DHAKA: If you`ve been wondering about all the new teas in the supermarket, then it`s high time you expand your tea knowledge. Learn more about the different types of teas and their health benefits.

Green tea: This tea is considered the best tea, if you want to lose weight. It is made from steamed tea leaves. Green tea contains a high dose of EGCG. This compound has powerful properties, which prevent various diseases like cancer of the bladder, breast, lung, stomach etc. It is also helpful in preventing Alzheimer`s disease, and is a great fat burning and stress killing tool.

Black tea: This tea is very popular, and is widely consumed. It is made from fermented tea leaves. Black tea contains high levels of caffeine. According to various studies, black tea is very effective in controlling the damage to the lungs caused by smoking. Besides, it also lowers the risk of stroke.

Oolong tea: This tea is more or less similar to black tea, but the only difference is, this tea is fermented for a longer duration, which gives it a stronger taste. Due to a certain enzyme present in this tea, it helps in melting triglycerides, and hence aids in weight loss.

White tea: White tea is one such tea, which undergoes minimum processing, so it has a high level of antioxidants. These antioxidants, which are present in white tea, help in preventing damage by free radicals. Besides, regular consumption also helps in lowering the risk of cancer, blood pressure and cholesterol problems.

Pu-erh tea: Pu-erh tea is made from the leaves and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. During its preparation, it goes through both fermentation and then prolonged storage. This tea is useful for improving overall mental health and helps in reducing high cholesterol in the body.

Flavoured tea: Flavoured tea is nothing other than your normal black, white or green tea, which is paired with various flavours like cinnamon, lavender etc. They have the same level of antioxidants like their counterparts, but the addition is you will also be getting the health benefits of those flavours, which are added to your tea. Choose the sugar-free variants, to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Herbal tea: Herbal teas are a combination of dried fruits, flowers and herbs. There are various herbal tea in the market like chamomile tea, peppermint tea etc. All of them have specific benefits, ranging from providing sound sleep to lowering hypertension.

Source: ToI

BDST: 1935 HRS, NOV 27, 2013