Now that it’s November, the temperatures are dropping and snow will soon be hitting the ground. Many of us will use this as an opportunity to stay inside, curled up by the fireplace with a hot cup of tea. Or, maybe you’re making the switch from coffee to tea as your New Year’s resolution, and are wondering which types of tea are the healthiest.
Tea offers a wide range of health benefits, depending on the type of tea you are drinking. Learn which types of tea are most beneficial to you and your health, and which brands you should try this winter.
Green tea is known for its antioxidants and many health benefits. Green tea, which is made with steamed tea leaves, may help to prevent bladder, breast, stomach, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. It may even help to burn fat, improve cholesterol levels, prevent clogging of the arteries, and reduce the risk of stroke.
White tea is the most potent of teas and may have the most cancer fighting properties! White tea is easier on your teeth than coffee is, and white tea can also help to prevent dental plaque!
Black tea has the highest caffeine content of other teas and is made with fermented tea leaves. Black tea may help to reduce the risk of stroke and protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.
Tea can provide many amazing health benefits, but it’s important to choose the healthiest brands that do not use harmful additives. Many tea leaves are not washed before they are added to tea bags, and if leaves are sprayed with harmful chemicals, they’ll go right into your tea water. It’s important to buy organic teas, since only organic teas do not contain toxic pesticides.
It is also important to read each and every label to be sure you don’t see anything harmful in the ingredients list. Ingredients to look out for are propachlor, artificial flavoring, caramel powder, modified food starch, natural flavor, and soy lecithin. Some tea brands to be cautious of are Lipton, Trader Joe’s, Teavanna, Celestial Seasonings, Tea Forte, Twinings, Bigelow, and Tazo.
Safer brands of tea to purchase are Allegro, Numi, Yogi, Rishi, Choice, or Tetley. Also, tea brands labeled organic are always the safest way to go.
If you are seeking nutritional advice to kickstart the upcoming New Year and would benefit from the assistance of a licensed and experienced chiropractor, please contact Premier Health Chiropractors today!