My goal of reducing sugar, especially in the beverages I drink, will only happen if I make some big changes. I’m cutting back on the pop and fruit juices and that means increasing my water consumption to make up for it. I’m okay with that but I do like a little flavour in my water. Enter the tea leaf.

I recently became enamoured of the Canadian company, David’s Tea. Which is perfect, seeing as I need to adopt a new favourite beverage. Hot or cold, tea is flavourful, doesn’t need sugar, and can also provide added health benefits. When we think of tea, we usually think of black tea. But there is actually a whole world of tea, each type with specific characteristics and health benefits. From green to oolong, to herbal and rooibos, drinking a variety of teas regularly has a double bonus. Reducing sugar wards off illness and boosts the immune system plus the different varieties of tea also have immunity and disease fighting properties.

Common Types of Tea

• Black tea is the most well-known tea and it contains the highest amount of caffeine. The tea leaves are fermented for longer than other teas, giving it a darker colour.
• White tea is the least processed and purest tea. These tea leaves are very delicate. White tea should be steeped at a lower temperature than other teas. White teas can be a little more expensive than others.
• Green tea is unfermented. The leaves are dried. It is believed to be the most widely consumed tea in the world and it is believed to have many health benefits.
• Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea and is characterized by leaves that are rolled or twisted into a bit of a unique shape. It is flavourful and sweet.

Not technically teas, but often considered as such:

• Rooibos – Rooibos is an herbal infusion from South Africa. It is often flavoured and is a good choice for iced tea.
• Herbal – Herbal teas are infusions of herbs, flowers, and fruits. They too make wonderful iced teas.

Rooibos and herbal tea blends can sometimes have added nuts. If you have nut allergies in your family, as we do, stay away from nutty tea!

Health Benefits of Tea

So, what are the health benefits? Black, white, green, and oolong teas all contain antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids are believed to fight the free radicals that cause cancer, heart disease, and clogged arteries. The more processed the tea leaves (as in oolong and black tea) the lower their antioxidant levels, but they are still believed to be effective. They all also contain theanine and caffeine which improve mental alertness. Tea has less caffeine than coffee which may make it a healthier alternative.

• Green tea has the highest antioxidant levels which, according to WedMD.com, is believed to interfere with the growth of many cancers, prevent clogging of the arteries, reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce the risk of stroke, burn fat, and improve cholesterol levels.
• Black tea, again according to WebMD.com, may protect the lungs from cigarette smoke damage and it may reduce the risk of stroke.
• White tea may just have the strongest anti-cancer properties seeing as it is the least processed of the teas.

It would make sense that loose tea is the preferred choice over bagged, instant, or ready-made teas. Loose tea is less processed and when properly packaged and not exposed to air will retain its flavour, oils, flavonoids, and freshness. Loose tea also diffuses and steeps more effectively. Look for all-natural teas that don’t include added artificial flavours or sugars.

Most importantly, for me anyway, is not to add sugar. There are other, healthier sweeteners. I’ll talk about those in a future post. But really, tea can be enjoyed just on its own. Plus, there are many blends available to try. A loose tea blend provides the best of each variety in one cup! I certainly have accumulated a large selection in my cupboard.

All this talk about tea is making me feel like a cup! It’s time to put the kettle on. What is your favourite tea?

Michelle