Health benefits of tea: Support gut health, boost energy with these 5 cuppas

The world has been drinking tea for centuries. And it’s no surprise as tea offers a range of health benefits depending on the type you choose. Green tea, for instance, is packed with antioxidants that support metabolism and brain function, while black tea promotes heart and gut health. Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint are ideal for stress relief and aiding digestion. Matcha, a concentrated form of green tea, enhances focus and metabolism, while ginger tea is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Different teas offer a variety of health benefits depending on their type and ingredients. Here’s everything you need to know about different kinds of teas and their benefits:

• Green tea

Green tea is widely recommended for its numerous health benefits, thanks to its rich antioxidant content. According to the National Institutes of Health, green tea contains substances that help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also highlights its role in boosting metabolism and fat burning, making it a popular choice for weight management.

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Green tea is known for enhancing brain function, as studies in the Journal of Nutrition show that its combination of caffeine and L-theanine can improve focus, mood, and cognitive performance. Furthermore, antioxidants found in green tea have been linked to a reduced risk of several cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal, as noted by the National Cancer Institute.

• Black tea

Black tea is rich in caffeine and has numerous health benefits related to heart health and digestion. Flavonoids in black tea may reduce the risk of heart disease, as noted by Harvard Medical School. Additionally, the polyphenols in black tea promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, according to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Black tea's higher caffeine content boosts energy and alertness, as stated by the Mayo Clinic, while regular consumption has been linked to lowering LDL cholesterol levels, based on findings from the American Heart Association.

• Herbal teas

Herbal teas are caffeine-free and come in a variety of flavours, offering different health benefits depending on the herbs used.

Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties, making it a popular choice for reducing stress and improving digestion, as noted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Peppermint tea, on the other hand, is beneficial for relieving headaches and reducing sinus congestion, according to research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

• Matcha

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that offers a more concentrated version of its benefits. Matcha tea has great health benefits, particularly its rich antioxidant content, as you're consuming the entire tea leaf, which increases its potency, according to the Journal of Chromatography. Matcha is also known for boosting metabolism and aiding fat burning, making it helpful for weight management, as highlighted in the Journal of Functional Foods.

Also read |Benefits of matcha tea: Boosts cognitive function, promotes heart health, enhances mood

• Ginger tea

Made from fresh or dried ginger, ginger tea offers numerous digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Ginger tea is often used to relieve indigestion, nausea, and bloating, as supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce muscle pain and alleviate arthritis symptoms, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Ginger tea can boost immune function due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it an effective remedy for preventing colds, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. This makes ginger tea a popular choice for both digestive health and immune support.

Each of these teas brings its own unique set of health benefits. Whether you’re looking for an energy boost, better digestion, or overall wellness, there’s a tea that can meet your needs.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.