Tea

If you didn't know, tea is very good for you, and even has the ability to fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cholesterol. The flavonoids are good for your heart and tea has less caffeine than coffee, sometimes none at all. While it's best to have brewed tea (the kind you steep in hot water) you can also have bottled tea, which is usually cold. Just make sure there is no sugar in it. Sweet tea and ice tea are not included in this list as they are just like any other sugary drink. Here is what I know about tea...

The main teas...

Green tea fights cancer because it has high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants. Specifically, an antioxidant known as EGCG inhibits an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. Green tea even reduces the risk of neurological disorders and stroke, and fights allergies and arthritis.

Black tea has the highest amount of caffeine, and is therefore a perfect coffee substitute. It is dark and robust. Both oolong and Pu-erh are types of black tea that help with weight loss and cholesterol. Oolong slows the aging process.

(People who drink black, green or oolong tea on a regular basis have higher bone density as well.)

White tea is usually floral and fruity, very light in taste and color. It has many antioxidants, and is possibly a better cancer fighter than green tea.

Kukicha is a twig tea made of stems and leaves. It is very earthy, nutty and mellow. It is very alkalizing and has little caffeine. Hojicha is very similar, if not a bit darker.

Herbal teas...

Echinacea tea, with or without added herbs, helps fight against the common cold.

Chamomile tea helps prevent symptoms of diabetes and is very relaxing. It has a light, dandelion type of flavor that is very mellow.

St. John's Wort tea is excellent for depression and usually boosts your mood within minutes.

Saffron infused tea can boost mood and fight against depression. I am told 30 mg of saffron a day for 6 weeks has the same depression reducing qualities as Prozac and Paxil. Saffron tea (my favorite is red rubio and jasmine with saffron in it) also has antioxidants, calms acne and skin disorders, fights cancer and tumors, helps respiratory ailments such as asthma, calm menstrual symptoms, fights insomnia, stimulates circulation and reduces cholesterol.

Hibiscus tea, which can be fruity or earthy depending on added ingredients, helps with high blood pressure if you drink about 3 cups daily.

Red tea (rooibos) is a staple in Africa, and may help with stomach cramps, headaches, allergies, insomnia, asthma, high blood pressure and eczema. As with other antioxidant and flavonoid rich teas (and foods) it can help protect against heart problems. There is no caffeine in red tea and it is a source of calcium.

Fennel, cardamom tea is a digestive aid that also helps with gas problems.

Any tea with ginger helps settle nausea.

There are many, many more kinds of herbal teas, so look around for one that suits you.

Science may not have fully caught up to all the benefits of tea, but over 3,000 years of use and testimonials seems a pretty good source to me. I can personally testify to the benefits of all the tea mentioned above. There are so many different kinds of tea to try that I think one really has no excuses, and would definitely find  one they like. However, there is one thing to know before you take up tea as a regular habit, and that is to use an enamel-protecting toothpaste every day so that the enamel on your teeth does not wear down. Also, when you purchase tea you may be helping support those who grow the tea in their home country.