Coffee & Tea: The ABCs of Tea
By Michele Blandino
While many types of beverages come and go, tea remains a perennial favorite among people all over the world. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, tea is second to water in worldwide consumption, with an estimated 2.25 billion gallons drank by Americans alone.
There are many reasons why tea has remained popular: it is soothing, it is easy to make and it can be bought nearly anywhere. But even so, many people don’t drink tea simply because it makes them feel good or because it is convenient – they drink tea because they believe doing so will help to keep them healthy.
The notion of tea being a healthy drink is certainly not a new one. Over the years, there have been numerous studies which conclude that regular tea consumption can provide several different health benefits. What is important to note about these studies is that the stated benefit is usually derived from a specific type of tea. The most commonly consumed teas are Black, Oolong, Green and White. They are each briefly described here:
- Black Tea: Black tea is made from the upper leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant which are fully oxidized, meaning that the enzymes in the tea leaves are released and the leaves turn a bright copper color in response to the oxygen in the environment. The most common form of Black tea is Pekoe a Chinese word which ironically enough, means white.
- Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea that shares many of the same qualities as Black and Green tea. Most Oolong teas come from China or Taiwan. Oolong teas are distinguished by their rich, fragrant aroma.
- Green Tea: Green tea has enjoyed a tremendous increase in popularity in recent years thanks to the high level of anti-oxidants contained within each serving. These antioxidants are said to reduce the likelihood of cancer, heart disease and arthritis as well as aid in weight loss.
- White Tea: Unlike the other types of teas which use the upper leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, White tea is made from the first few leaves and buds of the plant that appear in the spring. While the benefits of drinking White tea are similar to those found in Green tea, studies are beginning to indicate that these benefits are even greater in the White variety.
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