Hot Tea: What to Drink and When

You might be skeptical of the statement, “the secret to a long life is hot tea,” and reasonably so. But, as it turns out, there’s valid reason to hop on this bandwagon! Many scientific studies have proven that hot tea in its many varieties has an expansive list of health benefits.

The fountain of youth remains a piece of fiction, but should it be discovered, we’re willing to bet it flows through a forest of Camellia sinensis (the plant responsible for most teas.)

There are so many teas out there that deciding which one to brew might be overwhelming. This guide will break down the most popular varieties of tea, what they do for your health, and when to drink each type.

Black Tea

Black tea is incredibly popular which isn’t surprising given its strong flavors and energizing caffeine. It makes for a great morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. And if that doesn’t convince you, it’s also worth note that black tea is known to prevent heart disease and stroke, help manage diabetes, improve digestion, relieve stress, and improve dental health.

The list doesn’t end there! This elixir nourishes almost every part of your body in ways you might not expect. It’s beneficial for skincare, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Black tea is also linked to overall happiness, and that makes sense to us! A healthy life is a happier life, after all.

Chai

That’s right: chai. Not chai tea as chai, derived from Chinese chá, means tea in numerous languages. Chai is most famous for its spicy flavor often tempered with sweeteners like milk and honey for a delicious sweet and spicy morning drink loaded with caffeine.

In and out of latte form, this ancient drink has been known for its medicinal properties since the dawn of tea. Chai is great for alleviating nausea and improving digestion. The spices in this tea also help relieve aches and pains related to inflammation, strengthen immune systems, and protect overall cell health to prevent chronic disease.

Green Tea

Green tea is a great milder option for those in need of a less intense caffeine boost. It’s the perfect tea to get you through a mid-afternoon slump, especially since caffeine can increase brain function. Green tea can give you the jumpstart you need without the jitters and crash afterward.

Looking at the health benefits of green tea, we can consider its bioactive compounds (like polyphenol) that help reduce inflammation. Green tea is a great way to burn fat which is why you’ll likely find it in most workout supplements. It’s a natural bacteria annihilator which means clean and healthy teeth for regular drinkers.

All teas have many varieties, and matcha is the green tea currently gaining popularity.

Oolong Tea

Most teas are great at combatting heart disease, and oolong is no different. Studies have found that regular drinkers of oolong tea have decreased risk of high cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol) included. Studies suggest that oolong may lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, improve dental health, build healthier gut bacteria, and strengthen bones.

Pu-erh (pronounced: pu air)

This tea is ideal for the nighttime. As an aged or fermented tea, pu-erh is mild and won’t disrupt sleep quality.

On top of the same heart-healthy, bone-strengthening, metabolism-enhancing properties of other teas, pu-erh is also great for cleansing toxins from the body. The microorganisms in pu-erh tea team up with your spleen and stomach to filter waste out and keep you operating at your best. Pu-erh’s oxidative properties can increase blood flow and help fight headaches and migraines. If germs are spreading around your office, the high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C are great cold and flu killers.

White Tea

Known for its anti-aging properties, white tea is a legendary skincare solution. White tea’s make up contributes to acne defense and protects skin against harmful UV radiation from the sun. White tea’s enzymes are also known to promote healthy hair and skin.

Turmeric Tea

This tea is a little different from others. Where most teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, turmeric is a plant from the ginger family. It has a vibrant orange or yellow coloring and, if you’ve cooked with it, you probably know it tends to stain your hands for ages. But don’t count it out; there are plenty of benefits to turmeric!

Turmeric’s primary compound, curcumin, has many of the same properties of common teas: it’s loaded with antioxidant power, increases brain function, and lowers the risk of heart disease. Its secret strength is the natural anti-inflammatory properties related to curcumin. This spice is so powerful that it’s as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs and combats inflammation at a molecular level.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine does not make a tea by itself, so tea makers combine jasmine leaves and green tea to create this drink. Jasmine tea then has all the benefits of green tea, now with some serious cold-fighting power. Jasmine tea is known to prevent illness such as cold and influenza, though it really shines when it comes to beating the sniffles. Some believe that gargling jasmine tea can beat and prevent illness, but it’s so darn good that you might as well drink it.

When it comes to healthy habits, drinking tea is one of the best. Any tea has phenomenal capabilities that will keep you feeling your best. So, try them all, find your favorite, and enjoy this ancient treat. Your body will thank you. Fill out our quick form here to get started !