Tea Time

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its flavor is influenced by where the plant grows, soil conditions, weather and the types of plants that grow nearby. It is also affected by the part(s) of the plant used (i.e. the leaf, bud and/or stem) and how those parts are processed.

Because there are an overwhelming number of choices, think of tea as belonging to one of five broad categories:

• Black – Comparatively, black tea has a stronger, more robust flavor than other teas, largely due to its fully oxidized leaves. When exposed to and dried in the air, the leaves turn brown and develop their desired flavor and aroma.
   
• Green – This tea is harvested and processed in a way that prevents its leaves from oxidizing, making it a more delicate brew with a light, somewhat grassy flavor. Matcha is a Japanese green tea turned into a fine powder. It is grown in shade and has a higher amount of chlorophyll in its leaves, thereby boosting its health-promoting punch.
   
• Oolong – This tea's leaves are partially oxidized. In terms of flavor, it strikes a middle ground between black and green tea, offering a more medium-bodied taste.
   
• White – White tea comes from the buds and young leaves of the tea plant. They are minimally and slowly processed, resulting in a flavor range of light, bright and fruity to spicy, nutty and woodsy.
   
• Herbal – Purists say herbal teas are not true teas because they usually do not contain any parts of the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they hail from herbs, flowers, spices and fruits. Included in the herbal tea family are rooibos tea and yerba maté.

A group of nutrients in the Camellia sinensis plant are responsible for tea's numerous benefits to the body. L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, roots and stems, gets much of the credit for tea's positive health impact, but other valuable elements include catechins, flavins, flavonols and theobromine. Growing conditions, season and processing affect how much of these substances are found in any one type of tea.

Together, this collective provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer actions. These nutrients and elements in tea may protect the heart, support better sleep quality, promote a more stable circadian rhythm and help ease the impact of anxiety and stress on your nervous system. They may also help regulate the bacteria in your gut, which influences your immune system’s ability to fight disease.

Herbal teas have their own set of plant (phyto) nutrients that affect health. They've been used for centuries to reduce nausea, headaches or sleep difficulties. They may help manage high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. The possibilities are extensive, given the variety of plants used to make herbal mixes.

Drinking two to three cups of tea a day has been shown to offer beneficial effects, but studies show higher amounts (more than five cups per day) are probably where more meaningful wins begin. However, both herbal and regular teas can interact with some medications, which will affect how those medications are absorbed and used in your body. Several cups may also limit the absorption of certain nutrients, such as calcium and iron. Check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you'll be adding more than two to three cups a day to your beverage repertoire.

According to folklore, a cup of tea solves everything. It's worth a try as the holiday season rolls in. Cheers to it!