Tea time

Winter's a great time to cozy up to a nice cup of tea. And it's nice to know it's a beverage you can feel good about enjoying, thanks to it's many health benefits, some of which are outlined in this article I wrote recently. Here's a piece of the story about the different types of tea:

A GUIDE TO TEA AND ITS BENEFITS

Everything that's truly tea comes from a plant called camellia sinensis. Depending on how it's harvested and processed, it falls into one of five categories:

Green tea. This has received a lot of attention, research and popularity because of its potential anti-cancer properties. It may stimulate the brain in a positive way and help with focus. Green teas are often used with or after a fatty or greasy meal to help ease digestion.

Oolong tea. Like all tea, it may improve function of the immune system and is packed with antioxidants and other healthy compounds.

Black tea. This has the highest caffeine content of all teas -- as much as three times higher than the others -- yet that's still less than the amount of caffeine in coffee. Some people say that compared with coffee, it's easier on the stomach and digestion.

White tea. This rarer tea is becoming more popular. Some people wonder if it'll turn out to be even more beneficial than green tea.

Red tea. This is not technically tea, since it's not from the tea plant and is instead from an African shrub called aspalathus linearis. But red tea, also known as "rooibos," has grown in popularity recently. That's largely because it contains a wealth of flavonoids, known to promote health and prevent disease, including cancer, and it's caffeine-free.
Herbal teas

These are also not technically teas, but they have health benefits and many have no caffeine. Consumers have traditionally used the following sampling of herbal teas in hopes that they'll support, promote or soothe various conditions:

Peppermint: This cooling tea is often used to calm the stomach, improve digestion and reduce headaches and fevers. It's also used to cool down if you're feeling hot or irritable.

Cinnamon: New data shows cinnamon tea may help regulate blood glucose and therefore may be especially helpful for people with diabetes.

Ginger: This is said to ease nausea and improve sluggish digestion. Since ginger has a warming effect, it's especially good after eating colder foods like yogurt, ice cream or cold pizza. It's also a good option if you're coming in from an afternoon of sledding and are chilled to the bone.

Chamomile: Peter Rabbit's known this for ages -- kids and adults alike use it for an upset tummy. Chamomile may also make it easier to fall asleep at night.

Lavender: People use this for its calming effect.

Licorice: Licorice tea is often used to soothe sore throats and aid digestion.

Turmeric: This has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to improve digestion.

Dandelion tea: People drink dandelion tea to support liver health and function.

Raspberry leaf: Pregnant women sometimes use this to support their pregnancy or recover after delivery.