There are a huge number of types of pure and blended teas. The Tea Council estimates there are around 1,500 varieties. As well as a refreshing drink, different types of tea offer distinct health benefits, such as relaxing properties, aiding weight loss and allergies. Some examples of the common types of tea avaliable, and their individual health qualities include -
- Green Tea - packed with antioxidants known to soothe the stomach and digestive system, regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol.
- White Tea - contains an extremely high level of antioxidants. This type of tea is excellent for the skin and has a naturally lower caffeine level than some other types of tea.
- Herbal and Fruit Teas - naturally caffeine free and an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins. Cammomile tea, for example, aids relaxation and sleep, while mint tea is known to aid the digestion.
The Nutritional Content of Tea
A tasty drink for many, tea contains no calories, offers a wide variety of nutrients and is good for you. It is an extremely effective source of antioxidants and some studies suggest that drinking tea regularly may help to protect against some types of cancer. Some experts at the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition believe that flavonoids, such as catechins, quercetin and rutin, contained in tea, are the key ingredients in tea that promote health. Other minerals and vitamins found in tea include -
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Vitamins B1, B2 and B6
- Folic Acid
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Phenolic Acids
The Differences Between Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Bags
Tea is a hugely popular drink throughout the world, but how best to drink it? Use tea bags or loose leaves and a teapot? While 96% of the tea consumed in the UK is from tea bags, loose leaf tea is enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
Drinking loose leaf tea using a tea pot dates back to Confucius (556-497BC) and became popular as far back as the Ming Dynasty in China. While the historical Japanese tea ceremonies, dating back hundreds of years, are famous the world over, tea was brought in to the UK relatively recently, during the 17th century, and remains highly popular today.
Like wine, a host of factors influence the quality, taste and longevity of tea. The time of the year, growing conditions, weather conditions and methods of production can affect the quality of the final product.
High calibre loose leaf tea is made from Camellia Sinensis buds. The whole leaves, large pieces of the leaves or a combination of the two are used in production. The tannin levels of these leaves tend to be relatively low which results in a full flavoured, smooth tasting tea. There is a wide variety of loose tea avaliable and it tends to be less expensive than tea bags but not as convenient to use.
Tea bags on the other hand consist of smaller pieces of tea leaves or tea fannings, sometimes called 'dust.' Tea bags are without a doubt more convenient to use than loose leaf tea. They require less preparation and produce a quicker 'brew.' Tea made with tea bags however generally lack the full flavour of loose leaf teas. The tea contained in the bags contain higher levels of tannin, resulting in a harsher flavour than tea made from loose leaves.
For many the main reason for using tea bags as opposed to loose leaves is the convenience, but it remains a highly personal choice. Whatever the preferred method, one thing is certain. Tea is a versatile drink that continues to be enjoyed hot or iced, at any time of the day or night by millions of poeple throughout the world.
SourcesThe Tea Council - www.tea.co.uk
- www.bbc.co.uk
- www.encyclopedia.com
- British Nutrition Foundation - www.nutrition.org.uk
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, report by Dr Ruxton
Heidi Brand - After winning first prize in an English Creative Writing competiton at school it took me over twenty years to re-discover the world of ...
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