THE AMAZING HEALTH AND BEAUTY BENEFITS OF TEA


There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of tea on a cold day, but you should be drinking tea to more than just keep yourself warm. There are many different teas to choose from, and you can benefit from all these herbal heroes.


South Africa boasts its own homegrown teas like the Buchu, Honeybush and Rooibos teas. The Honeybush and Rooibos teas are popular amongst locals and come with an array of benefits.

According to Ernest du Toit, spokesperson for the Rooibos Council, Black Tea has a higher overall consumption. However, its numbers have been steadily declining while Rooibos tea consumption has been showing growth both locally and internationally.

Attracted by its health benefits, South Africans are also shifting to a preference for Rooibos rather than Black Tea and other sweetened beverages. This is according to market research agency, Insight Survey’s South African Tea Industry Landscape Report.

The process of making tea is an uncomplicated but delicate one. From the growing of the plants, to the leaves being harvested right until the firing and drying process; each step requires extra care for flavour and nutrient preservation.

Here are some popular teas and their benefits:

Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants are great for slowing down or reducing signs of ageing while protecting you from the harmful effects of the environment. Anti-inflammatory properties include soothing acne prone skin, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Ceylon Tea
Known for its strong flavour, Ceylon tea has several benefits. It boosts metabolism which could increase levels of energy and assist the body in fat burning. It also contains antioxidants which help support the retention of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in the body and supports the building blocks for bones, skin and muscles amongst other things.

Matcha Green Tea
Matcha comes in a variety of offerings, no wonder its popularity. This tea improves skin elasticity by promoting elastin production in the skin, which in turn reduces signs of ageing. Signs of ageing include fine lines, spots and dryness. Matcha Green Tea is rich in vitamins B2 and E which are good for bright, glowing skin.



Related article: Skincare for all ages

Chamomile
Chamomile is famous for helping one relax and promoting better sleep. However, it has other health and beauty benefits too. Applying a used teabag topically helps soothe the skin and treat minor irritations, bruises and burns. Some skincare products even include Chamomile as an ingredient for the same benefits.

Related article: Eat yourself beautiful

Bergamot Tea (Earl Grey Tea)
Bergamot oil is great for acne and other skin inflammations as it contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This tea also contains fluoride which means your teeth get protected against cavity with every cup. It’s high potassium content also ensures you stay hydrated for longer.

Related article: 6 Common skin issues caused by stress

Chai
Originating from India, Chai tea has become a trendy choice because of its spicy flavours. Chai doesn’t have one specific taste because it is a process that entails blending desired herbs and spices to achieve unique flavours. Some common spices included are cinnamon, cardamom pods and black pepper. Cinnamon is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties; cardamom pods are great for enhancing one’s mood and black pepper stimulates digestion.



Never underestimate the power of water
Water is still the healthiest drink and it shouldn’t be replaced with tea. Tea is a healthier alternative to sweetened and carbonated drinks.

Related article: Hydration: What you’re doing wrong

Sources: southafrica.co.za, sateacompany.co.za, sarooibos.co.za, rooibosrocks.com, healthline.com, oprhamag.com, senchateabar.com

By Nthabiseng Makhokha


THE AMAZING HEALTH AND BEAUTY BENEFITS OF TEA THE AMAZING HEALTH AND BEAUTY BENEFITS OF TEA Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar on March 05, 2021 Rating: 5
Powered by Blogger.