Health Benefits of Herbal tea have been known since ancient history and have been lately popular for years. Especially with the emergence of epidemic diseases, they have become more preferred by people. It is highly probable that we will continue to see them on the market shelves in the coming years, not only because of herbal teas diverse medicinal properties, but also because of their different scents, various aromas and pastel colors that attract people’s attention.
Read on to learn more about the best herbal teas for health.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves and buds of camellia sinensis. It originates in China. It has a grassy, earthy, swampy, herbaceous flavour.
Preparation
Although there are many different ways of preparation, the most basic is as follows: pour the pre-heated water into your glass (if you are going to make more, into your teapot). Then, add the leaves to the water. Wait about 3 minutes and remove the leaves. If you want a more bitter taste, you can wait longer. Optionally, you can add ginger and cinnamon.
Benefits
- Green tea accelerates metabolism and increases fat burning.
- It contains many antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer.
- It prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth and reduces the risk of bad breath.
- Due to the amino acid called theanine it contains, green tea reduces stress and helps people to relax.
- The catechins in green tea may positively affect heart health by lowering blood pressure and helping to improve blood fat levels.
Although it is seen that it has many health benefits, the recommended daily consumption of green tea to take advantage of these benefits is between 3 and 5 cups per day.
Health Benefits of Herbal Tea: Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is a type of tea made from hibiscus sabdariffa (the roselle flower). It originates from North Africa and Southeast Asia. It has a sweet flavour like a tart.
Preparation
Warm Hibiscus Tea: Pour the preheated water over the hibiscus leaves. Then, allow it to steep for an average of 4-5 minutes. You can preferably add sugar.
Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea: Add the hibiscus leaves to a pitcher filled with water and put them in the refrigerator overnight. It will be ready by morning. You can serve after removing the leaves.
Benefits
- It causes decrease in blood pressure and leads to better heart health.
- It might be beneficial to liver health and helps it function properly.
- It facilitates weight loss and helps to avoid obesity.
- With its antibacterial properties, hibiscus may prevent urinary tract infections.
- With the antioxidants it contains, it repairs damaged cells.
It is clear that hibiscus tea has many health benefits. However, overconsumption can cause problems, as with most things. Hence, the recommended daily consumption of this tea is 2-3 cups per day.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a loved Chinese tea. It is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis, which also produces green and black tea. The distinction is in the way in which the tea is processed (like how long it is oxidized). It is less popular than other teas, especially in the west. It has a floral, fruity and a little grassy taste.
Preparation
Fill a mug with pre-heated water and two teaspoons of loose oolong tea. After letting it steep for 5 seconds, discard the water. Then, again, add water to your mug and wait it to steep for 45 seconds. Remove the infuser if used and enjoy your drink.
Benefits
- It helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- It stimulates fat burning and promotes weight loss.
- Oolong tea leaves contain fluoride, and therefore drinking it regularly may help the protection of dental health.
- It may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- It may lead to better sleep quality.
To enjoy the health benefits of oolong tea, it is recommended to consume up to four glasses a day. Drinking more than four glasses a day can be harmful.
Health Benefits of Herbal Tea: Chamomile
Chamomile tea is among the most consumed teas in the world. This tea is produced from the chamomile flower. It has been used since ancient times. It is known that the Egyptians and ancient Romans used the chamomile flower in tea. Chamomile tea tastes like a flowery herbal tea but at the same time it leaves a sweet, honey-like flavour in the mouth.
Preparation
Add chamomile leaves into pre-heated water and let them steep. Remember to remove the leaves before drinking.
Benefits
- It strengthens the immune system.
- It helps to sleep and relax, reduces stress.
- It makes digestion easier.
- It helps relieve menstrual pain.
- It can be used for the treatment of mild skin conditions.
It is recommended to drink 1-2 glasses of chamomile tea a day to get advantage from its health benefits. It is safe to drink up to five glasses a day.
Ginger Tea
The root of the ginger plant is used to make ginger tea. It has been used for health treatments in China for long years. It tastes neither sweet nor salty, but has a herbal and grassy flavour.
Preparation
Put the peeled and sliced ginger root in a glass and add the boiled water to it. Then, let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can add lemon or honey optionally.
Benefits
- Ginger tea can delay aging.
- It leads to nausea relief.
- It reduces stress, helps relaxation and relieves headaches.
- It supports the immune system.
- It has the effect of relieving physical pain.
The recommended consumption amount of ginger tea is between 2 and 4 glasses per day. More can be harmful.
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