Tea has been consumed by cultures around the world for centuries. While it’s widely accepted that an array of plants have health benefits, many of us are still in the dark about exactly what certain types of teas can do. The fantastic news is that there are so many options out there that can target different issues. Tea is so easy to add to daily diets, so let’s take a look at the benefits of tea and tea extracts, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Health benefits of tea and tea extracts
Black tea
As one of the most popular hot beverages, black tea comprises nearly 70% of the world’s tea production. As it’s so common, its health benefits are often overlooked, but it is a great way to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes, lower blood sugar levels and improve focus. Outstandingly, studies suggest that drinking a minimum of two cups of black tea a day will lower the risk of death by around 13% over diets that don’t include it.
Green tea
The next widely used tea is green tea, and this is typically known for its antioxidant compounds. These can target free radicals in the body, with a focus on cells, and can typically reduce the risk of a host of diseases. Not only can green tea help to minimise the potential development of cancer, but it can also assist with improving cognitive function, boost metabolic rates to increase short-term fat burning, manage blood sugar levels and even enhance general oral health.
Botanicals and herbal extracts
Botanicals are typically substances that are taken from plants and used for medicinal purposes, and when considering teas, this can include everything from ginger to chamomile, rooibos, hibiscus and more. When making the switch to herbal options, these are typically favoured for the fact that they are caffeine free and can help to relieve stress, improve digestion and support the immune system. A whole host of fruits and herbs can be blended with black, green, or white teas to improve taste.
Top overall health benefits of a host of teas
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, all teas and extracts will have their own specific functions as they are rich in antioxidants, nutrients and various minerals. Overall, many variations can be used to:
- Improve diets
- Increase vitamin and mineral intake
- Boost hydration
- Better manage calorie intake when chosen over other beverages
- Support gut health
- Stimulate brain function
- Encourage cell regeneration
- Cleanse the body
Sourcing the right teas
While you may think that simply going to your local supermarket and purchasing tea is a good idea, there are many reasons why you should instead look for natural tea suppliers. The top reasons for this are that many products are unethically sourced, will comprise components taken from the cheapest crops and won’t prioritise safe and healthy working environments for tea farmers and their employees. This means that if you want high-quality, organic solutions that will be chock full of nutrients from sustainably grown plants, choosing an online tea merchant will ensure you get exactly what you expect.
