Nearly 5,000 years ago, while the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was traveling, his servants boiled water at a stop for him to consume. Dried leaves from a nearby bush had fallen into the boiling water, and to the emperor’s delight, he discovered a pleasant tasting infusion now known as tea. Depending on their manufacturing process, the Camellia Sinensis tea bush produces a variety of tea types such as green, black and white to name a few. Often referred to as the “dew of heaven”, teas medicinal health properties have been known by the Chinese for centuries. Clinical research has shown regular consumption of tea as having the ability to promote good health and longevity for individuals of all ages.

Contrary to popular belief, green tea isn’t the only tea boasting with health benefits. Certain teas have been implicated in reducing heart disease, diabetes as well as preventing allergies and osteoporosis. Other teas have shown to prevent certain cancers, boosting the immune system and relieving fatigue. Speak with someone who can help you make an educated decision on which tea is right for you. Not all teas are made equal, nor is one tea right for everyone. Read on for some tea options:

White Tea

Grown in the high mountains of China’s Fujian province, white tea leaves are picked and harvested from the Camellia Sinensis tea bush before the leaves open fully when the buds are still covered by fine white hairs. Delicately light flavour and sweet aromas, researchers believe white tea to contain even more active cancer-fighting antioxidants than green tea as well as inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungus. According to the American Society of Microbiology, anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects of toothpaste are enhanced by the addition of white tea extract.

Jasmine Tea

Interestingly, jasmine tea is actually made from green tea leaves that are scented with jasmine flower! These jasmine flowers are harvested during the day and stored in a cool place until night. Blooming with full fragrance during the night, these flowers are layered over green tea leaves for their “scenting” process. With its fresh and uplifting aroma, jasmine tea has a distinctly floral taste completely different than the earthy flavour of green tea. Studies found that fruit flies lived 20% longer when jasmine tea was added to their drinking water.

Green Tea

These unfermented tea leaves are withered in hot air and quickly steamed after being plucked. This process helps to retain its earthy original flavour while preventing the oxidization of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant known for its effects of inhibiting and killing cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Green tea has also been shown effective in preventing abnormal formation of blood clots.

Taiwanese Oolong

A personal favorite! This sweet brown tea has a pronounced honey aroma with light notes of spice which is achieved through its semi-fermentation process. Often referred to as oriental beauty oolong, this tea is known for its beautifying properties. Having metabolic stimulating properties, regular consumption of this tea can be used for healthy weight management in addition to a well balanced diet.

Pu-Erh Tuocha

With its dark reddish colour and distinct earthy taste, pu-erh tuocha tea is a famous and popular beverage of China’s Yunnan province. All teas have a wide spectrum of health benefits, yet only pu-erh tuocha is attributed to lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is the perfect tea after meals as it helps to cleanse the blood, treat obesity and promote digestion.

Black

A complex fermentation process which includes exposing the crushed tea leaves to air for a set number of minutes is how black tea derives its dark colour and full flavour. According to the American Journal of Cardiology, black tea increases coronary blood flow and can therefore reduce the risk of heart disease. This study showed improved blood flow to the arteries within a few short hours after consuming just one cup of black tea.

Without a doubt, the regular consumption of teas will provide a substantial array of health benefits.

Dr. Mable Cheung is amongst a handful of licensed & practicing Acupuncturists and one of the firsts to introduce both Cosmetic & Cellulite Acupuncture. She is also a 3rd generation Chinese Medical Doctor at Cheung’s Trading Company Limited. For more information, feel free to contact her at 519-252-9228 or at http://www.cheungstrading.com