Chinese legend tells that the discovery of tea happened by chance thanks to Emperor Shen Nung. One day, while he was boiling water in the shade of a wild tea tree, a gust of wind dislodged several leaves that fell into the water. The aroma coming from that mixture made the emperor feel attracted to it and he ended up trying it, being amazed by its flavor.
According to Hindu culture, the discovery of tea is the work of the monk Bodhidharma, founder of the form of Zen Buddhism. The long journeys he made in his eagerness as a preacher brought with them tiredness and fatigue as a consequence. Following the advice of several sages, he tried infusing tea leaves, which comforted him on those trips and which he continued to use as a medicinal tonic.
Whatever your discovery, the truth is that tea is the third most popular drink in the world (behind water and coffee) and that its consumption brings many benefits to our body.
The different oxidation to which they are subjected gives them a different color and aroma, and a great variety of properties.
red tea
Also known as pu-erh, red tea is characterized by its fermentation process, which can last from 2 to 60 years. In China it is known as the tea of the emperors, since in the past it was consumed exclusively by the Chinese nobility. Its consumption provides our body with multiple benefits:
- It is diuretic and antioxidant. Helps in the elimination of excess fluids and toxins thanks to its purifying effect.
- It favors digestion . Its composition helps the production of gastric acids and facilitate intestinal transit.
- Strengthens the immune system .
- Helps in weight reduction . Red tea is a great ally in diets, as it helps reduce fat levels in the body.
green tea
Green tea does not undergo any oxidation during its processing; its leaves are collected fresh. It is one of the most consumed and accounts for between a quarter and a fifth of the total tea produced worldwide.
- It is antioxidant and a great ally to lose weight . Its consumption helps our body to eliminate toxins that our body does not need.
- It is really good at the digestive level , since it helps to reduce gas, bloating or other digestive problems such as constipation.
- Helps maintain healthy teeth and gums . It was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat oral infections and other problems related to oral health.
- Strengthens the immune system , thanks to its great antioxidant power and its content of vitamins and minerals.
yellow tea
Yellow tea is very similar to green in terms of its processing, but its drying phase is shorter. In it, wet leaves are allowed to settle and turn yellow. Multiple benefits of its consumption can be highlighted:
- It is diuretic , antioxidant and a great ally in weight loss .
- Very good at a digestive level , suitable for treating problems related to this system.
- Like green, and due to its similarity, it cares for teeth and gums .
- It helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol .
black tea
Black tea is the most oxidized of the teas and tends to have a stronger aroma and more caffeine than teas with lower levels of oxidation.
- Precisely for this reason, it is stimulating and helps fight fatigue.
- It is antioxidant .
- Contains minerals such as zinc, fluoride, iron or calcium.
- Helps good cholesterol not oxidize .
white tea
White tea is the least processed of all teas and the one with the highest antioxidant power . Apart from this, many other benefits stand out:
- Helps in weight reduction and slimming .
- It is very good at the digestive level and helps to improve intestinal transit.
- Its consumption is recommended to treat circulation problems, hypertension or high cholesterol.
blue tea
It is also known as oolong tea, it is between green and red and is very aromatic.
- Like all varieties of tea, it is antioxidant .
- Great ally to lose weight ; its consumption will make our body burn fat naturally.
- It helps to strengthen the defenses and fight cholesterol .
- Ideal to take care of the cardiovascular and digestive systems .
Red, green, yellow, black, white and blue. Different teas and flavors and multiple beneficial properties for health. Now the hard part will be choosing one!
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.