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Five common teas with great health benefits
For those who prefer tea over coffee, rejoice, as there are many health benefits offered by this particular beverage.
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Like black tea, chamomile tea can also heal skin conditions, cuts and wounds. (Shutterstock/File)
W
ith the rainy season setting in, warming up with a hot cup of tea may provide more health benefits than just regulating body temperature.
Black tea
This tea may be the most common tea available in Indonesia, as most tea plantations grow black tea.
Rich in flavonoids (plant chemicals that fight inflammation), this tea may help relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction. Weight loss is also a possible benefit, as it is found that black tea may increase good bacteria in the body’s digestive system.
According to Reader’s Digest, black tea has other additional non-drinking related benefits, such as mending cuts and scrapes, killing foot odor, improving gum health, helping with eye irritation and healing cold sores, among other things.
Green tea
Another tea named after a color that is also fairly easy to acquire in any part of Southeast Asia is green tea.
This tea contains an antioxidant compound called catechin. According to Livestrong, a few cups of green tea a day, typically three cups a day, is recommended as it provides 240 to 320 milligrams of active antioxidant compounds.
According to Healthline, green tea can help burn fat and improve physical performance by boosting metabolic rates. Other benefits include possibly lowering the risk of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer, among other benefits.
Read also: Jakpost guide to tea places
Chamomile
The chamomile flower grows naturally in several places in the world; making it one of the most common and easy-to-obtain teas, especially in parts of Asia, Europe, Australia and North America.
According to NDTV, an aromatic chemical compound called chamazulene can be found in the flower used in this tea. This chemical boasts analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The scent of Chamomile is known to help one relax, but drinking the tea may also greatly promote sleep and could possibly help treat insomnia, colds, reduce muscle and menstrual pains and helps soothe stomach aches. Like black tea, chamomile tea can also heal skin conditions, cuts and wounds.
Hibiscus
This tropical flower grows naturally in parts of South East Asia and comes in many species. This plant is also known as mallow or rose mallow and other names in many parts of the world. Teas made from this flower are known to have a citrus taste, and can be used in many things other than tea such as homemade shampoo and in cooking.
According to Medical News Today, hibiscus tea can be used to decrease body temperature, regulate high blood pressure, soothe a sore throat and help treat the effects of heart disease.
Peppermint
Another very common tea in Europe and Asia, flavored after a popular Christmas candy also comes with helpful benefits. Like other teas on this list, consumption of peppermint tea can help with indigestion.
According to Healthline, the menthols, menthone and limonene found in peppermint have more to them than just their cooling effects and minty scent often used in everything from candies and gum to toothpaste. It can help relieve migraines and other forms of headaches, due to the fact that it is a muscle relaxant and pain reliever.
Peppermint is also known for being able to unclog mucus-filled sinuses when you have a cold, and may help ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
Teas are well-known to be a distinct part of many cultures and can provide much-needed relief during a long day at work, or as a treat for a wind-down with family or friends. It is also helpful that they can also be easily found in almost any store and supermarket. (acr/kes)
