Health Benefits of Tea

How to buy green tea, black tea and more.

Studies show if you drink tea regularly, you may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and diabetes, plus have healthier teeth and gums and stronger bones. The secret ingredients, research suggests, are antioxidants called flavonoids. All “true teas”—black, green, oolong and white teas—have flavonoids. Actually, all these different types of tea are made from leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What makes each of these teas unique is how the leaves are processed: to make black teas, the leaves are exposed to oxygen before rolling and drying, deepening their color, while white teas and green teas are simply steamed, rolled and dried. Oolongs are hybrids; their leaves are partially oxidized before drying. Here’s how to buy, why to try, and more, for each:

TYPE OF TEA		FLAVOR	WHERE IT'S FROM	HEALTH BENEFITS	WATER TEMP/STEEPING TIME
	Black Tea	Can range from slightly spicy to earthy.	China, India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, the Caucasus regions, Turkey	People who drink black tea regularly (3-5 cups/day) tend to have fewer heart attacks and strokes, as well as lower rates of colon and lung cancer. Drinking black tea also may reduce risks of diabetes and osteoporosis and inhibit bacteria that causes tooth decay.	Boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
	Green Tea	Mildly grassy, slightly astringent mouthfeel. The Genmaicha variety, blended with toasted rice grains, is toasty.	China, Japan, Sri Lanka	Drinking green tea is associated with lower rates of colon and pancreatic cancers and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.	Steaming water for 2-3 minutes. (Warning: over-brewing can cause bitterness.)
	White Tea	Pure “tea” with a hint of sweetness and no astringency.	China, India, Sri Lanka	Compared to other true teas, white tea contains more of a flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may help prevent heart disease and fight cancer.	Steaming water for 2-3 minutes.
	Oolong Tea	Can vary widely. Lighter oolongs are similar to green tea; darker versions are more like black tea.	Taiwan, China	Studies suggest that oolongs provide health benefits similar to green and black teas. A type of flavonoid in oolongs called chafuroside may fight inflammation and help inhibit the development of intestinal cancers.	Darker oolongs: same as black tea. Lighter oolongs: same as green tea.

Did you know? What many of us call herbal teas, such as chamomile and rooibos, aren’t really teas (because they don’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant). Still, these “tisanes,” or infusions, often have health benefits of their own. For example, chamomile has a long history of use as a sleep aid; it may also help soothe an upset stomach. And hibiscus tea, rich in vitamin C, may help reduce blood pressure.