Drink Tea to Boost your Immunity & Health!

So fabulous folks all around the world have been drinking tea ( yes tea!), for thousands of years, and for many good reasons!  Numerous global studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease. Whilst some blends provide more health benefits than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your health and wellness,  and in turn your immune system!  So, put the kettle on, because we’re about to share some of the biggest benefits hidden in the world’s most popular tea varieties for you – and you’re gonna love this antioxidant-packed summary below!

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, are very similar to white teas, but they contain a blend of herbs, spices, fruits, seeds, roots or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which is why they’re known for their calming properties and health benefits due to the herbs used.

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! It’s also a winner in boosting the immune system
• Spearmint or Peppermint Tea – Because it contains menthol, this can soothe an upset stomach and serves as a cure for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. This tea variety also offers pain relief from tension headaches and migraines and is a huge winner in boosting the immune system! It’s high in antioxidants and helps fight bacterial infections too!
• Ginger – Helps to fight against morning sickness, can be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Ginger also helps to fight respiratory problems and strengthens immunity.
• Hibiscus – Packed with antioxidants, it also helps to lower blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, can starve off cravings for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent the formation of kidney stones!

Green Tea

Green tea – known as the healthiest beverage on the planet - the antioxidant, skin-saving tea of choice - originates from China, where the leaves are processed with heat using a pan-firing or roasting method and Japan, where the leaves are more commonly steamed, so the leaves are dried to prevent too much oxidation that would normally turn the leaves brown and alter their fresh-picked flavour!

Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids (catchetins) and polyphenols that can help boost your inner health, skin health, and heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting.  Green Tea is known for its’ antioxidants, and research has found that green tea is shown to be anti-inflammatory due to it’s antioxidants - catechins and polyphenols -  which helps keep your skin clear and glowing and fight wrinkles and ageing. But note that Green Tea does naturally contain some caffeine, however, far less than in Black Tea.

In recent years, matcha – a form of green tea – has grown in popularity. Matcha is a very fine, high-quality green tea powder made from the entire leaves of tea bushes grown in the shade. Since it is the only form of tea in which the leaves are ingested, matcha contains even more antioxidants that regular green tea!! Yup!  In fact, some have suggested that one cup of matcha is the equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea. Wowee!!

Black Tea

Black tea is also made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the same plant that’s used to make green tea. However, the leaves are dried and fermented, giving black tea a darker colour and richer flavour.   Unlike many other varieties, black tea is naturally caffeinated, so it’s important to note this if you can’t sleep at nights after a black tea or coffee.  When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.  Black tea is abundant in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which have been demonstrated to lower the risk of heart disease.  The anti-oxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties present in black tea helps keep your skin healthy and glowing. Green tea and black tea contain caffeine and are also super-rich in catechins and polyphenols, two antioxidants that are known to fight acne and ageing. We love that!!!

White Tea

Known to have a delicate flavour, white tea also comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant and is also the least processed tea variety of them all.   White Tea may be the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer thanks to its high level of antioxidants, and 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.  This variety also offers the least amount of caffeine, making it a smart choice for tea drinkers who want to avoid or limit their caffeine consumption.

Happy sipping Fusspots! xx