Are All Teas Created Equal? The Health Benefits of Three Popular Teas

June 24, 2010 - PRLog -- But where do these claims, which can be seen on so many tea products today, come from? Take a look at some of the top selling teas in the world and see for yourself why a cup a day truly can keep the doctor away.

Green tea - One of the most widely sought after teas in the world is green tea. Its roots extend far back into ancient Chinese culture, when emperors would use the root of the Camellia sinensis plant to create an infusion that was believed to treat various health conditions and ailments. In the decades to follow, Japanese Buddhist priests would create a brewed beverage from its leaves, and eventually it made its way into mainstream culture. It is believed that green tea can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer, mostly due to its high level of antioxidants. Drinking one to two glasses of green tea each day can improve brain function, eliminate indigestion, prevent fatigue, and promote anti-aging in the minds of many people.

Oolong tea- Derived from the same plant species, Camellia sinensis, as green tea, is beloved by those in the Chinese culture. Darker than green tea but not as dark as black tea, Oolong undergoes a delicate roasting in leaf form to rid it of any astringent flavors. For its gentle characteristics, Oolong tea is said to be good for digestion and aging. It has recently been claimed to aid in weight loss, promoting a process called thermogenesis, or heating up the body in order to increase the oxidation of fat. Its supposed ability to help people lose weight is part of what has made Oolong tea so wildly popular in recent years.

Black tea - Another member of the Camellia sinensis family of leaves, black tea is a bit stronger and more caffeinated than its lighter counterparts. Dating back to ancient China, black tea has been brewed, traded and produced since the 18th century. Rich in polyphenols, an antioxidants that is proven to have significant health benefits, black tea is believed to have a great effect on coronary artery disease. Some feel that drinking two or three cups of black tea every day will prevent cardiovascular disease and lead to generally better overall health.

Green, Oolong and Black teas have been known to improve health among drinkers for centuries. But is one tea better than the others? Some believe that green tea is the best for your health, as it is less processed than black tea and has more antioxidants. Still others claim that the effects of Oolong are unmatched by any other tea. Adding any of these teas to your daily diet can have wonderful effects on your overall health. Look for high-quality teas and do your research on how to brew them in order to get the most out of the leaves.

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About Author:
Susan is a freelance writer from Buffalo, New York. She has degrees in both Elementary Education and English Literature and is currently attending graduate school at the University at Buffalo for Information Studies and Library Sciences. Susan loves to travel, read, write and, of course, drink coffee. She also enjoys baking and spending time outdoors with her Boston Terrier, Lucy. When she’s not studying or writing, Susan loves to take in movies and cook with her friends. Susan’s favorite coffee is the Breakfast Blend K-Cup from Green Mountain and her favorite tea is Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time.