White Teas: This is the least processed tea you can get. It is very rare and very healthy. It has polyphenols like green tea, but may contain it in greater proportions. It is produced almost entirely in Fukien Province in China, and the tea buds are harvested at dawn on only two days of the year. It contains more buds than leaves and is rapidly steamed and dried leaving the leaves very “fresh”.
Green Teas: Very little to no processing makes this tea one of the healthiest. It contains polyphenols that contain more antioxidant activity than Vitamins C and E. New studies show that it may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis and/or lessen the pain in those already suffering from it. It may aid in cancer prevention and contains EGCG which is a natural obstructer of TNF (a gene deviancy that encourages the growth of cancer cells).
Black Teas: This is a fully oxidized tea that comes flavored, blended and non-blended. Studies show it may help relax and expand arteries which increases blood flow to the heart. It contains antioxidants similar to those found in fruits and vegetables. It contains fluoride which fights bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay.
Oolong Teas: This is a semi-oxidized tea. It’s health benefits are those similar to the black and green tea depending on how long the tea is oxidized. Oolong tea contains vitamins C, A, B, and D. Drinking Oolong with meals may aid in the digestion of food and is particularly useful for those with weak or cold digestion. It has diuretic effects and works to stimulate the removal of waste material from the body. Oolong tea may also be a powerful remedy for eczema when drinking 4 to 5 cups of oolong tea day along with your skin care treatement. Oolong contains Polyphenols and helps to remove free radicals which helps to delay the appearance of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles. This tea can help with lowering blood pressure, reducing heart disease, and help prevent tooth decay. Oolong tea may also improve glucose utilization and insulin regulation. This can be an effective addition to a type-2 diabetes treatment program. (Bodybuilding.com—Hosoda K. Wang MF, Liao ML, Chuang CK, Iha M, Clevidence B, Yamamoto S, Antihyperglycemic effect of oolong tea in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2003 Jun; 26 (6): 1714-8).
Rooibos Tea: This is a fairly new tea that is from South Africa and means “red plant”. New studies show that it may delay the aging process. It appears to reduce the toxic compounds of free radicals which produces aging. It helps to relieve stomach ailments such as ulcers, nausea, constipation, colic and heartburn. It contains magnesium, which is healthy for the nervous system, calcium, alpha hydroxyl, zinc, potassium, and copper minerals. It also has been shown to help control the appetite to aid in weight loss and also contains antioxidants that help aid in cancer prevention. Rooibos tea is also naturally caffeine-free. It has been shown to help with skin conditions such as eczema and acne when applied to the skin.
**This information is from previous studies done and is not 100%. Studies change all the time and this should not be taken as a “sure thing”. Always check with your doctor before using tea for any type of medical treatment or special diet regime.
