The Best Teas For Health Benefits

According to Mark Ukra, in his 2008 book "The Ultimate Tea Diet," tea provides many benefits. Green, black and oolong tea come only from the Camellia sinensis plant, says Ukra. Other teas, such as various herbal teas, are not real tea, but may also be helpful to drink. Tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant in particular, contains chemicals which are now drawing interest from researchers. Many of these chemicals promote health.

Green Tea

Drink green tea to keep your bones strong. Research by Chwan-Li Shen and colleagues published in "Nutrition Research" July 2009, found that catechin compounds in green tea stimulate bone growth. One catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is noteworthy in that it enhances the function of osteoblasts, or bone building cells. Furthermore, according to research in the journal "Chinese Medicine" April 2010, there is evidence green tea can help protect you from developing certain tumors and cancers, including breast cancer.

Black Tea

Black tea may help your muscles recover better after some types of exercise. Black tea, which comes mainly from Indian regions such as Ceylon, Assam and Darjeeling, contains theaflavins and thearubigins. A study published in the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" February 2010, found that theaflavins in black tea may help prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness, known as DOMS. Black tea extract given to experimental participants who engaged in anaerobic exercise, recovered with significantly less muscle soreness. Anaerobic exercise is very intense and involves short bursts of power.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea may help you keep weight off. Also known as black dragon tea, oolong tea comes from China. Oolong tea contains a chemical component known as theasinensin. A study by Taiwanese researchers M. Yang, C. Wang and H. Chen published in the January 2001 issue of "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry," found that oolong tea was more effective than green tea in promoting weight loss in rats. Rats given an extract of oolong tea ate less than those given the green tea extract.

Rooibos Tea

Enjoy the naturally sweet taste of rooibos. Rooibos tea does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but it deserves mention, as it is becoming a popular antioxidant tea. Rooibos, or red bush tea, comes from the South African Aspalathus linearis shrub. This plant contains a unique and powerful antioxidant known as aspalathin. Antioxidants help slow cellular aging and protect cells.

Herbal Teas

Keep a variety of herbal teas handy for a healthy boost. Calming teas include valerian, chamomile and lavender. Teas made from peppermint or cardamom are helpful for digestion. Try feverfew tea for a migraine or headache and elderberry tea for a cold. A tea made from goldenseal may help a sore throat. Always speak to your health care provider about the use of herbal teas and be especially cautious if you are pregnant.