A popular question in any friendship is the ever-important, “Are you a coffee or a tea person?” I feel like coffee tends to reign supreme in college, but I’m here to make the case for tea. I have very early memories of drinking warm black tea, sweetened with what was probably too much sugar, with my grandmother. Since then, I’ve expanded my love of this great coffee alternative. In my cabinet right now, you’ll find at least six kinds of tea (black, green with mint, raspberry, vanilla, and two kinds of peach, but who’s counting?). From tea bags to loose leaves, I want to try as many kinds of tea as I can.
Tea can be served hot or iced. I tend to drink it hot in the mornings and nights, and iced in the afternoons, but there’s no set rules. Along with being absolutely delicious (tip: add sugar and cream or milk to make your drink more fancy or to tone down a particularly strong brew), different kinds of tea have different health benefits that make drinking it even more sweet.
Raspberry Tea: This kind of tea is known to reduce inflammation and help with arthritis pains. Raspberries have a powerful antioxidant in them called ellagic acid, which reduces the likelihood of getting several kinds of cancers. This tea also benefits the heart and circulatory systems and can slow down age-related diseases. More specifically, some women drink raspberry tea to help with the pain associated with heavy periods.
Black Tea: Black tea is full of caffeine, which makes it a nice alternative to coffee. There is research proving that women who drink black tea have a lower risk of ovarian cancer. Regularly drinking black tea will lower the risk of diabetes, kidney stones, high cholesterol, and Parkinson’s disease.
Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is a good source of caffeine, too. Oolong tea is a metabolism booster, and it can help lower cholesterol. It can also help aid digestion. This tea is also full of antioxidants, and can help promote healthy hair, and prevent osteoporosis by creating healthy bones. People with eczema may also find improvement in their skin after drinking oolong tea every day.
Green Tea: Green tea has the amino acid L-theanine which is proven to lower anxiety. It also has caffeine, but it’s a weaker amount, so it won’t cause a “jittery” feeling. Green tea can help to boost metabolic rates, and is often found in weight loss supplements. Studies have shown green tea can protect neurons in the brain and potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This tea can also benefit dental health.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is often used to calm upset stomachs, and it can be a useful remedy for period cramps. This beverage is often made before bedtime, because it helps calm the nervous system and promotes sleep. Chamomile tea can also help stop skin problems like eczema and acne. It’s also used to help ward off the effects of having a cold.
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