Tea is a healthy and beneficial beverage that is diverse as the people who drink it. Many people in the United States do not know that there is such a variety of tea. We drink much more coffee and soda that other countries. However, tea offers many benefits that include, it is fairly inexpensive to make, it has health benefits, and there is so many different types that someone will undoubtedly find their favorites.
There are four major types of tea available on the world market today: green, black, oolong, and white. Tea is grouped by the leaf’s level oxidation. Black is the most oxidized when white is the least amount.
Black Tea
The most popular variety of tea is black tea. Over 75% of the world’s tea production ends up as black tea. It is also referred to as pekoe or orange pekoe. Black tea is prepared by letting the tea leaves out in the elements and are fermented before they are dried. Although, fermentation reduces the level of antioxidants, black tea has demonstrated considerable health benefits. Black tea does have the highest concentration of theaflavin which is thought to decrease the risk of cardiovascular and disease. A Dutch study found that black tea reduced a person’s risk of stroke while a Saudi Arabian study determined that the tea reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. by about 50%.
Oolong Tea
This variety of tea possesses more antioxidants than black tea. Oolong tea is processed before fermentation is completed, giving it a unique flavor. Oolong contains a high level of polyphenol. This is closely associated with reducing the risk of heart disease many help reduce blood pressure. The prevention of tooth decay is another benefit of this tea.
Green Tea
Over last few years green tea has achieved a level of popularity due to it’s health benefits. This tea is not initally fermented so it retains a high amount of anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Green tea is sought to contol high cholesterol levels, infection, and a reduced immune system.
White Tea
The premium variety tea is the white tea. It starts from the youngest leaves of the tea tree. These leaves contain the highest level of antioxidants and associated health benefits. White tea has even found it’s way into the mainstream by being a component of toothpaste because of it’s natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial attributes.
There are many different types of tea on the market today. All of which have some degree of health benefits ranging from prevention of coronary heart disease to helping to keep your teeth clean. Regardless, of the benefits of tea one can still enjoy a cup of tea just for the taste.