I personally consider a day in my life wasted if it doesn’t involve multiple cups of tea. One of the most accessible luxuries there is, the act of boiling my water, selecting a sachet for infusion, waiting for the tea to steep and then taking a moment to pause and indulge in its welcome warmth is a valuable respite amidst a busy day.
So habitual is this ritual that the beverage’s other benefits are often lost on me. Yet tea, the second most-consumed drink in the world after water, has long been sought out specifically for its health-enhancing properties—and increasingly so.
From globally flourishing interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic teas, to model-touted wellness routines (Bella Hadid starts her mornings with the peppermint variety, while Kate Moss’ Cosmoss brand has offered up homeopath-created Dawn and Dusk blends), accessing the health benefits of tea can be as elevated or as simple an endeavour as you please.
For the purists
It may come as a surprise to learn that, technically, there are only five types of ‘true’ teas: black, green, white, oolong and pu-erh. All share one key trait: they are derived from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis, or tea, plant.
All are rich sources of antioxidants, which improve overall health by: reducing free radical damage and inflammation; supporting heart health through reduced blood cholesterol, sugar and pressure levels; and more. This has been associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Black tea
Black tea, the most common tea variety, is known for its full flavour and strong colour due to tea leaves which are fully oxidised.
The beverage is uniquely rich in antioxidants known as theaflavins and thearubigins. They also aid in reducing cell damage, managing blood cholesterol levels, and more. Black tea is high in tannins, which aid in relaxing the digestive system, and L-theanine, associated with an improved and calmer mood.
For the caffeine-conscious, it’s worth noting that black tea contains more caffeine than other teas—albeit less than a cup of coffee—and can stain teeth due to its tannin content—more so than a cup of coffee. Brushing (after at least 30 minutes) and drinking or rinsing teeth with water after a cupful can help to curb these effects.
Green tea
For many, green tea is somewhat synonymous with the picture of health. And it turns out there’s truth to this stereotype. Richer in antioxidants than black tea, the beverage—which is not oxidised during processing—is particularly rich in a form of antioxidants known as catechin. Helping to reduce free radical damage and inflammation, they have been associated with cancer prevention and reduced risk of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s.
Mood-boosting L-theanine, which also improves executive function and working memory, is found in even higher levels in green tea.
White, oolong and pu-erh teas
White, oolong and pu-erh varieties of teas are often categorised broadly as ‘Chinese teas’. All undergo some form of oxidation, placing them ‘in between’ green and black varieties.
White tea is generally considered to be the least processed tea of all. Like green teas, it is high in catechins, particularly EGCG. This results in abundant anti-inflammatory properties for the body. Meanwhile, the ‘in between’ state of oolong tea results in a beneficial combination of antioxidants concentrated in black tea, including theaflavins and thearubigins, and those found in green tea, like catechins. On the other hand, the fermented properties of pu-erh tea stand out for their probiotic content and digestive support.
Health benefits of herbal (tisanes) and flavoured teas
Of course, many more flavours of what we know as tea abound. While not considered to be ‘true’ teas in the most technical sense, there are still incredible benefits to other forms such as chamomile, dandelion and hibiscus teas.
Usefully, most are caffeine-free, which present a delicious alternative to preparing for a wind down at night. In particular, chamomile is known for its calming effects and ability to aid with sleep. Its compounds are also associated with reduced inflammation throughout the body and a soothed digestive system.
Other teas are useful for promoting relaxation, including lavender and lemon balm. Meanwhile, digestive benefits have been associated with peppermint, ginger and fennel varieties. For those seeking antioxidant concentrations, ginger and hibiscus are worth adding to your cart.
Time to indulge
Above all, just as powerful as the effects of its ingredients, the very act of making tea itself can be a potent tool for tending to your mental health throughout the day and evening. As a practice of mindfulness, the ritual can help to self-soothe and reduce stress levels, while consuming a cupful contributes to hydration levels. So next time you reach for a quick cuppa, consider the true benefits of your beverage—it’s worth slowing down to enjoy.
