Have you wondered why some people prefer to drink some tea over the others? Most of the popular types of tea like green tea are most preferred. But what about the other types? How and when do we need to drink them? Let’s explore some of the other teas available and see when they can be helpful to us.
White tea is the least processed tea and is believed to contain the highest amount of antioxidants. It has a mellow and light flavor. White tea pairs well with light salads and fruity desserts. Minimally oxidized tea with a delicate flavor. White tea is often enjoyed with desserts like cakes or pastries. White tea is thought to have the least amount of caffeine and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Oolong tea (Wulong) lies somewhere between green and black teas in terms of flavor, oxidation level, and caffeine content. It has a sweet, complex flavor and is excellent for multiple steeping’s. Oolong tea can be enjoyed with Chinese or Japanese dishes and is thought to aid in digestion. It is partially oxidized tea that has a unique flavor profile. Often enjoyed with seafood dishes and has a nutty, slightly sweet taste. Oolong tea contains antioxidants and can be brewed for multiple steeping’s, allowing for further flavor development. It is believed that oolong tea can aid with slimming because it contains caffeine and catechins to increase metabolism and fat oxidation.
Black tea is the most oxidized type of tea and has a bold flavor that can be enjoyed. It is often enjoyed with full-flavored meals like curries or roasted vegetables. Black tea has a higher caffeine content than other teas and can be enjoyed hot or iced. It can also be used to make herbal tea blends and is thought to help support healthy digestion. It is rich in antioxidants and may provide health benefits, including improved heart and gut health and a reduced risk for certain diseases.
Puer Tea is a type of fermented black tea that has a unique earthy flavor. Puer is thought to have health benefits and can be enjoyed with savory dishes. It is often aged and can be enjoyed as a traditional tea ceremony. It is often consumed during and after heavy or greasy meals, like dimsum. You can find this tea served in most Chinese restaurants. It has many health benefits including to lower cholesterol, promote skin health, reduce anxiety, reduce obesity, aid in weight loss and decrease blood sugar levels when consumed routinely.
Green tea is the least oxidized type of tea and has a light, grassy flavor. It is often enjoyed with lighter meals like sushi or salads. Green tea is thought to contain beneficial powerful antioxidants. It is known to be high in polyphenols which protect the body against diseases. It has caffeine to boost your metabolism and stimulate your nerves to feel more alert during the day. Don’t drink more than 5 cups a day which is considered unsafe. Its side effects are stomach problems, heartburn, diarrhea, headaches, palpitations, arrhythmia, anemia, tremors and muscle contractions, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis²⁴⁵.
Dark tea is a type of tea that has been post-fermented, leaving an extremely dark color tea leaves into red. It has been around for centuries, and it’s no wonder why so many people are passionate about it! With its complex flavors that range from earthy and nutty to sweet and fragrant, dark tea is a cup that never disappoints. Not only does it offer complexity in the flavor profile but also a range of health benefits as studies have shown it to be an excellent source of antioxidants. Whether you prefer the smoky taste of a dark oolong or the lighter notes of a black tea, dark tea is sure to satisfy your taste buds every time.
Dark tea has been linked to multiple health benefits, such as antioxidant activity, anti-obesity activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-cancer activity, cardiovascular protective activity, gastrointestinal protective activity, hepatoprotective activity, neuroprotective activity and photoprotective activity¹.
Generally, consuming tea is very good for your health. Just don’t consume more than 5 cups in a day. Apart from the health benefits, drinking tea can also be a great way to relax and take some time for yourself. You can also experiment with different blends and flavor combinations to find one that suits you best. Whatever your preference, there’s sure to be a tea for every mood! So, if you’re looking for a way to destress and relax, try some tea!
Source:
(1) Green Tea Side Effects and Who Must Avoid It – CureJoy. https://curejoy.com/content/green-tea-side-effects-who-must-not-consume/. State-of-the-art review of dark tea: From chemistry to health benefits – ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224421000303.
(2) Side Effects of Tea: 9 Reasons Not to Drink Too Much – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/side-effects-of-tea. 11 Health Benefits of Black Tea that You Didn’t Know About – Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-black-tea.html.
(3) 11 Harmful Green Tea Side Effects (Read Before Drinking) – Sencha Tea Bar. https://senchateabar.com/blogs/blog/green-tea-side-effects. Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Black Tea. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-tea-benefits.
(4) How Many Cups Of Green Tea Should You Drink Per Day? Know The Side …. https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/how-many-cups-of-green-tea-should-you-drink-per-day-know-the-side-effects-of-drinking-too-much-green-2155108. 6 health benefits of drinking black tea | UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-black-tea.
(5) 15 Side Effects Of Excess Green Tea Intake – Stylecraze. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/side-effects-of-green-tea/. Health Benefits of Dark Tea: 2022 – Top 10 Teas. https://top10teas.com/2020/05/24/dark-tea-the-antique-among-teas/.
(6) Green Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/green-tea-benefits-6951098.
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