Us Brits don’t really need more of a reason to drink tea - but the news that drinking camomile tea may help women live longer has got us thinking about the health benefits of our morning cuppa.
Here we examine the advantages of regularly drinking various teas.
Coffee leaf tea
In 2013 scientists found that tea brewed from the leaves of coffee plants is high in compounds that are good for human health.
Dr Aaron Davies said: “What was surprising was how many antioxidants are in the coffee leaves. They are much higher than those in green tea and normal black tea.“
The leaves of arabica coffee plants in particular were found to have high levels of a chemical called ‘mangiferin’ which is known for its healthy properties. Mangiferin has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes and blood cholestrol, whilst also protecting neurons in the the brain.
Green tea
[Photography: Alamy]
Green tea has a high concentration of a polyphenol called EGCG which seems to affect human health and disease. The antioxidants in green tea have been suggested to help with breast, lung and stomach cancers, amongst others.
Dark chocolate and green tea is the perfect concentration combination
It has also been claimed that a cup of the green stuff can protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as improve cholesterol levels.
Black tea
Scientists have found those who drink two or three cups of black tea a day are 50 per cent less likely to exhibit early early signs of dementia compared to those who did not drink it.
Studies have also suggested that it may reduce the risk of stroke and protect lungs against damage from cigarette smoke.
Peppermint tea
[Photography: Alamy]
Peppermint tea is believed to aid digestion and combat stress.
The menthol present in the tea acts as a muscle relaxant which helps to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety people suffer from.
Oolong tea
Due to its high levels of antioxidants, drinking oolong tea has been found to lower cholesterol levels in a number of studies.
Camomile tea
[Photography: Rebecca Gray]
As well as being linked to longer life for women, scientists have also claimed drinking camomile tea could help keep diabetes under control.
Camomile tea is also considered to be a skincare treatment due to its cleansing and moisturising properties.
This article was published by Saffron Alexander in The Telegraph on 22nd May 2015, under the title “From peppermint to oolong: the health benefits of different teas”
