Tea is my favorite breakfast drink because it makes you feel refreshed for the day ahead. Here are three tea flavors that I like to drink and their health benefits!
Black Tea
Black tea contains a group of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to promote overall health, and there is evidence that they may decrease the risk of chronic disease. A 2018 study found that theaflavins, an antioxidant in black tea, lowered cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Flavonoids, another group of antioxidants, reduces factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity. A study in 2007 found that drinking three cups of black tea a day decreases the risk of developing heart disease by 11%. Additionally, a 2011 study discovered that consuming black tea for 12 weeks decreased triglyceride levels by 36% and lowered blood sugar levels by 18%.
Earl Grey Tea
Combining black tea and bergamot orange extract creates earl grey tea, also known as bergamot tea. Although there is limited research on early grey tea, there is evidence that it provides many potential health benefits like its parent black tea. Similar to black tea, earl grey tea contains antioxidant groups such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which promote heart health and fight against cell damage. Earl grey tea may also help with digestion: a 2014 study in mice with inflammatory bowel disease revealed that bergamot juice extract inhibited inflammatory protein release and decreased episodes of diarrhea.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is made with jasmine flowers, which give it its distinct aroma, and a base tea, typically green tea. Like black and earl grey, jasmine tea contains a group of polyphenols that provides its antioxidant health benefits (heart health and fighting cell damage). Because jasmine tea is usually infused with green tea, it contains a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This plant compound is associated with improved blood sugar levels, oral health, and brain function. It may also increase metabolism by 5% and increase fat burn by up to 16%, which contributes to weight loss.
