What types of tea do you know?

Teas are ancient beverages that are known for their health-boosting properties. In every family, mothers and grandmothers often recommend teas for the most diverse reasons, whether it's to cure aches and pains, prevent the flu or calm stress.

There are well-known herbal teas, such as lemon balm, chamomile and ginger, but not everyone is aware of the different classifications and benefits of this popular liquid.

Served hot or cold, tea is an essential drink for those seeking a healthier life, whether physically or mentally. Follow this article to understand the types of tea, their characteristics and different recipes!

Understanding tea

Tea is a drink with beneficial properties for people's health and well-being, made especially with the combination of hot water and the leaves, roots and herbs of different plants.

For each type of tea, there are a variety of colors, flavors and positive characteristics, so you should pay attention to the herb you choose, as it will bring unique qualities to your body and can relieve specific pains.

This article will help you find the perfect tea for any situation in your life. You can be sure that the drink will fulfill its purpose and solve a variety of problems. Enjoy!

Origin and history of tea

Do you know the origin and history of tea? The leaves boiled in hot water are great for your health and were discovered in China in 250 B.C. The emperor of the time, Shen-Nung, accidentally discovered the drink after boiling the leaves of a wild tree.

In other cultures, such as India, tea is related to mythologies and is seen as a miraculous liquid that cures illnesses and weaknesses. Through nutrients that enrich the body, tea has become invigorating over the decades and has always been an example of a liquid made to help warriors.

Nowadays, England is seen as tea country, as English tea became popular in 1660, turning into a traditional afternoon rite and spreading across the continent.

Difference between tea and tisane

In the history of tea, there are specific differences between infusions that many people don't know about. Tea, in this case, is a specific plant that originated during the great navigations, Camella sinensis.

During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese navigators stopped at the port of Macau and called the plant "ch'á" in Cantonese. Camella sinensis is a plant made up of six families, including white, green, yellow, oolong, dark and dark-tea.

Tisane, which is also a type of infusion, differs in that it is made from other plants such as hibiscus, mint, fennel and chamomile. So you can see that tea is definitely an infusion, but not all infusions are teas.

Characteristics of tea

The characteristics of the tea, considered to be the family of Camella sinensis, are very diverse and have excellent benefits for well-being and health.

In this case, with the infusion of black or white teas, it is interesting to opt for a tea that brings you specific benefits for your situation. Tea itself is a drink that is usually served hot and is popular in the health field.

As a diverse beverage, tea can be served hot or cold, with sugar or without, and is easily shaped to gain flavor with each addition, whether with herbs or honey.

Benefits of teas

Teas are essential health drinks because of their incredible benefits, which only improve our daily lives. With hot water and the participation of plant properties, it is possible to cure different types of problems and uncomfortable situations with teas.

One of the drink's most far-reaching qualities is that it detoxifies the body, which makes you feel lighter. As a result, teas improve sleep quality and help you lose weight.

Nonetheless, teas are great for overall health as they control blood pressure, lower cholesterol and cardiovascular problems, as well as reducing the risk of serious diseases such as cancer.

Types of tea

In order to understand the importance of tea for health, it's important to know the different types of this famous drink. How about reading on to find out more?

If you are looking to prevent diseases such as diabetes and cancer, green tea is a good choice because of its antioxidant function. Because it is rich in natural polyphenol compounds, green tea activates the immune system.

On the other hand, black tea is the caffeine tea and can reduce tiredness and make the body more alert. Both green and black tea also help you lose weight and are great for reducing body fat.

White tea

One of the best-known types of tea is white tea, which helps with detoxification and improves body health through the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree.

Indications White tea is ideal for people looking to boost their immune system and live a healthier lifestyle. With its antioxidant effect, it is also great for men and women looking to lose weight.

Properties : With its antioxidant properties and caffeine, white tea has benefits such as combating fluid retention, burning fat, preventing diseases such as cancer, relieving stress and boosting energy and metabolism.

Recipe and how to make it Strain the plant and drink the liquid throughout the morning and afternoon. If you prefer, you can make recipes by adding fruits such as pineapple and lychee.

Care With the caffeine in white tea, be aware of the side effects of excessive consumption and don't drink it after 4 p.m. In addition, children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should take it with nutritional caution.

Green tea

Green tea is a beverage made from the Camellia sinensis leaf, known for its high caffeine content and antioxidant compounds. As one of the best-known teas, it stands out for its effectiveness.

Indications This tea is great for improving your mood and deserves your attention. It is recommended for those looking to prevent cancer and diabetes, as well as premature ageing. Nevertheless, it is a great tea for an active life and improves mental and physical mood. It is recommended for those who practice physical activity regularly.

Properties : Caffeine is a well-known property of green tea, especially when it is consumed in powder or capsules. With an intense effect, green tea also has substances such as flavonoids and catechins, which are great for preventing the appearance of diseases and ageing.

Recipe and how to make it To make a delicious green tea, put 200ml of water in a kettle to boil, and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the green herb to the cup. Leave to infuse for 3 minutes and strain to drink. You can add honey and even ginger for a tastier, stronger or sweeter flavour. Drink after meals and three times a day.

Care Green tea is considered a good tea for those looking to lose weight. It can be drunk daily, but without overdoing it - especially because of the high amount of caffeine. If you are hypertensive, consult a doctor before drinking it regularly.

Yellow tea

Yellow tea, like green and white tea, is made from the Camellia sinensis plant and has properties widely used by those looking to lose weight and strengthen immunity,

Indications Yellow tea is especially suitable for those looking to eliminate body fat, prevent ageing and benefit from its antioxidant effects. Unlike green tea, its leaves dry for longer and are tastier.

Properties The main properties of yellow tea, apart from caffeine, are polyphenols, which maintain the health of cells. It is therefore a liquid rich in antioxidants, with excellent absorption from the environment and thus facilitates the elimination of toxic substances from the body. In this way, it activates the metabolism, reduces allergies and prevents heart disease and even cancer.

Recipes and how to make them One of the positive characteristics of yellow tea is its taste, as it is prepared with herbs such as mint and chamomile, making it sweeter and more consumable than green tea. When making it, heat the water and wait for it to boil before adding the herbs, infusing for 3 to 5 minutes. If you like, take the opportunity to mix it with fruit juice after the liquid has become lukewarm.

Care Although yellow tea has numerous benefits, you should be careful not to overdo it, especially in the evening. With its high caffeine content, it can make you more alert at bedtime. Also, try to consume it after lunch and in small quantities.

Oolong tea

Considered a very famous tea in China, oolong tea is traditionally made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree, just like white, green and yellow tea. It is prepared with partial oxidation, with a coloration between green tea and deep black.

Indications Antioxidant, this tea is recommended for regular consumption by those looking to improve heart health. Great for health, it reduces blood pressure, improves brain function, lowers cholesterol and prevents cardiovascular diseases. In addition, by increasing metabolism, it helps with weight loss.

Properties : Oolong tea has properties such as caffeine, fluoride, magnesium, sodium, and polyphenol antioxidants that reduce the risk of diabetes, while also helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. With its properties, oolong tea also helps to strengthen the teeth and brain.

Recipe and how to make it To make it, the leaves are picked, dried and oxidized in the sun and shade. After this process, they are roasted and processed to obtain a perfect taste. With partial oxidation, the leaves of oolong tea are more mature, unlike green and black tea. It should be brewed for three to five minutes and consumed warm.

Care When brewing, be careful not to wait too long and make the tea bitter. If you drink tea regularly, don't overdo it with oolong, as it has a high level of caffeine and should be gradually introduced into your diet.

Black tea

Black tea is known for its numerous benefits, such as reducing inflammation in the body. Made from the same plant as green and yellow tea, Camellia sinensis, black tea is highly oxidized and undergoes a fermentation process, making it darker than other teas.

Indications With its high properties, it is indicated for improving digestion, aiding weight loss and de-inflammation of the body. It is a very famous drink, which also helps prevent diseases such as cancer and even heart attacks.

Properties Rich in antioxidant properties, black tea has catechins and polyphenols, ideal substances for neutralizing free agents and reducing inflammation. As the leaves are oxidized, the taste of black tea is more intense than other teas and the properties are widespread and intense.

Recipe and how to make it When the water is boiling, add the leaves and leave to infuse for 3 to 4 minutes. Then strain the leaves and, if you like, add sugar, milk or even lemon to the infusion.

Care : Black tea is not for everyone, and if you have high blood pressure and trouble sleeping, avoid this liquid with stimulating properties. In addition, if drunk in excess, it can have the opposite effect, such as nervousness, irritability and anaemia. It should be avoided by pregnant women, anaemic people and those with constipation.

Dark tea or pu erh

Pu'ehr tea, or dark tea, is a traditional post-fermented drink in the East, especially from China. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree are picked from old trees and processed for consumption.

Indications pu erh tea has a floral aroma and is considered an aged tea, rich in minerals, which improves health by stimulating blood circulation, preventing swelling and fluid retention and aiding digestion. It is a great tea for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Properties As it is a tea that has been fermented by microorganisms for a period of 6 to 12 months, it contains substances that are ideal for benefiting the body, such as flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the neurotransmitter GABA, which improves health and regulates the nervous system, making it a natural calming agent.

Recipes and how to make them When making tea, remember to infuse it. The leaves should be placed in the water after boiling, and left to rest for 3 minutes. Use a tablespoon of the tea and leave the liquid warm and resting for 10 minutes. You can drink it hot or cold, but consume it within a day.

Care This drink is contraindicated for people taking anticoagulants, as well as people with high blood pressure, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Due to the high level of caffeine, people who find it difficult to fall asleep should avoid drinking it at bedtime.

Other incredible types of tea

In the world of teas, there are other incredible flavors that stand out for their lightness and health benefits. Rooibos, herbal, mate, matcha, purple and chai teas are some of the types you should have in stock at home.

Whether drunk hot or cold, tea stands out from other beverages for its wonderful properties that prevent disease, help you lose weight and have an antioxidant effect on the body. In addition, teas are great for calming the mind and relaxing the muscles, reducing nervousness and stress.

In this article, you'll learn about other types of tea that go beyond the traditional green, black, yellow and white. How about reading more about this ancient and tasty liquid? Check out the article below.

Rooibos tea

The so-called rooibos tea is a liquid taken from a shrub in South Africa and rich in medicinal properties. This drink is considered therapeutic and detoxifying and can be taken in times of nervousness.

Indications This tea is suitable for people who are feeling ill or weak, as it is rich in vitamin C and strengthens immunity. Made to prevent illness, the drink brings balance and strength to everyday life.

Properties In addition to vitamin C, another interesting aspect of rooibos tea is the absence of caffeine, making it a therapeutic tea unlike any other. Rooibos tea is rich in flavonoids and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, preventing allergic infections and helping to replenish mineral salts after exercise.

Recipes and how to make them Boil about 500ml of filtered water, then add 2 tablespoons of rooibos leaf, the reddish leaf. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and if you want a sweeter taste, add spices such as honey and cinnamon.

Care Great for detoxification and disease prevention, this tea is soothing and can be taken daily, but without overdoing it. Try to drink it before bedtime to get a deep sleep, but don't drink it more than once a day.

Herbal tea

One of the best-known teas is herbal tea, made from the infusion of different herbs such as: chamomile, lemon balm, boldo, rosemary, dandelion, mint and many more. Although each of the plants has unique benefits, tea in general is an excellent drink for your health.

Indications To drink a good herbal tea, look for medicinal herbs such as lemon balm, fennel, chamomile and rosemary. These teas are suitable for those looking for a calming effect and for those who want to recover from a cold, flu or indigestion.

Properties Depending on the herb you choose, such as chamomile or lemon balm, they contain compounds such as flavonoids and glycemia, which lead to natural relaxation. In addition, they contain vitamins A and B, as well as minerals that are ideal for fighting illnesses and helping with weight loss.

Recipes and how to make them To make herbal tea, heat 500ml of filtered water and bring to the boil, then add your chosen herbs and let the liquid stand for 3 minutes. If you prefer, drink it hot and add honey, ginger or even cinnamon.

Care Although herbal tea has an antioxidant and relaxing effect, the benefits and precautions depend on the type of herb chosen. Chamomile and lemon balm are calming, while herbs such as saffron and dandelion are not ideal for everyone, such as pregnant women and people with high blood pressure.

Matte tea

Matte tea is one of the most famous teas in the world for its versatility. It can be served hot or iced, as it has an outstanding flavor that is celebrated by many people for its good taste.

Indications This tea is suitable for those looking to deal with indigestion, coughs and nasal congestion. Especially if drunk hot, it improves the immune system with its antioxidant effect. It is also ideal for those who want to feel more energetic throughout the day.

Properties : The properties of matcha tea are beneficial to health, such as its high vitamin E and C content, as well as its antioxidant function. In addition, it has a thermogenic action and speeds up the metabolism - helping in the weight loss process.

Recipes and how to make them If you're looking for a sweeter taste, how about adding milk and sugar? It can be mixed hot or iced, depending on your preference.

Care Although it is a delicious tea, matte has a high caffeine content and should be avoided by people with insomnia, pregnant women, people with high blood pressure and people who suffer from high levels of stress on a daily basis.

Matcha tea

Do you know matcha tea? It is known for its unique flavor and very green leaves. Usually converted into powder, this tea is antioxidant and preferred by those looking to lose weight.

Indications This tea is recommended for those who are concerned about the general health of their body, as it improves brain function, protects the liver and also helps with weight loss. It is an interesting drink because of its antioxidant properties and also helps to calm the mind with its calming effects.

Properties Matcha : Made from the young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are then turned into powder, matcha has properties such as caffeine, theanine and chlorophyll. It's great for those looking for a more energizing and lively day with these properties, plus the antioxidant functions that improve immunity.

Recipes and how to make them Matchá is super versatile, and as well as being a delicious tea, its sweet flavor is great for preparing different dishes such as cakes, milk shakes and brigadeiros. To make a tasty latte, take one spoonful of matchá powder, two spoonfuls of coconut sugar, three spoonfuls of warm water and a 300ml glass of milk.

Add the sugar and tea to a mug, then stir in the lukewarm water and pour the milk into the mug. Wait for it to look light green and smooth and then drink it.

Care Because it speeds up the metabolism, people with hypertension should avoid this tea, as the high caffeine content increases the heart rate. People with anaemia should also avoid it, as Matcha contains tannin, which makes it difficult to absorb iron. People suffering from insomnia should avoid it, as the caffeine makes it worse. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should follow medical advice.

Purple tea

In the fitness world, the most popular tea is purple ipe, which helps with weight loss and inhibits fat absorption, as well as helping to prevent inflammation and improving stomach health.

Indications This tea offers incredible benefits for those in the process of losing weight and taking care of their appearance. It is ideal because it helps you lose weight healthily and inhibits the absorption of lipids and the accumulation of fat. It also improves metabolism and encourages physical exercise, as well as protecting against gastritis.

Properties : Purple tea has properties such as antioxidants, which are ideal for speeding up metabolism and helping with weight loss, and flavonoids, which are involved in collagen production. In addition, they help inhibit an enzyme called tyrosinase - which leads to anti-ageing.

Recipes and how to make them With boiling water and the bark of the purple ipe, make a mixture and let it infuse for 10 minutes. After this process, strain it and enjoy drinking it while it's hot. If you prefer, you can add spices such as honey and ginger to make it taste more interesting.

Care Hypertensive, pregnant or breastfeeding people should seek medical advice before consuming purple tea. If you exercise regularly, try not to overdo it with this drink.

Chai tea

Chai is a powerful tea, traditionally from India, and is made by blending spices with Camellia Sinensis. There are numerous blends, but the main ones include ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and even pepper.

Indications : Traditional, it is famous for its unique taste, but it also provides great benefits such as preventing colds, stimulating the metabolism and increasing vitality. It is also recommended for those who want to take care of their body's health, especially cardiovascular health. It is an energizing tea that can be drunk in the morning and after a meal.

Properties Chai: With stimulating properties, such as antioxidant functions, chai is a great tea for keeping active and healthy. It also improves the immune system with the addition of spices such as ginger. Cardamom and cinnamon are good for stimulating the enzymes in the pancreas and leading to digestion, so chai reduces the feeling of bloating and activates the metabolism.

Recipes and how to make them There are more than 3,000 variations of chai blended with spices, depending on your taste. However, it is usually drunk with cold milk and sweetened with sugar, so take a cup of water and a cup of milk, the black tea, 1 piece of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom to your taste and 1 spoonful of ginger. If you want to be daring, add pepper.

Heat the water with the spice mix. When it boils, add the tea and leave to stand. After straining, pour into another container and add the cold milk. Sweeten to your taste.

Care Because it is a black tea, people with insomnia and high blood pressure should be wary of the high level of caffeine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before consuming it regularly.

Other information about teas

Now that you've learned about the different types of tea, it's time to find the right one for what you need at the moment - whether it's to cure a cold or lose weight.

The fitness and slimming culture always recommends teas, and they're famous for it, so if you want to "slim down", you don't have to try very hard. All teas increase water intake and are therefore diuretics, some stronger, some weaker, but all beneficial.

As medicinal herbs, it's important to use nature to our advantage, but don't forget to deal with situations through medical, nutritional and psychiatric guidance. Teas are beneficial, but they must be additional to the cause. Read on to understand more about them!

Tips for making your own tea

Every taste is a taste, that's true, but most people make tea in the traditional way. Water is boiled for minutes and then added to the cup with the tea. Although the traditional way always works, how about innovating? Add milk, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and honey to bring out the flavour.

Look for new recipes and add them to your daily routine. In some cases, take medical advice and drink plants that are good for specific conditions in your body.

How often can the tea be taken?

Everything in excess in life is bad for you, and tea has many properties that should not be consumed in excess. Teas such as black, green and matcha have a high amount of caffeine, and if it is consumed too many times a day, it leads to insomnia, anxiety and increased blood pressure.

In addition, it's important to know that teas considered to be calming, such as chamomile, can't be drunk constantly either, as they lead to drowsiness and even nausea. As for digestive teas, they can lead to heartburn, and boldo, in particular, can lead to liver problems.

Contraindications and possible side effects of tea

Teas are contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, hypertensive patients and anemic patients, but it depends on the type of tea. In this case, black tea is the most intense and can have strong side effects.

As they speed up the metabolism, the effect of caffeine on the body can be rebound. The intense stimulus can lead to an imbalance in the central nervous system, as well as an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, if you already have a specific health problem, consult a doctor before starting a tea diet, for example, or including tea regularly in your daily life.

Tea is an ancient drink with multiple benefits!

Now that you know all the types of tea, their characteristics and incredible properties, it's time to include them in your daily routine and enjoy the taste of each herb. As each tea has its own specific benefit, do your research when buying. If you want to get rid of a cold or flu, the antioxidant functions of matcha and chamomile are ideal.

Now, if your focus is on losing weight, why not try green tea? Chai, for example, is tasty and can easily be enjoyed over an afternoon coffee. Each of the teas has its own wonderful differences, relying on valuable medicinal herbs for different conditions.