona Farm Bureau Intern

Tea is one of my all-time favorite drinks. I’ll drink hot tea, or iced tea, sweet tea, or tea with a little lemon in it; it doesn’t matter to me.

Tea has also been a favorite drink of choice throughout history. There are many ‘creation stories’ surrounding tea, but it was likely first discovered in Ancient China. After becoming popular there, tea began to make its way around the globe, becoming popular in almost every other country. Since tea was first discovered, many more varieties have become available than that one original variety, and they are all said to have different medicinal or healing properties. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of tea, and what they can potentially do for your health.

Green Tea: Green tea happens to be my favorite kind of tea! Not only does the taste mix well with other teas and fruit flavors, but it is supposed to be one of the healthiest teas around. Green tea is full of antioxidants, and can help to lower cholesterol. It has also been known to help reduce the risk of stroke and neurological diseases.

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is packed full of antioxidants just like green tea, and it helps with upset tummies, and can reduce stomach cramps and gas. Chamomile tea also has calming properties, so it is the perfect drink to have before going to bed.

Black Tea: Black tea is great for blood flow. It has properties which help to open capillaries and maintain a good blood pressure. In the same way, black tea can help to open airways and make breathing easier.

White Tea: White tea can help to lower blood pressure as well as help lower cholesterol. It is an all-around great tea for maintaining heart health. It also helps to strengthen the immune system.

Oolong Tea: Oolong tea helps to keep skin healthy, and can be used to aid weight loss. It also can help keep blood sugar levels in check. As well, oolong tea helps reduce cholesterol and relieve stress.

Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea is a great tea to drink when you are sick. It can help reduce a fever and general discomfort felt when sick. It also helps relieve stress, and symptoms like coughing that come along with a cold. Peppermint tea can help reduce nausea and vomiting, too.

Ginger Tea: Ginger tea, like peppermint tea, is usually consumed by someone who is sick. It helps to support the immune system, cures stomach aches, aids in digestion, and can help with overall pain.

Rooibos Tea: Rooibos tea has been known to cure headaches, calm and help with insomnia, and help lessen allergies. It also helps skin stay healthy, and fights bone weakness.

If you’re a tea fan like me, it doesn’t matter what kind you drink, you’ll be reaping all kinds of benefits. If you are still unsure if you like tea, try mixing and matching. Mix two different teas together, add fruit juice or lemonade to the tea you are trying, or add sugar to your liking. I promise you’ll find something you like!

For more information on tea, head over to the Fill Your Plate blog!