Sip On This — 10 Teas + Their Benefits
Tea has been consumed for centuries by millions of people as a natural remedy to common ailments. With so many different varieties of teas, it can be hard to figure out which one is the best for you! We’re sharing ten teas + their benefits to help you decide what to sip on next great drink of choice —
SPEARMINT
Spearmint tea can be used to alleviate nausea, indigestion, headaches, cramps, or a sore throat. Plus, two cups of Spearmint tea has been shown to be more effective than prescription treatments for acne due to its anti-inflammatory contents.
OOLONG
Besides water, Oolong tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world. Oolong tea has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, lower the risk for heart disease ++ has been studied to lower risk for certain types of cancers // type 2 diabetes. Plus, it has just the right amount of caffeine [10 to 60mg per cup — about a quarter of a cup of coffee!] to increase cognitive functioning without giving you the jitters!
CHAI
Over 5,000 years ago, legend has it that a king ordered a healing spice be created to be used for Ayurveda ++ chai was born. Its heat + spice can be helpful for stimulating digestion, the cardamom is a mood booster, the cinnamon helps circulation + respiratory functions, ++ overall it can help freshen your breath! You can even make your own Chai tea blend!
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile tea can help reduce cramps, as found in a 2010 study [thank you!!] It can also help lower blood sugar + treat diabetes. Although studies have not proven it, Chamomile tea is also thought to have cancer-fighting qualities. Drinking a cup of Chamomile tea before bed can help you relax + fall asleep quicker ++ shown to have modest anti-anxiety benefits!
GREEN TEA
Green tea contains lots of catechins — antioxidants that fight + even may prevent cell damage. These catechins help to improve blood flow + even prevent the formation of plaques [some of which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease]. Green tea is a great swap for sugary drinks, can help support weight loss, ++ also contains a natural chemical called theanine which can help you relax.
HIBISCUS
This beautiful pink tea isn’t just great for Instagram aesthetics, it’s a great superfood too! Hibiscus can help speed up metabolism + is rich in Vitamin C. Some studies found it helpful in the treatment of depression, anxiety + hypertension because of its vitamin + mineral content. It’s also great for your liver + has even been found to protect against liver disease.
ROOIBOS
Rooibos tea comes from a South African bush plant which creates aunique red tea that’s rich in antioxidants that assist in detoxification. Rooibos tea also contains aspalathin + nothofagin which are two antioxidants that can boost your immune system + protect against diseases. It’s also rich in calcium + fluoride that helps to build stronger teeth + bones as well as being able to help treat eczema, acne, ++ prevent aging [goodbye wrinkles!]
EUCALYPTUS
You’re probably familiar with eucalyptus from koalas, but they’re not the only creatures who can benefit from this native Australian plant! Eucalyptus can reduce a fever + speed up the treatment of a cold, sore throat or flu because of its antibacterial properties. It can also help with other breathing problems like asthma or allergies!
CINNAMON
Cinnamon tea has high antioxidant content that can prevent certain cancers. It can help to improve cognitive function by increasing speed + concentration. Plus, its holiday-season taste makes it the perfect for cold winter nights — you can make cinnamon tea by using cinnamon sticks!
GINGER
An old Indian proverb says, “Everything good is found in ginger.” Ginger has been traditionally used as a healing medicine — ginger tea can help relieve stress, reduce menstrual cramps, + improve circulation. It can also relieve nausea + improve digestion ++ food absorption [bye bye bloating!]
BONUS BENEFITS OF TEA
Tea has so many great benefits that are not specific to the type of tea too! Here are some tips // tricks for drinking your tea —
#1] Add lemon to your tea to increase its Vitamin C content!
#2] Don’t add your tea bag to boiling water, it can damage the catechins that make tea great for you!
#3] Most tea is calorie free + is a great alternative if you can’t seem to drink enough water
#4] Tea contains less caffeine than coffee, which means fewer effects on the nervous system — think, jitters, crash, increased heart rate
#5] Tea can be more inexpensive than coffee, but you can get more bang for your buck! Keep a tea bag package in your backpack or purse + fill up on hot water at a local coffee shop. Often, they’ll give you the hot water for free!
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