If a refreshing cup of tea is all you need to kickstart your day, you are a true tea lover. Sipping a hot cup of tea when you wake up in the morning or having your calming chamomile or valerian root before slipping into your bed have many benefits other than energising and relaxing you. So, when you drink this plant-based beverage, you enrich your mind and body in many ways.

Tea is rich in polyphenols, a phytochemical (the chemical compounds you get from plants). Polyphenols contain antioxidants, which infuse tea with healing properties. These phytochemicals come along with many health benefits, including preventing cell damage and fighting cancer-causing bodies, among others.

Moreover, according to a 2019 study published in Aging, an Aging and Health journal, the brain regions (related to cognitive functions) of older people who drink tea, especially oolong, green, or black tea, are organised in a better way than those who do not.

Another study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (EJPC) says people who drink tea thrice a week or more live a longer life than people who do not drink tea. Researchers have also found that people who drink green tea are at a lower risk of heart diseases.

So, the bottom line is - drinking tea offers many health benefits. However, there are a plethora of teas available in the market, and each one comes with a different health bonus. 

Why not brew yourself your favourite tea and learn about five teas to drink for a healthier body and mind?

Before we delve into the types of teas you should drink for a healthier mind and body, here is a one-oh-one:

Made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea needs no introduction. People have been admiring it for its medicinal properties for ages. The most important thing to note is that whether it is green, black, white, or oolong tea, they all belong to the same family—the Green Tea family. The difference lies in the level of fermentation the different variants undergo. 

So, let us help you choose your perfect cup of tea!

Green Tea: The Most Celebrated One!

Green tea is loaded with polyphenols known as catechins (epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG). These chemical compounds help cure inflammation in the body and many chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular ailments, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancers.

According to a study, consuming six cups of green tea or more every day is linked with a 33% decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. 

In light of heart health, a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC) in August 2018 says that catechins, especially EGCG, are likely to break down and destroy the potentially fatal misfolded proteins (plagues) present in the arteries (blood vessels). Therefore, it is likely to minimise the risks of developing atherosclerosis.

Black Tea: An Unsung Hero!

Although green tea is one of the most revered varieties of tea, black tea is no less. It contains flavonoids that can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Various scientific data show that black tea can help prevent many health conditions, such as diabetes, cognitive decline, heart diseases, inflammation, and some cancers. 

According to an article published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging, older people, especially women, who drink black tea regularly, are at a lower risk of developing neurocognitive disorders like dementia.

Also, if you are not much of a green tea lover, the black variant could be a good alternative for you, especially if you want to ditch high blood sugar levels.

Oolong Tea: The Equally Effective Cousin of Green Tea!

Have you ever tried oolong tea? If not, then you should give it a try for sure. This tea is partially oxidised, someway between its green and black counterparts. Also, it is rich in polyphenols like its cousins. Therefore, the health benefits it offers are also notable. 

According to a study published in the Cambridge University Press, drinking 2.5 or more cups of oolong tea every day helps lower the bad cholesterol levels in your blood. It also decreases the risk of developing dyslipidemia (a condition in which your lipids levels become abnormal).

There is good news for people who want to get the figures right and attain a healthy weight. Drinking oolong tea also helps prevent obesity and reduce body fat, thus helping you to maintain a healthy weight. It is also good for your brain health.

Also, if you like your brew to be a bit stronger, oolong tea is the right choice for you.

Chamomile Tea: As Healthy As It Sounds!

If you want to wind down yourself to sleep like a baby, a cup of chamomile tea should be your shot. It is a herbal tea with no caffeine. Therefore, it helps calm your senses before bedtime. Chamomile tea belongs to the daisy family and is known for its impeccable healing properties.

Besides, there are many more feathers to the hats of this beautiful flowering plant. It works great as a mild diuretic and is beneficial for people with kidney-related conditions. It also helps boost immunity and relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure.

Ginger Tea: A Versatile Spice Indeed!

Regarded as one of the best folk medicines, ginger tea is an antidote to many health conditions, right from immunity boosting, tummy troubles to colds and cough. 

According to Integrative Medicine Insights, an esteemed journal, ginger is one of the effective remedies for vomiting and nausea.

Moreover, according to various research, ginger is also found to alleviate nausea by 40% that people experience after undergoing chemotherapy sessions for cancer.

The best part about preparing ginger tea is that it is super easy to make. You can steep its medicinal properties and refreshing aroma in a few minutes.