Which is your favorite?
Black Tea Consumption of black tea reduces the risk of stroke. Foods high in flavonoids such as black tea, help all aspects of the cardiovascular system and reduce the production of LDL - the "bad" cholesterol that can lead to stroke and heart attacks.
An American Heart Association study in New Orleans found that tea drinkers have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. In this study, subjects drank four cups of water or tea a day for four weeks. According to their findings, black tea relaxes and expands arteries, thus increasing blood flow to the heart. Arteries of a healthy person release the chemical called nitric oxide causing the artery to dilate. People with coronary artery disease produce less nitric oxide and thus their arteries do not dilate normally. The study revealed tea reverses this abnormality while drinking water had no effect.
The high levels of antioxidants in black tea have been found to not only improve artery function but also to lower the rates of cancers. They have the ability to stop oxidation which damages DNA and turns normal cells into cancer cells.
Tea can also help prevent tooth decay. It contains fluoride and works better than the antibiotic tetracycline. Tea fights bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease and cavity causing bacteria.
Oolong These teas fall in-between the Black and Green teas of the world. One distinct difference is that during the final stage of processing, the leaves are twisted giving them a larger, more stringy appearance than black teas. As far as taste, it all depends how long the leaves are processed. Some Oolongs are very close to black teas in their amber color and rich texture. In contrast, if the fermenting or oxidization process is halted early on, the flavors will be closer to a green tea in its pale infusion but not as vegetal (grassy) as most greens. Some even say a light Oolong has a taste that is more floral and fruity. But true tea lovers swear by the Oolongs of the world; maybe in part because they have qualities of both the blacks and the greens.
Many studies are being done regarding the health benefits of Oolongs. So much has been discovered on the green teas over the decades because of its high polyphenol and antioxidant properties, but studies have shown that drinking green tea.. well has had one major downfall. Many people don't like the grassy after taste of some green teas, so they won't drink it. But by using a lighter Oolong (which doesn't have as high a content as green) people will drink more of it, so in theory it all becomes a wash at the end of the day.
One recent study is on weight loss and Oolong tea consumption. Many Westerners are coffee drinkers and inheritably will be intaking too much caffeine as a result. We all know the side effects and long term issues with too much caffeine over the years. Tea has only ½ the caffeine as coffee, even at its highest level. Oolongs are mid to low range levels (35-20mg) vs. a cup of coffee which has 110-140mg of caffeine. And since it has no calories or fats (unless you load up with sugar and milk) tea doesn't add all that extra "stuff" that coffee drinkers tend to expect with their coffees ("double - double").
So these guys seem to have the best of both worlds. Depending on the day (or blend) they can act like a robust black tea or they can swing to the other side of the spectrum and mellow out like an earthy green. Either way you look at it, the Oolong is one of those team players that can play any position and is hear to stay. Enjoy.
Green Tea Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, resulting in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Research also supports that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infection, and impaired immune function.
Rooibos This tea contains almost no oxalic acid, making it a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones. Rooibos contains the following minerals: copper, iron and potassium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, manganese, alpha- hydroxy ( for healthy smooth skin ) and magnesium (for the nervous system). In South Africa pregnant women and nursing mothers drink Rooibos because it contains no caffeine.
This wonder tea is especially useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne. It contains antioxidants which help slow the aging process and boost the immune system. According to studies conducted in South Africa and Japan, Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension. Studies also show that this tea contains anti-spasmodic agents, which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in infants.
Rooibos tea contains no colors, additives or preservatives, making it a natural beverage.