Teas have been used for thousands of years for health and spiritual purposes (and for pure enjoyment).
No matter what aspect of health youre trying to improve, theres a tea out there for you.
Here are six of the healthiest teas you could sip.
The most well-known antioxidant concentrated in green tea is the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
ECGC protects health in several ways and has been shown to provideantidiabetic, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory2effects.
Whats more, studies show that diets rich in green tea may help protect against obesity and promotefat loss6.
A cup of match can contain between38 to 178 milligrams11, depending on the amount of matcha used.
Forcomparison12, a cup of brewedcoffeecontains around 96 milligrams of caffeine.
Because of its caffeine content, green tea is best sipped in the morning and during the day.
Hibiscus teais made from leafy structures called calyxes found on theHibiscus Sabdariffa13plant.
CRP has been shown tobe elevated15in people with dermatological conditions like psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.
Plus, hibiscus tea is delicious iced and can bevery hydrating.
you could evengrow your own hibiscus flowers at homefor a garden-fresh tea.
Chamomile is a medicinal herb thats been used since ancient times to treat sleep and anxiety disorders.
Its thought that its sleep-enhancing effects are due to its high concentration of a flavonoid compound called apigenin.
Apigeninbinds to benzodiazepine receptors18in the brain, which produces acalming effectand encourages sleepiness.
Studies show that taking chamomile supplements and drinking chamomile tea may help improvesleep quality19in certain people.
It’s usually consumed hot.
Chamomile tea is caffeine-free, so its a perfect drink to enjoy while youre winding down at night.
Its oils have soothing, antispasmodic properties, which can help you feel better when youre experiencing digestive discomfort.
Peppermint tea can be made with fresh or dried peppermint leaves.
Steeping the leaves in hot water releases their beneficial oils and a pleasing aroma.
Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it can be sipped any time, including before bed.
Plus, it provides some nutrients, like magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese.
Yerba mate can be enjoyed plain or with a bit of sweetener.
Yerba mate tea contains about80 milligrams of caffeine per cup25, about the same as a cup ofcoffee.
Lavender tea is made by steeping fresh or dried lavender flower buds in hot water.
It has a floral, slightly sweet taste and an aroma that can help you feel more relaxed.
Consuming and smelling lavender has also been shown toimprove fatigue29, boost mood, and encouragerestful sleep30.
Lavender tea can be found in loose-leaf form and can also be purchased in single-use teabags.
Its delicious on its own, but can be enjoyed with additives like lemon and honey.
Lavender tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it can be sipped any time, including before bed.
Though hot tea is most popular, tea can be enjoyed in other ways, too.
Tea can be enjoyed in hot water infusions, iced, or mixed into smoothies, says Cohen.
All teas are healthy when theyre consumed plain.
If using a sweetener, like honey, stick with a small amount, such as a teaspoon.
