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As women enter the menopause transition periods, they often face many physical and emotional challenges. In particular, an increase in stress and anxiety, a higher risk of blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. It’s no wonder that many women feel overwhelmed during this time. But what if there was a simple and delicious way to support your health and well-being during this transition? Enter tea—the versatile beverage enjoyed for centuries for its soothing and refreshing properties.
As it turns out that certain types of tea, particularly those high in polyphenols including catechins. Tea offers significant benefits for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and even improving cardiovascular health in the long term. So why not pour yourself a cup of tea and keep reading?
What are polyphenols and why are they important?
Polyphenols are a group of plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant properties. The polyphenols are mainly flavonoids, which include compounds such as catechins in tea leaves. Research shows that they can help to reduce cortisol levels in the body. By inhibiting the cortisol-producing enzyme, it can promote a more relaxed state. Who doesn’t want that?
In addition to their cortisol-reducing properties, catechins also have a range of other health benefits. These include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting heart health, and even potential anti-cancer properties. But with so many teas to choose from how do you know what types of teas are best?
What are the best tea types for health?
There are over 3000 different tea varieties. However, tea is divided into three groups—unfermented, semi-fermented and fermented. Catechins are in varying amounts in each of these groups. In particular, it’s abundant in Green tea and Oolong tea. And they also in smaller amounts in black and white tea.
Unfermented tea
Green tea is made from unfermented tea leaves that are picked, withered, and then immediately air-dried and pan-fried to stop oxidation. This minimal processing helps retain the natural antioxidants and polyphenols found in the tea leaves.
Studies show green tea has the highest potency of the three tea groups for inhibiting cortisol. The leaves are rolled and dried, resulting in a tea with a delicate flavour and high levels of catechins and other antioxidants. So when is the best time to drink?
The best time to enjoy green tea is in the morning or early afternoon. To take advantage of its health-promoting benefits, choose a high-quality brand. Drink 1-3 cups per day of green tea without milk or sugar. Or add a slice of lemon.
There are several types of green tea, some of which you may never try before—Gyokuro, Kukicha, Sencha and Shincha. Green tea contains caffeine and may interfere with sleep, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or drink it too close to bedtime. You can also enjoy it as Matcha—a powdered form of green tea—the dried leaves are ground into a fine powder.
Semi-fermented tea
Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea that falls somewhere between green and black tea in terms of flavour and processing. The leaves of Oolong tea are dark, long, and curly. Its flavour is more complex than green tea, but not as strong as black tea.
Oolong tea is another tea variety. This tea typically contains more GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) than green tea. Oolong undergoes a special oxygen-free process that encourages GABA, an amino acid that can cross the blood-brain barrier. By exposing the tea leaves to nitrogen during the oxidation process, it stimulates the production of GABA in the leaves. The health benefits include stress reduction and improved sleep quality.
After the leaves are picked and withered in the sun, they are partially fermented for several hours to several days, depending on the desired flavour profile. The fermentation process is then halted by firing the leaves by steaming.
The brewing method can impact the flavour of Oolong. The flavours can be sweet and fruity with a honey aroma, woody and thick with roasted aromas, or green and fresh with complex aromas.
Oolong tea can be enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon. Take advantage of its health-promoting benefits; drink 1-3 cups of Oolong tea without milk or sugar daily. Like green tea, Oolong tea contains the stimulant caffeine but is much lower than coffee.
Fermented tea
Black tea is popular in Western lands, whereas green tea is the beverage of choice in Eastern lands. Second, only to water, tea is the most popular drink. Probably you had a cup or two today.
Black tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to have calming effects on the brain and can help reduce cortisol levels. The antioxidant properties in black tea can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Black tea is not fermented but undergoes an oxidation process. It can be not very clear because it doesn’t involve fermentation like in other foods. Instead, the tea leaves are exposed to oxygen. This causes the enzymes within the leaves to react with the oxygen. A chemical reaction occurs that changes the flavour and aroma of the tea. This process is also known as “fermentation” in the tea industry. This process increases the levels of caffeine and other compounds in the tea.
Black tea varieties to savour
There are several black tea varieties to enjoy.
- Darjeeling tea is a black tea from the Darjeeling district in West Bengal. It has a floral aroma and a delicate, slightly astringent taste.
- Assam tea is a bold and robust black tea from the Assam region in northeast India.
- Ceylon tea comes from Sri Lankan and has a smooth and balanced flavour.
- Keemun tea is a light tea from the Anhui province in China. It has a rich and smoky flavour with floral aromas and woody notes.
- Yunnan tea is a gourmet black tea—a light tea from the Yunnan province in China. Its brew is a golden orange with a sweet gentle aroma and smooth and mellow flavour.
So why not try something different every day? Or mix it up during the day—black, Oolong and green tea?
Pause for thought
Incorporating these teas into your balanced diet is a natural and enjoyable way to support your overall health and well-being. Try drinking any of these tea varieties with a slice of lemon to improve absorption. A small slice of lemon can help neutralize the pH of the tea and may help prevent stains on your teeth.
Whether you prefer the delicate flavour of green tea, the rich aroma of Oolong tea, or bold black tea, there is a tea variety to suit every taste preference. So start brewing your favourite cup of tea today and experience the many benefits these teas offer!
However, some compounds in tea, such as catechins, can interfere with certain medications, including blood thinners and beta blockers. If you are taking medication, talk to your doctor before consuming large amounts of tea or taking supplements that contain tea extracts.
