Numerous research studies indicate that different types of tea have different benefits for health. For example, green tea can can potentially prevent cancer and heart disease. According to JANKUN, EGCG is the most important anticancer component of tea polyphenols. And according to BABU, catechin has antioxidant effects on cardiovascular. Research from the American College of Physicians shows that theanine can enhance the immune system by reducing cellular peroxide levels.
There are some myriad potential health advantages of rooibos as well as the well-loved herbal infusions.
Rooibos
Rooibos, meaning "red bush" in English, is commonly known as "red tea", although it's technically an herb and not true tea from the Camellia sinensis plant. Rooibos has a fascinating history and offers a wide range of potential health benefits. It is a source of antioxidants and aspalathin, an especially potent antioxidant. When compared to other types of tea, such as green, oolong, and black tea, the evidence is inconclusive. One analytical method found that rooibos has less antioxidant activity than green tea but more than black tea, whereas another method indicated that rooibos' antioxidant activity is slightly lower than that of all teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green rooibos typically contains even higher levels of antioxidants than red rooibos, and both types have enough to notably increase antioxidant levels in the blood. Additionally, rooibos contains flavonoids, compounds that likely possess anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial benefits.
Herbs
When considering the health benefits, it's essential to differentiate between teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant (true tea) and those produced from other plants. Herbs provide a broad spectrum of possible health advantages, and unlike true tea, each botanical has unique properties. The variety of potential health benefits is what truly makes herbs remarkable.
- Burdock Root: Burdock root has been cultivated for its medicinal properties for centuries. Unfortunately, in certain regions of North America and Australia, burdock root is more commonly considered a weed rather than a food source, despite being cultivated for its medicinal properties for centuries. Traditionally, burdock root has been used as a diuretic and a digestive aid. It contains antioxidant compounds and active ingredients that improve blood circulation to the skin. Clinical studies have shown that the appearance and texture of the skin improve when burdock root extract is applied topically. Preclinical data also suggests potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterialeffects of burdock.
- Nettle:Dried nettle leaves used for brewing herbal tea can provide a range of health advantages. Unlike fresh nettle leaves, dried ones do not produce a stinging sensation. They are commonly utilized in traditional medicine because of their notable iron content and diuretic properties. Research has also linked nettle extract to the inhibition of the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. However, excessive intake of nettle may result in heightened estrogen levels in the body.
- Butterfly Pea Flower:Butterfly pea flower tea, also referred to as blue tea, is an herbal tisane crafted from the flower petals or whole flower of the Clitoria ternatea plant. The vibrant blue hue of the petals imparts the tea with its distinctive color and has been utilized as a dye for centuries. An intriguing characteristic of this tea is its ability to change color depending on the pH level of the substance introduced to it. For instance, lemon juice will turn it into purple. Clitoria flowers, or blue tea flowers, are valued for their medicinal properties in Ayurveda. It is believed that the tea has stress-relieving effects that may aid in alleviating symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, it is known to invigorate the mind, enhance energy levels and endurance, promote positive emotions, thereby enhancing productivity.
- Spearmint:Spearmint, scientifically classified as Mentha spicata, is a type of mint that is native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, with established populations in other temperate regions worldwide. It is referred to by several common names including garden mint, common mint, lamb mint, and mackerel mint. This herb is utilized as a flavoring in culinary dishes and herbal teas. It is believed to have digestive benefits, high antioxidant content, and potential memory-enhancing properties.
- Chaga:Chaga is frequently discovered growing on Birch trees in the wilderness. It has been employed in ancestral medicine as a medicinal fungus for many years in Northern Europe, Russia, China, and Japan to alleviate digestive issues and boost immunity. It is also acknowledged as an adaptogen that is thought to assist in decreasing stress levels. The potential therapeutic impacts of Chaga in combatting cancer and suppressing autoimmune diseases are associated with its polyphenol content, immunomodulating polysaccharides, and betulinic acid.
- Yerba Mate:Yerba Mate has long been held in high esteem as "the drink of the gods" by South American communities. It is known to contain matteine, a compound similar to caffeine, but it produces a slightly different caffeine "buzz" upon consumption. Yerba mate is also abundant in antioxidants. A research study has identified acids in yerba mate that may have potential in combating cancer cells and other inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, yerba mate is rich in bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, B1, and B2, polyphenols, amino acids and minerals.
- Lemongrass:Lemongrass, also known as cymbopogon, barbed wire grass, silky heads, oily heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, citronella grass or fever grass, is a genus of plants indigenous to Asia, Africa, Australia, and tropical islands. Some species, especially Cymbopogon citratus, are widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes due to their lemon-like fragrance. The name cymbopogon is derived from the Greek words kymbe (κύμβη, 'boat') and pogon (πώγων, 'beard'), reflecting the hairy spikelets projecting from boat-shaped spathes in most species. Lemongrass and its oil are believed to possess therapeutic properties.
- Chamomile:Chamomile is widely acknowledged for its calming effects, serving as a soothing herb that many people consume before going to bed. It is also esteemed for its ability to alleviate digestive discomfort, particularly due to the presence of pain-relieving compounds in chamomile oil, which have muscle-relaxing effects and help relieve constipation, cramps, and other gastrointestinal pains. When used topically, chamomile can have an anti-inflammatory impact on the skin. Research has also linked it to potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in studies conducted on skin, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer. Furthermore, it may be helpful as a sleep aid and could provide relief for hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal problems, and colic, as indicated in a study conducted at the Department of Urology and Nutrition in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Hibiscus:Hibiscus is prized for its tart and juicy flavor, and is also consumed for its potential health benefits. Research has shown that drinking hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure. According to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, regular consumption of hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension. Additionally, some studies suggest that hibiscus tea may have a higher concentration of antioxidants compared to other teas - even surpassing matcha. These factors have led to its growing popularity as a healthy beverage.
- Peppermint:As one of the most commonly utilized herbs worldwide, peppermint has a long history of offering health advantages. Documented by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, peppermint is effective in easing upper respiratory infections. Its well-documented impact on stomach ailments is renowned. Traditional medicine has utilized peppermint for alleviating stomach aches and digestive issues, while peppermint oil has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.