By Bisola Adeyemo and Nneka Nwogwugwu
Tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water. It remains the favourite beverage to calm stress and anxiety during this difficult time, the United Nations stated.
The UN General Assembly designated 21 May as International Tea Day.
The Day will promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
The United Nations had declared International Tea Day in 2020 to promote its health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and weight loss properties.
The goal of the day is to promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea
Also, to raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
This year’s theme is “Tea and Fair Trade”
According to the UN, “tea has medicinal value and has the potential of bringing health benefits to people.”
Drinking green tea has been found to improve brain function in healthy people, said Stefan Borgwardt, chair and director of the department of psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University of Lübeck, Germany.
There are different types of tea with their accompanied health benefits, Penn Medicine explained.
They are:
1.White Tea: Known to have a delicate flavor, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Research shows it may be the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer. White tea may also be good for your teeth since it contains a high source of fluoride, catechins and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make it more resistant to acid and sugar.
2. Herbal Tea: Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, are very similar to white teas, but they contain a blend of herbs, spices, fruits or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which is why they’re known for their calming properties.
There are numerous types of herbal teas, all with their unique benefits. Some of the most popular herbal teas include:
Chamomile tea – Helps to reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep and relaxation, and reduces stress.
Rooibos – Improves blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol, keeps hair strong and skin healthy, and provides relief from allergies.
Peppermint – Contains menthol, which can soothe an upset stomach and serve as a cure for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. This tea variety also offers pain relief from tension headaches and migraines.
Ginger – Helps to fight against morning sickness, can be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Hibiscus – Lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, can starve off cravings for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent the formation of kidney stones.
3. Green Tea: Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Studies show this type of tea can also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
Other research has found that green tea has a possible impact on liver, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. This tea variety has also shown to be anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing.
4. Black Tea: Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor your intake. When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.
A black tea bath can also ease inflammation caused by skin rashes and conditions such as poison ivy.
5. Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is notable for containing l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention. Scientists have found that l-theanine can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, which are linked to lowering inflammation, preventing the growth of cancers and decreasing type 2 diabetes risk.
