It’s the world’s favorite drink after water.

Dutch explorers search miles for it. It’s warm, comforting and refreshing. You can soothe a sore throat and can get comfort with it. It comes in different colors and flavors.

Guess what is it?

Yes, you are right! Its TEA!

Tea is the beverage of the soul and mind.

History:

Early use of tea dates back to the 3rd century AD in China, where it was used mostly for medicinal uses. It is native to East Asia but now is grown in many countries of the world.

China grows most of the tea. Other countries like India, Kenya, and Japan are also contributing to its production.

What is tea?

Tea is a warm beverage that is made by boiling tea leaves in water or pouring hot water to leaves.

 Types of tea:

There are many types of tea like black tea, green tea, milk tea, peppermint, and spiced tea. A variety of techniques for processing tea, and a number of different forms of tea, were developed through the centuries. Sometimes it is chopped, sundried and again dried with warm air or in a pot to reduce its moisture. The most famous teas are Green tea and Black tea which commonly is referred as “Kehwa” in many countries.

Green tea:

It is made by leaves and buds of tea plant, but buds and leaves are mainly used fresh. These are not subjected to the oxidation process. Green tea can come with a combination of other flavors, like lemon, ginger, and peppermint. Due to the least processed it contains most of the oxidants intact.

Nutritional Facts

Per 250g

Total Fats	0g
Cholesterol	0g
Sodium	2 mg
Total Carbohydrates	0g
Protein	0.5g

 

Benefits:

Green tea is associated with weight loss but scientific studies do not give any confirmation in this regard. Nevertheless, green tea is still a common drink across the globe.

It is part of daily routine and cuisine in many cultures. People start their day with green tea. But with no calories, tea is a great addition to a low-calorie diet.

Green tea has a greater amount of caffeine than black tea. A study reported that green is correlated with a slightly lower risk of cardiovascular problems.

It also reduces the risk of stroke and high blood pressure. It is associated with a lower risk of other ailments like cognitive issues and diabetes too.

Black tea:

Black tea is the tea that is more oxidized than other types of tea. It is generally stronger than other teas. In many cultures, Black tea is often used with milk. There are many varieties of black tea depending on the area where it is grown.

Nutritional Facts

Total calories	153 g
Total Carbohydrates	10.6
Protein	27.77
Vitamin A	41.53
Vitamin C	138.01
Calcium	831
Iron	23.41
Sodium	209.43
Cholesterol	-

 

Benefits:

Black tea significantly reduces LDL. It can control cholesterol levels in the blood.

 It is also helpful in reducing the sugar level. Many people like to drink it with sugar. But, if you want to benefit from it most, avoid using sugar.

 

There are some other types of tea that may not belong to the tea plant directly, but they are really healthy drinks and are very famous for their benefits.

 

Peppermint tea:

Peppermint is an herb known very well for its aroma. It is widely used in candies, beverages and drinks for its flavor and pleasant aroma. It has a special chemical named methanol which gives its cooling effect and minty scent. Easy to use and widely available it is an excellent herb to use.

Nutritional Facts

Calories	6
Fiber	1 gram
Vitamin A	12 %
Iron	9%
Manganese	8%
Folate	4%

 

Benefits:

Along with its flavor and aroma, it has many health benefits. When used in tea it can relax the digestive tract and ease the bowel movement. Thus, improving gut health.

In many Asian cultures, when one has abdominal pain due to eat contaminated food, peppermint tea is given to relieve the pain. It is a well-known remedy.

It can also relieve headaches. Methanol can increase blood flow in the body. This helps to relax and relieve tension and migraines.

Peppermint is calorie-free in nature. So, anybody desiring weight loss can add it to daily diet. It is also easy to consume because it does not have a bitter taste or flavorless. Its pleasant flavor is liked by everyone.

 

Ginger tea:

Ginger is a well-known plant widely used in cooking. It is basically the root of the Ginger plant. It is a vegetable but most commonly it is used as a spice. It is a nutrient power house. We can write another article if we want to discuss the benefits of Ginger. But, we will only consider the benefits of ginger tea.

Nutritional Facts

Per 100 g

Calories	80
Fats	0.8g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	13 mg
Potassium	415 mg
Total Carbohydrates	18 g
Protein	1.8 g
Vitamin C	8 %

 

Benefits:

Ginger is very good for immune health. It contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Due to this property, it can boost and support healthy microbes. Ginger tea is very good for nausea and cold. In raw form, it has 79% water, 18% carbohydrates, and 2% proteins.

 

Let me know in the comments if you like tea and which one you preferer the most.