Teas in all its forms are easy for the body to process and are perfect for those people who are on a detox or who have delicate digestive systems. Tea contains virtually no calories unless you add sugar and milk, so it is a great way to reduce your calorie intake as an alternative for more fattening drinks such as coffee.
It is enjoyed by many as one of the more pleasant and convenient aids of losing weight. Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world on a par with water. With so many different varieties of tea such as Black, White, Green, Oolong and Puerh, how beneficial are they to our health?
White Tea is said to contain a high level of antioxidants that are linked with helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also helps to reduce the amount of toxins in the body. It is an uplifting tea, ideal for those who need a pep up or if they are feeling run down.
Traditional Chinese Medicine claim that White tea has a cooling effect, particularly a blend called Silver Needle which is commonly used to treat dental problems, inflammation, fevers and skin ailments.
Green Tea also contains a high level of antioxidants. One of its main antioxidant compounds Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been studied closely for its health benefits and results have shown it is very effective in weight loss and reducing cholesterol levels.
EGCG at its highest concentration is found in the very young, new unopened buds of tips of the plant. Similarly to White Tea it also is thought to have a cooling effect and is widely used to treat inflammation.
Puerh Tea is well established for its weight loss benefits. It works alongside the metabolism and helps to breakdown the fat deposits in the body.
It is considered to be one of the most helpful of tea varieties in its many useful properties, such as reducing blood lipid content, reducing plaque build up in the arteries and helping to aid digestion. It is rumoured it reduces the effects of a hangover if consumed before and after alcohol consumption!
Black Tea is not as plentiful in health benefits compared to other teas although it still has health benefits of its own. It contains very high levels of the antioxidants Theaflavins and Thearubigins.
As well as having the same benefits as general antioxidants do, studies show that these chemicals act as powerful anti-clastogenics which help prevent breakage and breakdown of cells. It is thought to help with circulatory problems as it increases warmth in the body.
Oolong Tea contains the very highest concentration of Polyphenols. Polyphenols are believed to help fight free radicals which we get regular exposure from though pollutants in the environment, chemicals in food and even those that occur naturally in the body. Oolong is said to be warming, aid digestion, be very cleansing of impurities and help to ease headaches.
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