It seems that green tea is the talk of the town these days, with good reason. When I was initially exposed to the word ‘catechin’, I couldn’t even pronounce the word, nor did I know its definition. After doing some digging around in Merriam-Webster, I discovered that it is a flavonoid, which is found in tea. Flavonoids are antioxidants known for their ability to seek out free radicals in the body and inhibit their ability to do harm. Although there are many types of tea on today’s market, including the very popular black tea, we will mainly focus on the benefits of tea in general.
Green tea is said to have originated in China and is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. It was popular for centuries in China, before it eventually spread throughout the world. Although black tea seems to have a foothold in restaurants, supermarkets and at dining room tables, green tea has been gaining in popularity for years. It is widely used in smoothies, consumed hot or cold and also used for its medicinal properties.
Tea, in general, is popularly known for its antioxidant properties. To put into perspective how powerful antioxidants are, I like to use the common battery as an illustration. As batteries age, they begin to degrade internally, making them more susceptible to corrosion. Similarly, as we age, our bodies are more susceptible to the oxidative effects of inflammation when we do not consume enough antioxidant rich foods. Some antioxidant rich foods include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, citrus fruits and grapes, to name a few.
As tea is known for its antiviral and cancer fighting properties, it is also believed that it may play a role in heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. So as you can see, it has numerous health benefits worthy of being a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Even though the more common teas have been spotlighted here, let’s talk about some of the lesser known teas like; oolong, pu-erh, matcha, and rooibos. These teas are relatively common and gaining popularity among tea enthusiasts worldwide. However, the popularity of teas can vary depending on the region and cultural preferences.
Here’s a brief overview of each type of tea:
- Oolong tea: Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is partially oxidized, giving it a unique flavor profile between green and black tea. It is popular in China and Taiwan and has a growing fan base in other parts of the world.
- Pu-erh tea: Pu-erh tea is another type of Chinese tea known for its post-fermentation process. It can be aged for several years, and its flavor profile evolves over time. Pu-erh tea has a dedicated following, particularly among tea connoisseurs.
- Matcha tea: Matcha is a Japanese green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. It has gained widespread popularity due to its use in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and its versatility as an ingredient in various culinary creations.
- Rooibos tea: Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is a herbal tea from South Africa. It is caffeine-free and has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor. Rooibos has gained popularity as a caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas.
The most common thread is that tea is rich in antioxidants, supports heart health and metabolism and can be used for medicinal purposes. Whether you consume it hot or cold, try adding it to your healthy lifestyle so that you can reap the potential rewards of tea’s many benefits.
In summary, I have learned a lot about tea and have come to realize that I have been missing out! I personally consume green tea on a regular basis, but I think I should step out of my comfort zone and try something new. Here’s to broadening horizons!
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Eat. Drink. Be.
M.M.
Please note that the content of this post is not intended for medical advice and is for informational purposes only.
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