Deciding which tea to drink for your health can be daunting. There is a lot of talk about the benefits of green tea but what about the specific problem you are facing. Everyone is a unique individual navigating their own set of issues. Should green be the one to buy? The answer is maybe. Although green tea is amazing there might be a better fit for you. Every tea has specific health benefits. An interesting way to start the conversation is that all true teas (Green, White, & Black,) come from the exact same plant Camellia sinensis they are just processed differently after harvest.

Green Tea

Green tea is well known for antioxidants, a calming effect, and fighting cognitive dysfunction . It contains a group of flavanoids called catechins that in a lab have shown to be more effective at preventing oxidation than Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The calming effect from Green Tea promotes comes from an amino acid called L-Theanine. Along with calming Green Tea has a healthy dose of caffeine 20-30mg per serving.  This combo of L-Theanine and caffeine deliver a very clean energy that will not make you jittery like coffee.  Green Tea has been a staple in Japanese diets for centuries where cognitive dysfunction in the elderly is less common, recent studies back up what we have observed.  In general, if you are unsure which tea to drink for your health Green is the one for you.

White Tea

White tea is the least processed of all tea. For centuries it has been coveted as a high grade of tea. White tea has very high anti-oxidant levels and has been traditionally drunken by those looking to boost beauty ,digestion, and weight loss.  A study conducted in the UK showed that white tea protects our collagen and elastin, which helps our skin look younger. In addition to helping our skin, elastin and collagen are found in the lungs, arteries, and ligaments. So not only could White tea combat wrinkles it will also encourage our whole bodies elasticity. White tea has classically been served following a meal to aid digestion. Try it your self, but keep in mind that although White tea has the lowest caffeine content (10-20mg when brewed correctly) it still could keep you up at night. Especially if you are sensitive to caffeine. To top it all off, a study conducted by German scientists, found evidence suggesting that white tea will burn away fat cells!

Black Tea

Black tea is the most popular tea in the western world. That can probably be attributed to the fact that it has the most caffeine among teas (30-50mg). A lesser known fact is that is it also contains a little bit of a stimulating substance called theophylline. Together with the caffeine it can speed up your heart rate and make you feel more alert. Taking that into consideration, if you are trying to kick coffee for Black is the one for you. Although Black tea is not famous for its health benefits, it still provides many of the wellness components as Green and White but in smaller amounts.

Quick take on how to decide which tea to drink for your health

Green Tea

• Antioxidants

• Calming

• Cognitive

• General Wellness

White Tea

• Beauty

• Digestion

• Weight loss

• Antioxidants

Black Tea

• Energizing

• Alertness

• Antioxidants

• Coffee substitute

Honorable mentions

Pu-erh is a heavily fermented black tea. What is interesting is that during the fermentation process all sorts of beneficial components are made by the bacteria. One such component are statins. Research shows that Pu-erh has naturally occurring statins. If you want to address cardiovascular health Pu-erh is for you

Brewing and Drinking

Strictly following brewing guidelines and recommendations will greatly effect the taste of tea, and influence caffeine levels. Always follow instructions for best results. Additionally, adding milk, sugar, or other flavors may hinder your bodies ability to assimilate the nutrients.

I hope that this clears up any questions you might have about which tea to drink for your health. Tea is a special experience that should be savored and shared among friends when possible. It is important to keep in mind that the brewing process is part of the mediation and benefit tea can bring to your life. As a rule organic loose tea is the best way to serve to accomplish your wellness goals. If you have any questions I did not address please feel free to leave a comment below.