Green, Black – it’s all good!

Fun fact: Black, green, oolong, and white teas all come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis). It’s how they’re processed that sets them apart and gives them their distinctive flavors. Black is made from leaves that have fully oxidized; their chemical makeup changes when they’re wilted, bruised, and exposed to air, kind of like a cut apple that sits on the counter.

Oolong is partially oxidized, while green is not oxidized. White is also not oxidized, and it’s made from young leaves or buds.

Black Tea

Heart helper: While black tea is not quite as high in flavonoid antioxidants as its green counterpart, it is good for your heart and supports healthy cholesterol levels.

Energy booster: Feel free to tackle your afternoon slump with black tea, which tends to have a higher caffeine content than green tea.

Green Tea

Antioxidant superstar: Green tea is packed with good-for-you antioxidants that may keep you in great form long-term.

Disease fighter: The polyphenols found in green tea not only reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering your total and LDL cholesterol but may also reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Relaxing and So Much More: Aside from bursting with antioxidants and supporting heart health, there are many more exciting green tea health benefits. It's even linked to your brain health. If you want supped up green tea, check out matcha green tea.

White Tea

Waist whittler: Sipping white or green tea may supports your metabolism and a healthy weight, thanks to caffeine and antioxidants called catechins.

Plant powerhouse: White tea is the least processed, so compared with other teas, it has a higher amount of polyphenols, which are known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Tulsi Tea

Stress-Regulator: Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a powerful adaptogenic herb that supports the immune system and strengthens the body's ability to anage environmental, physical and emotional stress.

Traditional Medicine: Tulsi has been used in Indian culture for more than 5,000 years! It was revered as a sacred healing plant and was traditionally grown in an earthen pot in every family home or garden.

Kombucha

Kombucha is tea that’s fermented using sugar and a starter culture from good bacteria and yeast. It can be an excellent source of probiotics, which may help reestablish a balanced gut microbiome and improve the health of your digestive system. Look for kombucha with the lowest sugar content so you don’t negate the health benefits, and beware that some varieties may contain alcohol (though usually less than 0.5 percent)

Other Teas

If you're feeling inspired, try making a homemade golden turmeric tea or 

What’s The Buzz? It takes up to four, eight-ounce cups of black tea to deliver roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Are Weight Loss Teas Worth a Try?

Nope – here’s why: Some slimming teas combine caffeine with a diuretic, causing you to shed water weight, not actually fat. They may also contain herbs like senna, a natural laxative that can come with undesirable side effects (think stomach cramps and diarrhea). If your aim is fat loss, a clean diet and exercise are a safer bet.

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

Reference: Health magazine