More than half of the people in the U.S. enjoy a tea beverage every day. Don’t be mistaken. This is certainly not about texas tea that is mixed with bourbon and whiskey. It’s the everyday, common kinds of caffeinated teas: green, oolong, and black teas. Different countries and states enjoy different types of teas around the world. Most of the population in Asia prefers green tea; the people in Southern China consume oolong tea the most, whereas people in the U.S. mostly prefer black tea.
All three teas, oolong, green and black, are made from the same plant Camelia Sinensis. The only difference in the taste and aroma of each tea is how the leaves of the Camelia Sinensis plant are made.
However, herbal teas are not made from the Camelia Sinensis plant but are the by-products of the leaves, roots, flowers, and other parts from a variety of different plants. Peppermint and chamomile teas are two very popularly consumed herbal teas. Chamomile tea is made from the flowers of the plant, and peppermint tea is made from the leaves of a mint plant that contains menthol. It is known to help in soothing an upset stomach, preventing motion sickness, and fighting constipation. Chamomile tea helps in the reduction of muscle spasms and menstrual pains while reducing stress levels, helping in a relaxed sleep.
Nutrients and Caffeine Composition in Teas:
Green, oolong, and black tea all contain different amounts of caffeine. Black tea has relatively more caffeine than green tea has. The amount of caffeine present in each tea also relates to the way the tea is brewed. The longer the tea steeps in water, the greater the caffeine content. Teas that are caffeinated usually have less caffeine than the amount of caffeine there is in a coffee:
- A cup of 8-ounce black tea contains 48 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of coffee contains around 95 milligrams of it.
- A cup of oolong tea contains around 38 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of green tea has 29 mg of caffeine only.
- Most herbal teas available worldwide contain zero caffeine content.
Whether it’s herbal tea or caffeinated ones, both equally provide small amounts of nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, sodium, and zinc. The only difference depends upon the growing conditions and the age of the tea plant. There is only around 5 mg of calcium in a cup of chamomile herbal tea. Teas also contain fluoride, but the content of fluoride varies depending on the amount and type of water being used to make it. Fluoride helps in strengthening the teeth, fighting plaque, and making them more resistant to sugar and acid. When cooled and applied to bruises, Black tea helps reduce pain and swelling. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help ease skin rashes and other skin-related conditions.
Purported Health Benefits of Tea:
Antioxidant-packed micronutrients called polyphenols have anti-inflammatory properties in both herbal and caffeinated teas. They help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.
Unfortunately, when teas are processed, some of the antioxidants in the tea are destroyed, which is why texas tea drink, tea powders, bottled tea drinks, and decaffeinated teas may not offer the same health benefits as normally seeped teas do. Research also suggests that green tea offers a greater content of antioxidant punch than most other varieties of teas. Green teas also have a large impact on making your skin glow and clearer.
Help in Losing Weight:
Some studies and researches suggest that caffeine and catechins, which are a type of polyphenol present in tea, may help lose weight, whereas caffeine-less green teas did not appear to produce similar results. Even though the study on caffeinated green tea seems promising enough, many questions remain unanswered. Plus, the weight loss results seen have been really less, like only one to two pounds.
Help with Diabetes:
Some studies and researches suggest that the catechins found in green tea may help keep an individual’s blood sugar levels in check, which leads to the reduction of developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers are also evaluating that chamomile and spearmint teas play vital roles in the prevention of diabetes.
The Heart Health:
Drinkers and consumers of teas may be helping to keep their hearts healthy and young. Researchers and studies show a reduced risk of heart disease in individuals who regularly consume black or green tea. They also help in lowering levels of blood pressure and cholesterol.
Combating Cancer:
Many types of research have been held around the world, trying to prove that teas help reduce the risk of cancer in individuals but have still not succeeded. Some studies suggest that people who consume tea have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, but some studies also do not support these findings.
Health Risks of Tea:
Even though there are many good things about drinking teas, excessive drinking can be harmful and put your health at risk.
One of the risks is caffeine overload. Consuming large amounts of caffeine might make you feel nervous and restless while also disrupting your sleep patterns. Some individuals may also suffer loose stools and gastrointestinal issues. Abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, muscle pain, and heartburn are some of the most common side effects of consuming too much caffeine in teas. It may also come in contact with certain medications, which may increase the effects of caffeine in the body. The total daily intake of caffeine from different sources of food or drinks should not exceed more than 400 mg.
A Soothing Cup of Tea:
Excessive research is required to pin down all its benefits, but tea can be a part of a healthy drinking pattern. To make the strongest punch, steep your tea, whether black, oolong, or green tea, and be mindful of how it is sweetened to limit sources of any added sugars or additives.