Tea has long been known to provide us with a lot of health benefits. From boosting immunity to feeling more energetic, around the world tea and herbal infusions are widely believed to be good for mind, body and even soul. Whether it be our physical, emotional, or mental health, many a tea lovers enjoy the ritual of brewing and sipping teas to feel relaxed and at their best. But, which teas are best for what? We did some research and are sharing out findings on tea health benefits…. here we go…
High Antioxidants
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most widely known types of tea in the world – and for a good reason. It’s full of vitamins, and rich in polyphenols and catechins. Green tea’s large amounts of polyphenols, and catechins such as ECG, are said to reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and are full of natural antioxidants preventing cell damage!
Here are some of our favourite green teas:
Purple Tea
Purple leaf tea is grown in Kenya and comes from an all-natural variety of the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The plant’s bushes grow purple leaves because the leaves contains a high level of an antioxidant called anthocyanin. Our purple leaf tea is low in caffeine and unoxidized to retain the most health benefits. Purple tea’s anthocyanins have been said to provide us with many health benefits, including: anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties! Tumoi purple leaf tea tastes like sweet plums and fresh spring greens, with a natural colour of green-blue. It’s an energetic, wholesome, and sweet surprise for a morning or midday cup.
Hint: With a drop of lemon, the steeped tea turns vibrant purple-pink – an entirely new tea experience.
Hojicha
Hojicha tea was first discovered in Kyoto, Japan. The premium Camellia sinensis leaves are harvested in May, then the whole leaf is steamed, rolled, dried, and roasted. Hojicha tea is low-caffeine because most of the caffeine is lost during the roasting process. Hojicha tea is credited with rich levels of L-Theanine, an amino-acid that reduces blood pressure, and mental and physical stress. Contrary to all other green teas, this tea has a reddish-brown colour, and a rich, smooth, warm taste – a perfect late afternoon cup.
Kukicha
Kukicha, another japanese green tea, is totally different. Kukicha is made from the stems rather than the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains low amounts of caffeine due to being a stem tea, yet it has high levels of calcium. Kukicha tea has been associated with alkalizing properties – neutralizing the acidity in our gut to properly absorb nutrients and minerals.
Kukicha is made of small, whole stems and smells bright and rich. It has a distinct, vibrant and refreshing taste that makes it perfect for an after-meal cup.
Extra Health-Boost
Red Hibiscus
Red hibiscus is not just a beautiful flower, but a wonderful tea! It is grown by Malawian smallholder farmers around Satemwa Farm. The plants are harvested in the summertime, between June and September, and the red calyx is carefully removed by hand. The flowers are then dried in the sun, giving the leaves a deep ruby-red colour.
Red hibiscus has been associated with giving our bodies an extra health boost! Red hibiscus is known to be rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial properties. It is also said to aid in boosting liver health! Red hibiscus is sweet and sour, but vibrant and refreshing. This beautiful flower makes an amazing cup of tea for the morning or afternoon.
Golden Milk
Golden milk sounds like what the pot at the end of the rainbow is filled with, and it is very close. Crafted by Kanchanjangha in Nepal, our golden milk tea contains turmeric, pepper, cinnamon and ginger.
Turmeric contains a powerful ingredient called curcumin, which when paired with pepper, is metabolized more efficiently. Golden milk tea’s ingredients are known for their health benefits, including: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties, and high levels of calcium and vitamin D. It’s also been known to improve brain function and memory…WOW! Golden milk tea is sweet, spicy and earthy.
Hint: Froth the powder in some hot water, add some milk or milk alternatives, and voila! A beautiful, health-boosting golden milk latte.
Matcha
Matcha comes from green tea, however it is the whole leaf that is ground and consumed! The Kinezuka family of Naturalitea, one of Japan’s original all-natural tea farming families, has partnered with a fellow organic tea farmers in Fujieda, to provide this organic matcha.
This matcha is created from 100% Yabukita tea leaves, and harvested in mid-May. Matcha uses the whole leaf, meaning it gets 100% of the benefits from the Camellia sinensis plant, and as many antioxidants as 10 CUPS OF REGULAR GREEN TEA!
Researchers claim that matcha is rich in fibre and chlorophyll, and has been known to detoxify the body and boost metabolism, naturally. It also provides a lot of vitamins like selenium, zinc, and magnesium! Matcha has a full-bodied, sweet and rich flavour, similar to that of dark chocolate or red wine, and calms the mind and body.
Hint: froth the powder in hot water, add milk or milk alternatives, and enjoy a smooth hot – or cold – matcha tea latte in the morning!
Light Caffeine
White Tea
Like green and black tea, white tea is also made from the Camellia sinensis plant. White tea is the least processed tea of this group, and retains a higher level of antioxidants because of this! White tea is credited by researchers with a lot of health benefits including preventative and therapeutic properties in conditions like: cancer, fertility dysfunctions, osteoporosis, and heart disease. This tea has even been attributed to aid in teeth health, weight-loss, and skin anti-aging!
White Prakash
White Prakash is a superior quality white tea, crafted in Nepal. During a specific, special time in the spring, the baby plant is plucked and brought for little to no processing. White Prakash contains a very nutrient-rich part of the plant, making it one of the healthiest selections of all caffeinated teas. It has the lowest level of caffeine in all white teas, but still provides you with a more natural energy.
White Prakash is darker than some white teas and tastes of vanilla, spring blossom, and melted butter notes! It’s blooming and elegant, and perfect to boost your mid-afternoon mood.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is also crafted from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green oolong is known as a lighter and more fragrant tea. Oolong is partially oxidized – more oxidized than green tea and less than black tea. Oolong tea has been associated with improving heart health, brain and cognitive function, eczema issues, and aiding in weight loss and bone development!
Forever Spring
Forever Spring is crafted in Taiwan, and is named for its cultivar, Si Ji Chun (“Four Seasons Spring.”) Most tea bushes can only produce a few times a year, but this oolong flourishes almost consistently – hence, Forever Spring! The leaves are hand-picked, then carefully withered and oxidized. Forever Spring has a lovely floral fragrance, and tastes sweet and pure. It is perfectly mild and gentle for midday.
Conclusion
Not only have teas been known to have a significant amount of health benefits, they make us feel more connected and relaxed. Right now, many of us are finding it challenging to connect and relax as we used to.
We want to help with that.
By popular request, we are going to be offering Tea Care-Packages! Let your loved ones and favourite tea-lovers know you’re thinking about them, or splurge for some self-care teatime at home.
Check out the links above for more information on tea-types and ascribed health benefits we found in our research (note we are not nutritionists!), and keep watching our social media for updates on care-packages and more!
Stay home, stay safe, and have a virtual tea time to stay united.
PS. Don’t forget to invite us.