Earthy, Aromatic Green Tea
One of the most popular teas, green tea isn’t confined to just a singular taste; think of it instead as a category of teas, all with their own subtle differences. That said, a green tea is generally at least a little bitter, with an earthy (some would say grassy) taste. If this sounds unappealing to you, consider why it’s one of the most popular drinks in the world, and then try it for yourself. By the way, when we’re talking green tea, we’re not talking about that sugar-pumped stuff sold by the plastic bottle at your local supermarket. The real stuff contains a powerful oxidant called ECGC, which may reduce the chance of heart disease.Wake Up With Black Tea
Black tea, which is used in popular British and Irish breakfast teas, as well as chia, is also a heavy hitter in the world of tea. In contrast to green tea, black tea is more oxidized, resulting in a stronger taste. And while black tea also has the similar heart-disease-reducing antioxidants that green teas does, it has less of them because of the process in which it’s produced. Still, black tea has been found to possibly reduce plaque buildup and other bacterial growth on teeth. Take that to your dentist!Somewhere in Between: Oolong Tea
Oolong teas, still popular but less so than black and green teas, also come in a variety of tastes, depending on how it’s prepared. Noticing a pattern here? Generally, however, they can be classified as having a fresh and sweet taste. This Asian-originated tea could be described as falling somewhere in between green and black tea, so if you’re just starting on your tea journey, this would be a respectable place to begin. As for the benefits of oolong tea, the same effects you see with green and black teas apply here, too. If you’re looking for a little caffeine boost, with some health benefits to kick, oolong tea is another viable option.
While the exact benefits of tea are debated and yet to be backed up completely by solid data, we don’t need studies to tell us why people have been drinking tea for thousands of years. And what we do know about tea only points to the drink as a good thing. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine replacement or you need something to change things up a bit, give tea a shot, and don’t be afraid to branch out and experiment for yourself. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of tea out there, and one of them may be your future favorite.
