Tea 101

Learn More about Your Favorite Tea Blends

Black Tea – Caffeine: 50-60mg

This type of tea is more oxidized compared to oolong, green and white teas. Black tea is generally stronger in flavor than the less oxidized teas and is the type of tea that is typically used as a base for teas that are bought at stores in tea bags. Some of the benefits of black tea include the following:

• Helps all aspects of the cardiovascular system and reduce the production of LDL (also known as the “bad”) cholesterol that can lead to stroke and heart attacks because it’s high in flavonoids

• Contains alkylamine antigens that help boost the immune response. In addition it also contains tannins that have the ability to fight viruses and protect from influenza, stomach flu and other such commonly found viruses in your everyday lives.

Green Tea – Caffeine: 10-20mg and less

This type of tea originated in China and is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea avoids the fermentation process, allowing it to retain the maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols, creating a greater benefit of the tea. Some of the benefits of green tea include the following:

• Contains tea catechins that are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which is presumed to make it effective for treating cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infection, tooth decay, and impaired immune function.

• Increases the metabolism. The poly-phenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories and is also known to help with wrinkles because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Rooibos – Caffeine-free

Rooibos tea or red tea is a medicinal, herbal tea that is acquired from the Aspalathus linearis bush plant that is found in South Africa. According to the South African Rooibos Council, rooibos is not a true tea, but an herb. The fermented tea is red in color. Some of the benefits of rooibos include the following:

• Contains no colors, additives or preservatives, and is naturally caffeine free, making it a natural beverage.

• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, manganese, copper, iron, potassium, fluoride, zinc, and alphahydroxy (for healthy smooth skin), which assist in maintain good bone structure and stronger teeth. By increasing the bio-availability of minerals in your system, you can reduce your chances of developing conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic joint pain.