You may drink tea because you like it or you may drink it for health, but if you are interested in current research findings related to red tea benefits, check this out.
Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world, and it is a healthy beverage offering many health benefits (if you skip the cream and sugar). Varieties of tea like black, green, white, oolong, red, herbal tea are popular all over the world. These teas are derived from the young leaves of a warm-weather evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contain polyphenols. After processing, the tea leaves turn darker.
Tea Facts
Green tea and white tea are the least processed teas and they are steamed quickly. Black and oolong teas are made from partially dried, crushed and fermented tea leaves. As mentioned above, regardless of the processing method, black, green, white and oolong teas, all contain polyphenols. Do you know that, tea ranks as high as or even higher than many fruits and vegetables, in the ORAC score? The ORAC score measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.
Red Tea
It is a type of herbal tea. It is similar to green tea but it offers more benefits than green tea as it has more health promoting properties. It is not obtained from camellia trees but it is made from the indigenous wonder herb of South Africa called Rooibos (ROY-boss), which is full of polyphenols and flavonoids, that help protect the body from free-radicals. The free radicals can otherwise weaken natural defenses and eventually lead to aging and the onset of diseases. Red tea offers you all the benefits offered by other teas, but the most important fact that it is completely caffeine-free, makes it more beneficial. While you can enjoy unlimited cups, multiplying the benefits from all its healthful properties, you can keep yourself away from the evil effects of overdose of caffeine.
Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea
The tea is caffeine-free and has a soothing effect on the central nervous system.
It helps manage allergies like hay fever, asthma and eczema.
The tea, though red in color, is completely pure, natural and contains no additives, preservatives or colorants.
It increases the absorption of iron in the body.
It controls your appetite and so it is considered beneficial for weight loss.
It does not contain oxalic acid and so it can be enjoyed by persons facing the problem of kidney stones.
It can be prescribed for mental stress and mild depression, as it acts as a relaxing sedative.
Elements like potassium and copper, necessary for several metabolic functions, can be obtained through regular consumption of red tea.
The anti-spasmodic properties of the tea help relieve stomach and digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn and stomach ulcers.
The tea provides a sufficient amount of calcium, manganese and especially fluoride, required for strengthening of teeth and bones.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, flavonoid-rich foods like tea offer cardiovascular benefits. Red tea is good for heart health.
The zinc and alpha hydroxyl acid from the tea can help you enjoy healthy skin. Magnesium from the tea helps build up a healthy nervous system.
Some of the important red tea benefits for skin are that you can apply the tea directly to your skin as a tincture and the tea can relieve itching, rashes and sunburn when added to bathwater.
The tea works great for common infant ailments like colic and stomach cramps. It is better to consult your physician before giving the tea to an infant. An overdose might lead to certain side effects.
The most noteworthy benefit among all the red tea benefits is that it is packed with antioxidants which help reduce the effects of free-radicals that accelerate the process of aging and affect the function of the immune system. The tea helps fight various diseases including cancer.
Like milk and other dairy products, red tea is also rich in calcium. For those diagnosed with lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting dairy products), the tea can be a good option. It does not lead to stomach problems and it also helps boost the energy level of the person.
Excessive consumption of the tea can lead to certain side effects. More research is needed to prove the safety of the tea for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Till then, they should avoid drinking it. Similarly, if you are taking medicines for diabetes or other ailments, then you should consult your physician before opting for the tea. The elements in the tea might interfere with your medication and may lead to certain side effects. You should always buy the tea manufactured by a trustworthy brand. Consumption of red tea has led to salmonella infection but such cases are very rare.
Red tea can be served as a hot beverage or iced tea. It makes a great thirst-quenching drink and sport drink. I am sure, next time you buy your groceries, you are going to look for red tea first, as you now know how beneficial it is. Incorporation of superfoods in regular diet helps maintain the overall health.
