1. WHAT IS TEA?
Tea is a drink made by steeping the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. There are four main types: black, green, white, and oolong. Each type has a unique flavor based on how the leaves are processed. Herbal teas and rooibos are not true teas since they come from different plants and don’t have the same health benefits. Also check Boche tea
2. HOW IS TEA MADE?
Tea leaves go through withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying. The process they undergo determines their type:
- White tea: Least processed
- Green tea: Unfermented
- Oolong tea: Semi-fermented
- Black tea: Fully fermented
3. DOES TEA CONTAIN CAFFINE?
Yes, all teas from the Camellia sinensis plant contain caffeine. The amount varies based on processing and brewing time. For example, white tea has the most caffeine when dry but usually contains the least when brewed because it steeps for a shorter time.
4. IS TEA GOOD FOR YOU?
Tea is rich in protective plant compounds called polyphenols, which offer various health benefits:
- Rich in Protective Plant Compounds: Tea is full of polyphenols, which can help protect your cells from damage and lower the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Green tea contains catechins, and black tea has theaflavins, both beneficial.
- May Improve Blood Pressure: Drinking tea can improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels.
- May Improve Heart Health: Regular tea drinking may reduce the risk of heart disease, thanks to the polyphenols, especially catechins in green tea.
- May Help with Blood Sugar Control: Tea polyphenols can help manage how your body handles carbohydrates, aiding in digestion and insulin release. Green tea is particularly effective.
- May Lower Diabetes Risk: Tea polyphenols can slow down the absorption of sugar in the gut. Some studies suggest that long-term tea drinking might be as effective as medication in reducing diabetes risk.
- May Improve Gut Health: Tea polyphenols reach the large intestine, where they help beneficial gut bacteria thrive, improving gut function and the immune system.
- May Reduce Cancer Risk: Tea polyphenols might slow down the development of certain cancers, especially oral cancer. More research is needed for other types of cancer.
- May Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Tea contains l-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain waves, unlike the energizing effect of coffee.
- May Improve Focus and Attention: The combination of caffeine and l-theanine in tea enhances focus and attention. Green tea, with its l-theanine content, is especially effective.
- May Support Bone Health: Drinking tea, particularly green tea, might help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures due to its polyphenols.
5. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF TEA
A typical serving (225ml) of black tea with milk has:
- 8 Kcal
- 0.4g protein
- 0.4g fat
- 0.5g carbohydrate
- 0.5g sugars
- 40mg potassium
- 13mg calcium
The health benefits of tea come mainly from its polyphenols, which vary depending on the type of tea, water temperature, and steeping time.