Ever wonder where your tea comes from or why some types taste and feel so different from others? And where did it all begin?
While there are several categories of tea, with hundreds of brands, this can make your shopping a bit stressful. When you are better informed about each type, you eliminate guesswork, making it easier to pick the one that meets your needs.
Not all teas are made equal. They offer varied effects, so knowing a little more about each can make all the difference when buying one. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll show you its history—just to set things straight, and then we’ll explore the different types of tea and the health benefits that each promises.
Table of Contents
Origin of Tea
Tea comes second after water as the most popular beverage in the world. It has had a long and rich history dating back to China in 2737 BCE. No one knows exactly how it was discovered, but it’s all believed to have started when tea leaves somehow fell into a pot as Emperor Shen Nung was boiling water. It was the captivating aroma of the brew that sparked his curiosity.
But the story of this herbalist emperor is just one of the many surrounding the origin of tea. Some archaeological evidence from 206 to 220 AD suggests that tea drinking may have begun much earlier.
But it’s widely agreed that the journey of what we today refer to as tea started in China. Admired for its stimulating attributes, tea soon became a way of life and an integral part of Chinese culture, serving as a sign of hospitality.
Tea first spread from China to Japan, and later to the rest of Asia, where many societies adopted it for its strong flavor and therapeutic qualities.
Tea arrived in Europe sometime during the 16th century through the trade route. Initially, it was exclusive to the elites, but it spread to the masses and soon it became a staple drink for the English during the 17th century. It was they who spearheaded tea cultivation in India (their colony at the time) to meet the growing demand.
Today, tea is a popular beverage worldwide. It comes in many varieties, including black, green, oolong, and white, but they all originate from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Their unique taste stems from how it’s processed.
What Are the Main Types of Tea and Their Health Benefits?
Here’s a rundown of different types of tea and what they have to offer.
1. Black Tea
Black tea is the most widely consumed tea in the world. It is fully oxidized, which gives it its dark color and robust flavor. It contains caffeine, which may help trigger alertness and can alleviate brain fog. It is also packed with antioxidants, which fight free radicals, stopping them from damaging cells and tissues and causing chronic illnesses.
Taking black tea regularly can be beneficial for your heart, as the antioxidants in it reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that often lead to heart disease. It may also reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Green Tea
After they are harvested, the tea leaves are quickly heated to preserve their green color and fresh taste. This tea is popular for its high concentration of catechins—a group of potent antioxidants with several health benefits.
It can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, which may include increased metabolism, anti-cancer effects, enhanced brain function, improved skin glow, and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
3. Oolong Tea
To create oolong tea, the leaves are subjected to varying degrees of heat, resulting in different oxidation levels that create distinct oolong tea flavors, ranging from light gold to brown and deep amber. Some of the popular ones include the premium Wuyi tea, Da Hong Pao, and the typical Guan Yin, which features flavors of floral, fruity, and nutty notes.
With features of both green and black tea, Oolong boasts high antioxidant levels and is purported to possess the health benefits of both. The high polyphenol content can assist in weight loss by increasing fat burning and enhancing digestion.
4. White Tea
White tea is the least oxidized of the four major types of tea. It’s made using young leaves and buds, which are merely dried, resulting in a light, slightly sweet taste. Because it undergoes minimal processing, white tea is rich in antioxidants, including tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help protect against chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even lung and colon cancer.
5. Other Types of Tea
Apart from these four main teas, there’s also herbal and cold-infused tea:
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, such as ginger and peppermint, are made from dried herbs, flowers, and fruit extracts. They can offer numerous benefits, from relaxation to pain relief, depending on the features of plant extracts used.
Cold-Infused Tea
Cold-brew teas are regular teas steeped in cold water for a smoother taste. For the most health benefits, steep the tea in cold water (around 4 °C) for a long time (over 12 hours).
Conclusion
Tea is more than just a drink—it’s deeply intertwined with cultures across the world. Derived from the same plant, the leaves are processed differently, allowing you to enjoy varied effects and health benefits. And with many tea options, there’s likely a tea that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re drinking green, black, oolong, or white tea to boost productivity or tap into other health benefits, you’re part of a tradition that spans centuries.
