If you want drink tea every dayyou need to know which ones to choose for maximum health benefits: the characteristics of the main types of tea.
Tea is undoubtedly the king of infusions, it is enjoyed in many countries and is a fundamental drink for various cultures and economic systems. Many people drink a cup of tea every day: it is not only appreciated for its taste but also for its multiple health benefits and its wide variety of nutrients; it is the ideal accompaniment for breakfast, a snack or simply for a pleasant afternoon of reading and relaxation.
Drinking a cup of tea every day, features and benefits
Tea is a tasty infusion, rich in vitamins and minerals and with very few calories, it represents an important source of antioxidants, nutrients that have the task of fight free radicals, i.e. the molecules that oxidize cells and make them age. Furthermore, tea contains other bioactive components such as tannins, which have an astringent effect and other substances such as catechins, from anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties: these properties have been recognized in particular in green tea.
It also contains caffeinean indispensable alkaloid for many people to start the day in the best possible way, however the caffeine in tea is absorbed during the day, so its effect does not wear off quickly. A cup of tea in the morning provides an energy boost that lasts for hours, despite containing less caffeine than coffee.
Drink tea every day, which ones to choose to have benefits
There are many types of tea, each with its own characteristics and flavors. The experts at www.nutritienda.com have collected the characteristics of the types of tea consumed in Italy, so that you can choose the type of tea you need today.
Tender
The amber color and its intense taste make it one of the most appreciated teas: it is the ideal option to start the day, especially for those who want to reduce caffeine consumption without having to give up an extra supply of energy. A cup of coffee contains from 65 to 175 mg of caffeine while a cup of black tea, among those with the highest quantity, contains around 50 mg. Coffee wakes you up quickly but its effect quickly wears off while a cup of tea releases caffeine throughout the day, so the energetic effect lasts longer.
Black tea differs from other varieties because it is the most oxidized: the main active components of tea are flavonoids, phenolic compounds with an antioxidant action. Black tea stands out for its theaflavin content.
Red tea
This type of tea has a reddish color, an earthy flavor and it differs from other varieties due to its special preparation. For several years large tea leaves are stored and compressed under certain conditions, where microorganisms ferment it and turn green tea into red tea.
He is known to be great ally in weight loss processes. This drink contains no calories and is the perfect alternative to sugary drinks.
It is also a valid option for increase your fluid intake throughout the day and thus avoid water retention. Due to its content of astringent compounds it can be enjoyed after meals to promote correct digestion.
Green tea
It is fresh and light and depending on the type of green tea you choose, it can have a slightly bitter taste.
AND rich in antioxidants as it contains catechinsa group of polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties that counteract the action of free radicals, for this reason it is present in many beauty cosmetics, especially those specific for cleaning oily or acne-prone skin, because has a purifying and cleansing action.
Like red tea, green tea helps increase fluid intake and is beneficial for avoid water retention; it also reduces the absorption of cholesterol and prevents blockage and stiffness of the arteries, thus improving cardiovascular health.
Its caffeine content makes it a slightly stimulating drink, promotes energy consumption and consequently helps burn more fat, as long as this consumption is accompanied by healthy habits.
White tea
Among these four varieties it is the one with a more delicate taste, so it is the ideal option for those who want to start consuming this drink or for those who don’t particularly like infusions.
It is one of the varieties with the greater amount of antioxidants, so it is an ingredient used in beauty products, in fact it is known as the “beauty tea”. White tea contains anti-inflammatory substances, helps maintain good dental health and does not stain teeth.
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How to choose the most suitable tea
1. Don’t give up tea because of caffeine
Caffeine represents an advantage for many people but is a drawback for many others: those who suffer from insomnia or nervousness tend to avoid tea for fear of suffering the consequences.
Exist multiple decaffeinated options on the marketso there is no excuse not to enjoy a good cup of tea.
2. Beware of excesses
At the same time it is recommended to do not exceed three cups a day, after all, too much caffeine can cause insomnia and irritability in some people. It’s important to know when our bodies need some quiet time and opt for decaf options if necessary.
In the same vein we must be careful with sugar: many people drink bitter tea but others prefer it sweetened. The World Health Organization recommends ingesting a maximum amount of 25 grams of sugar per day (one teaspoon corresponds to 5 grams); you can opt for other types of sweeteners such as stevia or saccharin.
3. Combine flavors and try varieties
Within each variety there are many types: Moroccan green tea (with a delicious mint flavour), Earl Gray black tea (with a citrus touch), matcha tea (intense and with a herbaceous and vegetal aftertaste)… each of them has different shades so the ideal is to try them until we find the perfect option for us, we can also combine it with other foods such as lemon, ginger, honey… not only will we enrich its flavor but we will increase the intake of nutrients.
4. It’s much more than an infusion
Tea is also an ingredient used in pastry making (for example, for the preparation of a lemon and matcha tea donut or a cocoa and black tea flavored donut). Thanks to its antioxidant benefits it is very useful for fighting aging: in addition to being a usual ingredient in many beauty products (soaps, moisturizers…) it cannot be missing from the ingredients of homemade face masks. You can prepare, for example, a mask based on green tea infusion and oatmealto reduce excess sebum and remove impurities from oily skin.
Photos by Maria Tyutina, Pexels and Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels
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