Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water.
Global tea consumption in 2018 reached approximately 273 billion liters (approximately 748 million liters per day), according to the latest statistics from the International Tea Committee.
The tea trade represents the second largest market in the world for hot beverages after coffee.
Tea originated in China, 2737 BC, where it was used for medicinal purposes as a sedative. Tea drinking became ingrained in Chinese customs for centuries before reaching Western countries and the rest of the world.
Tea is not one or two types, but rather it has many different types in terms of color, preparation method, and taste. Even its health benefits are rich and vary from one type to another. This is a presentation of the most important types of tea known in the world:
- black tea
Everyone knows that everyone starts their day with a cup of black tea or coffee to energize and get the caffeine boost they need to start their day. It is the most popular type of tea in the world, accounting for 75% of global tea consumption. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia plant, which are rolled, fermented, dried, and finally ground. When consumed without sugar, it has a bitter taste and contains 40 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Its health benefits: It contains a large amount of antioxidants that help lower blood cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown that those who drink black tea at a rate of 3 cups per day have a 21% lower risk of stroke.
- green tea
It is considered the second most popular type of tea and has a less strong flavor than black tea. It is made by drying the green leaves of the Camellia plant, heating them, and then fermenting them. Green tea contains 25 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Its health benefits: It contains an amount of antioxidants that protect against cancer, and drinking one cup of it daily reduces the risk of heart and arterial diseases by 10%.
- Chinese black tea
It is similar to black tea in its preparation process, but undergoes less fermentation, which gives it a richer taste. It contains 30 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Health benefits: This type of tea activates an enzyme in the body that dissolves fat and breaks down its cells inside the body, as it burns a large amount of calories in just two hours, more than water can do.
- white tea
Made from the young leaves of the Camellia plant, it has a milder taste than black tea and is not considered a perky or sleepy option, as it contains only 15 milligrams of caffeine per cup. However, it contains a much higher amount of antioxidants than other types of tea because its leaves are less subject to continuous production processes.
Its health benefits: It contains anti-cancer cells, reduces the risk of diabetes, and lowers blood cholesterol, which gives you immunity against heart and arterial diseases.
- Flavored tea
The most romantic and delicious type of tea, it contains cinnamon, orange, lavender, and jasmine. These ingredients are combined with any of the previous types of tea. When drinking flavored tea, it is best to drink it without sugar so that the sugar does not nullify the effect of the antioxidants it contains.
- Herbal tea: Technically, herbal tea cannot be classified as a type of tea or called tea. It is not tea in the known sense, as it consists of a group of dried leaves of fruits, flowers, or natural herbs. It is completely free of caffeine and has therapeutic benefits and benefits for feeling relaxed. It also helps burn fat in the body.
- red tea
It is made from the leaves of a shrub that grows in South Africa. It is a type of caffeine-free tea and contains many vitamins and antioxidants. It also strengthens the immune system against diseases and strengthens bones and teeth. Sage tea gives the skin freshness and hydration.