When it comes to hot drinks, many people opt for coffee, or maybe even a latte. However, tea is actually the most popular drink in the world – as it is estimated that nearly two billion cups are consumed every day.
Tea has been around for centuries and it is not just a tasty drink, it also has a host of benefits which many people often overlook. Apart from the various flavour notes, tea has antioxidants like gallic acid, alkaloids such as caffeine, and tannins, which can help improve gut health and aid digestion. Additionally, as it is slightly acidic, drinking tea can help regulate your pH levels and combat inflammation.
Studies have found that tea consumption can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The l-theanine present in tea actually helps to improve cognitive functioning, reduce stress levels, and therefore may protect neurons from the damaging effects of glucocorticoids via its action on glutamate.
Caffeine is also good for the brain, as it’s a stimulant known to improve alertness, reaction time and cognitive performance. Tea has less caffeine than coffee, so it won’t lead to an energy crash but can still provide a nice pick-me-up. Teas also contain other compounds like catechins, which can help boost metabolism.
Overall, nobody has to completely choose tea over coffee or vice versa, and drinking both is absolutely fine. But if someone is looking to switch up their caffeine option, switching to tea could be a healthy and smart choice. Tea drinkers are likely to benefit from the same energising effect, without the feeling of racing heart or jittery nerves.
The differences between green and black teas
Black and green tea are both derived from the same Camellia sinensis plant species, but the two of them are vastly different. Black tea generally has a stronger flavour, darker colour, and a less grassy taste than green tea. Black tea is fully oxidised, which also reduces its antioxidant content but still contributes several health benefits.
Green tea, however, undergoes minimal oxidation and its leaves remain intact, which make it a nutrient-rich option rich in minerals, caffeine and other beneficial compounds like catechins. Catechins are natural antioxidants that help protect the skin, improve heart health and mental wellbeing. Moreover, studies show that green tea can help with weight loss, reduce anxiety, and even prevent some types of cancer.
On the other hand, black tea gets its full-bodied flavour and complexity from the fully oxidising process. The additional flavour profiles associated with black tea make it a great choice for those seeking something toasty, smoky or even slightly spicy.
Health benefits of oolong tea
Oolong tea is another popular choice for those seeking a drink with unique flavour profiles. This partially oxidised tea is an in-between option which offers some of the health benefits of both green and black tea. As it is flavoured with a hint of flower, it is often regarded as an elegant tea.
Containing 30 to 50 percent of the health benefits of green tea and 30 to 50 percent of black tea, this tea is said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and anti-obesity effects. Studies have found that drinking oolong tea may also help prevent and reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay.
Oolong tea also contains polyphenols and tannin, which can help prevent conditions like atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Interestingly, the polyphenol properties of this tea have been found to inhibit fat absorption in the intestine and increase energy expenditure, meaning that it may be beneficial for weight loss.
What kind of tea should a beginner drink?
If someone is new to the world of tea, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which one to choose. A great place to start is with a mild flavour like white or green tea, and then move on to oolong or black teas. Another great option that is often overlooked is rooibos, as it has a subtle, sweet flavour and is low in tannins.
It’s also important to realise that not all teas offer the same health benefits. While they can all provide some level of antioxidants, green tea is generally the highest in the antioxidant content. Herbal infusions (or tisanes) are a great option too, as they have their own unique flavours but don’t contain caffeine.
How to optimise the health benefits of tea
When drinking tea, it’s important to choose quality ingredients and use the appropriate brewing techniques. Organic tea is best, as it can offer the full antioxidant benefits without the risk of chemical exposure. In addition, the temperature of the water should also be considered – generally, green and white teas should be brewed at a lower temperature of around 65–75°C, while black, oolong and red teas should be brewed at a high temperature of around 90–95°C.
Also, steeping should be optimised to avoid an overly bitter taste. White and green teas should be steeped no longer than three minutes, while oolong and black teas should be steeped for around 20 minutes. Finally, it’s important to remember not to add milk to green and white teas, as this can reduce the antioxidant content.
Side effects of drinking tea
Drinking tea can have side effects depending on the type of tea, its caffeine content and various other factors like someone’s individual sensitivity or metabolism. The caffeine in tea can lead to headaches, insomnia, restlessness and irritability in some people, so it’s important to be mindful of how much tea is being consumed.
Moreover, it is essential to note that pregnant women should avoid certain teas due to their caffeine and tannin content. These include green, black, and oolong tea, as well as certain herbal teas like peppermint, nettle, raspberry leaf, alfalfa and yarrow. If someone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, they should seek advice from a healthcare professional before drinking tea.
Flavour notes of black and green tea blends
For those looking to further explore the complexities of tea, there are many different varieties and blends to try. Many blends combine green and black teas to create specific flavour notes and aromas, such as the classic Jasmine tea. This tea is a combination of green tea and jasmine flowers and it has a floral aroma and sweet taste.
Another popular blend is Earl Grey, which is a combination of black tea and bergamot. As bergamot is a citrus fruit, this tea has a slightly bitter citrus flavour and a distinct aroma.
Finally, a unique tea blend to try is Pu-erh tea. This is a post-fermented tea created by a process of aging in which the tea leaves undergo a process of microbial fermentation. The resulting tea has a unique earthy flavour and aroma, making it a great choice for those looking for something unique.
Choosing a tea for any occasion
The wide variety of teas available makes it easy to find one that suits every occasion. Loose-leaf oolong is great for special occasions, while herbal and decaffeinated teas are a good choice for evening sipping when hot drinks and caffeine are not desired. For early-morning drinking, a caffeinated blend like matcha or a caffeinated black tea is a great choice.
Teas can be served hot or iced, and there are even specialty teas that can be aged like wine to really appreciate their unique flavour profiles and aromas. Furthermore, teas can be enjoyed plain or blended with milk, cream, honey, flavours and spices.
Tea matching with food
Pairing tea with food can be a great way to experience new flavour profiles and enhance the dining experience. Green teas are a great option to accompany savoury dishes, while black teas are great with desserts, as they offer sweetness and body. Oolong teas, on the other hand, work well with many dishes, as they contain clean and fresh notes that can help cut through heavy umami flavours.
Herbal teas are also a great pair for food, as certain varieties can balance out many different flavours. For instance, yerba mate is great with delicious savoury dishes, while chamomile pairs perfectly with desserts or sweet pastries.
