From The Straits Times    |

chamomile tea

Photo: Daniel Vincek / 123rf

 

GREEN TEA

Chockfull of catechins, an antioxidant, green tea is well known to be one of the best drinks you can consume. Catechins offer a host of benefits and have even been linked to better heart health and improved cholesterol levels. Here, six more reasons to start drinking green tea.

Contains caffeine: Yes

 

BLACK TEA

Pick this if you need an energy boost. Black tea generally has more caffeine than green tea (even though they’re sourced from the same plant), and the caffeine content increases the longer you steep your tea. Black tea is also high in polyphenols which are antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage.

Contains caffeine: Yes 

 

CHAMOMILE TEA

Derived from the chamomile flower, this herbal tea has a light taste. Brew yourself a cup of this soothing tea before bed if you have trouble sleeping at night. According to a study published in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports, chamomile is “widely regarded as a mild tranquilliser and sleep-inducer” due to the flavonoid apigenin that binds to receptors in the brain for a sedative effect. 

Contains caffeine: No

 

OOLONG TEA

Derived from the same camellia sinensis plant that green tea and black tea are made from, oolong tea is partially fermented and likewise high in antioxidants. Oolong tea has also been shown to improve eczema: In a Japanese study done with 118 participants suffering from recurrent atopic dermatitis, 63 per cent of patients had marked to moderate improvements in their skin condition after drinking three servings of oolong tea daily. 

Contains caffeine: Yes

 

ROOIBOS TEA

This herbal tea originates in South Africa, and is rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, minerals and vitamin C. Rooibos tea is also low in tannins and has no oxalic acid, which makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. 

Contains caffeine: No

 

PEPPERMINT TEA

Ease stomach discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome with a pot of peppermint tea. This refreshing drink helps to calm the digestive tract and relieve excess gas and bloating. 

Contains caffeine: No

 

PU-ERH TEA

This Chinese tea is a mainstay at many restaurants, and for good reason too. Though it’s derived from the same plant as black, green and oolong tea, pu-erh tea is fermented and aged to improve its medicinal and herbal properties. It’s also been linked to lowering levels of bad cholesterol. 

Contains caffeine: Yes

 

GINSENG TEA

Strengthen your body’s immunity with this medicinal herb. The main benefits are usually due to the presence of ginsenosides, naturally-occurring compounds in ginseng that help to increase alertness and boost energy. 

Contains caffeine: No

 

This article was first published on Shape.com.sg