The antioxidants and vitamins found in herbal teas are great for helping fight disease and infections, protect against oxidative stress, and lower the risk of chronic disease. Some of the best immune-boosting herbal teas are elderberry, echinacea, ginger, and liquorice root tea.
- Tea contains antioxidants. …
- Tea has less caffeine than coffee. …
- Tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. …
- Tea may help with weight loss. …
- Tea may help protect your bones. …
- Tea may keep your smile bright.
Herbal teas are some of the healthiest things you can drink. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in many herbs have shown to provide many short and long-term health benefits. These teas can be a great alternative to your daily sugary and caffeinated drinks, while still providing great taste and a natural boost to your day.
But purists consider only green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea the real thing. They are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India, and contain unique antioxidants called flavonoids. The most potent of these, known as ECGC, may help against free radicals that can contribute to cancer, heart disease, and clogged arteries.
Rooibos
Rooibos is harvested once per year, cut, bruised and fermented to get red color. Rooibos might be the best herbal tea in the world – not only it’s caffeine free and full of antioxidants, it’s extremely versatile, fun to use in cooking and delicious. Most rooibos researchers recommend the complete rooibos extract (as a tea, and six cups staggered throughout the day) rather than taking individual, isolated compounds. Rooibos (red tea): A South African herb that is fermented. Although it has flavonoids with cancer-fighting properties, medical studies have been limited. Caffeine-free. Share on Pinterest Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and low in tannins.
Benefits of rooibos tea
- Low in tannins. Red rooibos tea contains very low levels of tannins. …
- Rich in antioxidants. …
- Heart health. …
- Diabetes management. …
- Weight management. …
- Fewer wrinkles.
Green rooibos, which is not fermented, is also available. It tends to be more expensive and grassier in flavor than the traditional version of the tea, while also boasting more antioxidants.
Green tea
Made with steamed tea leaves, it has a high concentration of EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea’s antioxidants may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce risk of stroke, and improve cholesterol levels.
- Contains healthy bioactive compounds. …
- May improve brain function. …
- Increases fat burning. …
- Antioxidants may lower the risk of some cancers. …
- May protect the brain from aging. …
- May reduce bad breath. …
- May help prevent type 2 diabetes. …
- May help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Black tea
Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.
- Has Antioxidant Properties. Share on Pinterest. …
- May Boost Heart Health. …
- May Lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol. …
- May Improve Gut Health. …
- May Help Reduce Blood Pressure. …
- May Help Reduce the Risk of Stroke. …
- May Lower Blood Sugar Levels. …
- May Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer.
White tea
Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
- It’s Rich in Antioxidants. Share on Pinterest. …
- May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease. …
- Could Help You Lose Weight. …
- Help Protect Your Teeth from Bacteria. …
- Has Compounds That May Fight Cancer. …
- May Lower the Risk of Insulin Resistance. …
- Compounds in White Tea May Protect Against Osteoporosis. …
- May Help Combat Skin Aging.
Oolong tea
In an animal study, those given antioxidants from oolong tea were found to have lower bad cholesterol levels. One variety of oolong, Wuyi, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement, but science hasn’t backed the claims.
- Boosts your metabolism, causing weight loss.
- Lowers cholesterol
- Increases mental alertness
- Aids digestion
- Promotes healthy hair
- Betters your skin condition
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Prevents tooth decay
- Prevents osteoporosis and forms strong bones
Pu-erh tea
Made from fermented and aged leaves. Considered a black tea, its leaves are pressed into cakes. One animal study showed that animals given pu-erh had less weight gain and reduced LDL cholesterol.
- Weight and fat loss
- Digestive aid
- Diabetes maintenance and prevention
- Cardiovascular wellness
- Anti oxidants
- Skin health
- Cognitive health
- Bone health
- Anxiety reduction
- Anti Inflammatory properties
Chamomile tea
Its antioxidants may help prevent complications from diabetes, like loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage, and stunt the growth of cancer cells.
- Promotes Sleep and Treats Insomnia. …
- Boosts Immunity. …
- Treats Cold. …
- Reduces Muscle Spasms and Period Pain. …
- Soothes Stomach Ache. …
- Treats Cuts, Wound and Skin Conditions. …
- Reduces Stress. …
- Lightens Skin.
Echinacea Tea
Often touted as a way to fight the common cold, the research on echinacea has been inconclusive.
- It fights the flu.
- It helps to control blood sugar.
- Aids healthy cell growth.
- Reduces risk of breast cancer.
- Helps manage anxiety.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Forms and dosages.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, also known as Kobo. A small study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily lowered blood pressure in people with modestly elevated levels.
- Packed With Antioxidants. Share on Pinterest. …
- May Help Lower Blood Pressure. …
- May Help Lower Blood Fat Levels. …
- May Boost Liver Health. …
- Could Promote Weight Loss. …
- Contains Compounds That May Help Prevent Cancer. …
- Could Help Fight Bacteria. …
- Flavorful and Easy to Make.
Chai tea
Chai tea is a fragrant, spicy tea that may help boost heart health, reduce blood sugar levels, aid digestion and help with weight loss. Cardamom is a key spice in chai tea that is said to benefit the lungs, kidneys and heart, while also being used as a mood elevator. It can reduce inflammation, prevent blood clots and is used as a natural laxative. It also alleviates nausea, aches and pains and even help boost the immune system.
Chai tea helps boost heart health, reduce blood sugar levels, aid digestion and help with weight loss. Although most of these health benefits are backed by science, it’s worth noting that they are generally linked to the ingredients used in chai tea rather than chai tea itself.
So, Is Rooibos tea the best herbal tea?
Well, there is no ‘best’ herbal tea. It all depends on what you wish to focus on. It’s almost like asking, which is the best fruit? When they are all from different sources and have different purposes and benefits to the human body.
There are rumours that rooibos tea is great for giving you gorgeous skin and health thick hair…
