Types of teas and benefits

During the winter I love to drink a good cup of tea. There are many benefits to drinking tea. Here are the types of tea and their benefits:

The main categories of tea are White, Green, Oolong, and Black.

# White teas have very little caffeine, and brew a light color and flavor. White teas are the least processed of all teas; they contain the highest antioxidant properties, and are very low in tannins. Aids in detoxifying the body, studies show white tea is excellent for skin/complexion reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

# Green teas have only 5-10% the caffeine in coffee. Green tea is also high in antioxidants, which flush the toxins, boost the immune system, and help to prevent cancer. They also lower blood pressure, fight gingivitis and cavities, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

# Oolong teas are semi-fermented teas, more than green, but less than black tea. They have 15% the caffeine in coffee. Most people commonly recognize Oolong tea as the tea served in Chinese restaurants. Oolong tea promotes weight loss by boost metabolism rate, and increasing digestion. Promotes healthy teeth, skin and bones.

# Black tea is the tea most people are familiar with as it is the one you have grown up drinking by dunking little paper teabags in your cup. Black tea is fully fermented. Black tea helps your body prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream thus it helps to prevent heart disease. Black tea contains 20 % the caffeine of coffee.

# Herbal teas do not contain any leaves from the Camellia family. They are called teas because of the infusion process, sometimes they are called tisanes. Herbal tea is just pure herbs, flowers, and fruits. The health benefits of herbal tea varies from tea to tea.

# Rooibos teas are made from a South African red bush that has higher antioxidants than green tea, and is caffeine free. Rich in vitamins, natural minerals, and excellent in aiding with digestion. Both herbal and rooibos teas are delicious iced or hot.