Hot or cold, tea boasts many nutritious qualities. People have been drinking it for thousands of years thanks to its medicinal properties.
Polyphenols are antioxidants that give tea its health benefits. These plant compounds may help delay or prevent cell damage and protect cells from cancer-causing substances. And since tea lacks sodium or calories, it’s heart and diet friendly, too.
“Simply the act of drinking tea may be calming and soothing,” says Diana Mesa, RD/LDN, CDCES, owner of En La Mesa Nutrition, a mindful and intuitive eating-based nutrition practice in Miami.
With so many tea options out there, you may be uncertain which one is right for you. Don’t be overwhelmed. We’re here to help you choose one that suits you to a T.
Peppermint
Peppermint’s oil and menthol may improve indigestion, nausea and bloating. “Peppermint tea may help relax digestive muscles when there is cramping and muscle spasms,” says Mesa. It helps relieve nasal congestion, lower a fever and relax sore throat muscles. Mesa says to be careful if you suffer from heartburn or have a hiatal hernia; it could worsen these symptoms.
Chamomile
This tea is widely known for its quieting powers. “It’s used to ease heartburn and also has calming properties which can help when we’re trying to get to sleep or need some soothing,” says Mesa.
Hibiscus
Made from dry, tropical hibiscus leaves, this tea is tangy, tart and sour. “Its dark red color means it’s packed with antioxidants,” says Mesa. It can help manage blood pressure and has diuretic effects, she adds.
Green
Green tea has catechin, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage by free radicals. This tea may increase mental alertness, raise your metabolic rate and improve insulin activity. It may have a cancer protective effect and can mildly lower blood pressure, says Mesa.
Ginger
Full of flavor and spice, ginger can fight nausea and vomiting, says Mesa. Those powers have made it a favorite by pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. It also helps the body digest food better, soothing indigestion and has been shown to ease pain during menstruation and in people with osteoarthritis, says Mesa.