Teas – Different Types and What They Can Do

Tea has been used for centuries for everything from a casual afternoon drink to formal and extravagant ceremonies. In the United States, tea has many common uses such as stimulation, relaxation and to soothe a sore throat. It has been discovered that tea has numerous benefits, and each type has different strengths.

Green Tea

One of the main reasons for the beneficial properties of tea is its high level of antioxidants. Antioxidants are measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or the ORAC. Green tea has an especially high ORAC, higher than both blueberries and pomegranates. This high level of antioxidants can lower cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk of some cancers. In a study involving six thousand Japanese women, those who drank five or more cups of green tea a day decreased their risk of stroke by half.

Black Tea

Black tea, which is more common in the United States and Europe, has different benefits than green tea. Most of their benefit comes from a chemical called flavonoids, which are also found in apples. These have been known to reduce the risk of stroke as well as fight highly reactive free radicals that can cause artery damage. It also works wonders for fighting mouth bacteria. It helps prevent gum disease, plaque build- up, and cavities.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are used to fight many specific maladies. Technically, however, they aren’t actual tea. They are usually made from various herbs, flowers and spices rather than tea leaves. One of the most popular herbal teas is chamomile. This tea has sedative properties, can be used to help induce sleep. This is often used my mothers whose children are too restless at bedtime. It can also help adults sleep regardless of the cause of your insomnia. For example, if you only have insomnia because you are sick, chamomile tea will make you sleepy as well as soothe a sore throat. If you aren’t fond of tea, chamomile can also be used in a hot bath before bed to make you more tired.

Another popular herbal tea is echinacea. It is especially useful if you are suffering from the cold or flu because it can help alleviate symptoms such as aches, sore throat, cough and grogginess. Many people choose to use this rather than over the counter drugs.