Tea
Black tea
Despite the growing number of trendy coffee shops, tea remains Britain's favourite hot drink with a cup of black tea continues to be a staple in many households. It can be customised to suit your tastes – strong, weak, bitter or sweet – and served plain, with milk or a slice of lemon. Whether it's a morning brew, an excuse for a break at work, or an accompaniment to an elegant afternoon tea, you can't beat the restorative warmth of a cup of tea. Made from the leaves of the camellia sinesis plant, which is grown in countries such as China, India and Sri Lanka, black tea gets its strong flavour and colour as a result of a longer oxidation process compared to green and white tea. This process also means black tea has higher levels of caffeine, making it the perfect alternative to a coffee. Black tea comes in a selection of flavours, including Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chai, Lapsang Souchong and Darjeeling. If you're looking to reduce your caffeine intake, there's also decaf versions of black tea, with at least half the amount of caffeine as regular black tea. Is drinking black tea good for you? Studies have found that drinking black tea can lower the risk of heart disease. Black tea also has antioxidants that help to increase healthy cell growth and general health. The antioxidants also help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria in the gut and promote the growth of good bacteria, to improve gut health. Is black tea good for the skin? Black tea is full of antioxidants and polyphenols which are associated with delaying skin ageing. Drinking or using the used tea bags directly onto the skin can help flush out toxins in our body that cause blemishes and hydrate the skin, too. Should you drink black tea every day? The polyphenols in black tea have been shown to soothe stomach issues and reduce diarrhoea, making it a healthy way to balance gut bacteria daily. Drinking black tea every day can also reduce oral issues such as bad breath, as well as helping to maintain a healthy weight due to the caffeine stimulation.
Fruit and herbal tea
What are fruit and herbal teas? The variation of fruit and herbal teas is seemingly endless. There fruit and herbal tea flavours to suit any occasion. Try warming lemon and ginger to soothe a sore throat or enjoy a delicious mulled wine infusion to get you into the Christmas spirit. Fruit and herbal teas are naturally caffeine free, making them a popular choice for anyone trying to reduce their caffeine intake – no more caffeine headaches! The variety of fruit or herbal teas provide a diverse range of benefits. Teas such as Chamomile can promote sleepiness, making it the optimal night-time drink. Ginger tea is associated with eliminating bloating and uncomfortable gas, encouraging good digestive health, while liquorice tea is claimed to help support dental health and ease nausea. Fruit and herbal teas are an excellent way to stay hydrated and give your body a boost of antioxidants and vitamins. Incorporating a variety of teas can help with your daily life by reducing stress, promoting sleep and improving your immune system. They also make really good iced teas! Read our expert guide to herbal tea benefits. What is the healthiest fruit tea? All fruit teas are healthy. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins and have no caffeine, meaning you don't have to worry about being up all night or suffering from caffeine induced insomnia. All fruit and herbal teas have little to no calorific value, until milk, sugar or sweetener is added, making them an ideal drink for anyone on a calorie controlled diet. What are herbal teas? Herbals teas are made from the infusion of herbs, spices, flowers or bark with hot water. Differently to regular teas, which are made from leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. What are herbal teas used for? Herbal teas are used for many things, including mental and physical wellbeing. Different herbal teas have different benefits, but they're all beneficial for our wellbeing. Traditionally, herbal teas were used in Chinese medicine to heal a variety of ailments.
Green tea
Green tea Green tea is viewed of the healthiest drinks around the world. This refreshing East Asian tea comes in a variety of forms and flavour combinations. From simple loose leaf green tea to a fruity Mango flavour, the possibilities are endless for this refreshing brew. Although all varieties of tea derive from the Camellia Sinensis plant, the process of steaming unprocessed tea leaves is what makes the tea and its vibrant colour. This way of making the drink helps the leaves retain nutrients, enabling us to reap the health benefits of green tea. It's an easy and tasty way to add some green goodness into your diet. Green tea is reported to help increase the burning of fat and improving brain function, green tea is your easy go-to brew for a quick health boost. Green tea is often found on the ingredients list on a variety of health products due to its richness in antioxidants, which help in keep our cells healthy. Read our guide to the five benefits of drinking green tea. Is green tea good for skin? Studies have green tea is good for the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea can help reduce skin redness and irritation. You can also apply green tea to minor cuts and sunburns, which can help with reducing inflammation. Green tea can be combined with other natural ingredients, such as honey, to create a face mask. Does green tea help with weight loss? Caffeine is a stimulant found to help burn fat and improve performance during exercise. Green tea has small amounts of caffeine which contributes to its health benefits. Studies show that green tea does increase fat burning, especially during exercise. It has also been shown that green tea boosts metabolism. However, the results may vary depending on the individual. Should you drink green tea everyday? Based on studies, the optimal amount of green tea is three to five cups per day. Although, most studies concluded that drinking green tea in any amount is more beneficial than not drinking any at all.