Different Kinds of Tea

Your Cup of Tea

The different kinds of teas can be confusing, but most often we go by what we like and how it tastes. Tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that help our bodies protect against inflammation which can lead to many diseases. What are the types of tea? Well, it depends on how the tea is produced during the oxidation process. For instance, white tea is the least oxidized tea. The process of oxidation allows the leaves to wither and air-dry after being picked. Black tea is the most oxidized tea allowing the leaves to wither then they are rolled or crushed to start rapid oxidation.

Process of Oxidation

White tea is pale with a subtle, sweet taste and, as I said, the least oxidized of the teas, but it has a high amount of antioxidants. Caffeine count per cup is approximately 15-20 mg.

Green tea has a high concentration of polyphenols. It has about 20-30 mg of caffeine per cup.

Oolong is partially oxidized and studies show that it can help stabilize blood sugar levels. The leaves once withered are bruised to stimulate more oxidation and then fired to remove the moisture. It is 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup.

Black tea is the most oxidized tea with 40-60 mg of caffeine per cup.

So no matter what your taste and preference, tea is a healthy way to go if you want to prevent disease and build immunity. The roomier the tea bag, the better flavor due to more circulation of the leaves. Bulk is best and will yield the best tea as the leaves can unfurl and release more flavor.