Drinking tea has long been associated with positivity, whether it’s sitting down for a cup with a close friend or having a hot mug handy to help when you’re feeling under the weather. There are so many different varieties of tea to try, many of which offer impressive benefits that make it well worth keeping the kettle on for a second sip.
Green tea
In terms of overall health benefits, green tea is widely considered to be one of the best. Per a medically reviewed article written by Kris Gunnars and Dylan Bailey for Healthline, the benefits of green tea can include better cognitive function and increased metabolism. A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology also suggests that drinking green tea may lower your risk of heart disease. Green tea is also rich in epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a powerful polyphenol and antioxidant shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that support better health.
There are several different types of green tea to consider, including hojicha, matcha, and jasmine. Each type has a unique flavor profile — gunpowder green tea boasts a nuttier, smokier flavor while Gyokuro tea has a balance of sweetness and umami. Tea brands also offer flavored varieties, infusing green tea with everything from lemon to pomegranate to strawberry to give discerning drinkers more options.
Chamomile tea
Like many other teas, chamomile has been used in traditional medicine going back thousands of years. According to a Nourish by WebMD article written by Pamela Ferdinand, R. Morgan Griffin, and Kristin Mitchell, chamomile tea has been used as a remedy for everything from the common cold to heartburn.
As Harvard Health Publishing notes in an article on herbal teas, chamomile is noted for its calming effects, making it a popular part of pre-bedtime rituals the world over. Just as soothing is the fact that chamomile tea is rich in flavonoids, which Good Housekeeping Senior Editor Adele Jackson-Gibson notes are useful for reducing feelings of bloating and discomfort.
HHP also points to several studies that link regular consumption of chamomile tea with a wide range of long-term health benefits. This includes a lowered risk of heart disease, improved immune system response, and less severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. It’s also a source of nutrients including calcium and potassium and can thus help benefit a balanced diet.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is unique from green and chamomile in that it’s derived from the ginger root rather than the leaves of a plant. But what it has in common with those types of tea is a wide range of health benefits, particularly when it comes to digestive health.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, ginger root — and, by extension, ginger tea — contains the antioxidant gingerol. Not only does this inform the spicy yet refreshing test of ginger, but it also contributes to gastrointestinal motility and aids in the digestive process. Because of this, ginger tea is recommended as a way to combat nausea, including in cases such as pregnancy and patients undergoing chemotherapy.
What’s more, ginger tea is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply buy fresh ginger at your grocery store, peel and slice it, and steep the slices in boiling water for 10 minutes or more. This process extracts the root’s rich flavor and nutritional benefits and allows you to prepare tea in bulk so that you have it handy for the week ahead.
There are so many different types of tea to try that offer surprising nutritional benefits. Making tea a part of your daily routine can also help you stay hydrated and avoid processed drinks packed with sugar. Add to this the fact that there’s just something relaxing and charming about cozying up to a steaming cup in the morning, and you’ve got all the reasons you need to steep your bag into the deep world of tea.