Tea is integral in many cultures across the globe. Why else do you find phrases like ‘storm in a teacup’, museums like Pinglin Tea Industry Museum in Taiwan… etc…
Anyway you got it. The tea I’m referring to here comes from the plant Camillia Sinesis. Herbal tea, fruit tea or flower tea don’t count!
Types of Tea
A few common ones are white, green, oolong and black tea in ascending order of the amount of oxidation and processing each undergoes. The less amount of processing it is subjected to, the higher the retention of its antioxidant property. 
Benefits of Tea
So what’s potentially good about tea? The antioxidants! In particular, the high levels of polyphenols (e.g. catechin) and vitamins. You might have come across conflicting reports claiming benefits of tea (e.g. reducing risk of cancer and improving fat metabolism) while others refute them. While research is ongoing, my own belief is that tea consumption in moderation can still be good for health and refreshing to the mind. Sometimes it may not be tea per se but the company you are having tea with that makes the difference!
Beware!
Though tea has got beneficial properties, it matters when you drink it and what you take with it.
| • | Tea is a stimulant as it contains caffeine. You know your body best. I for one can experience insomnia if I drink tea a few hours before bedtime. |
| • | Iron absorption is reported to be reduced with tea (Source: GUT). It won’t hurt to try consuming tea separate from your meals. |
| • | Tea can also have interactions with certain medications you are taking. So check with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with your medicines. Plain drinking water is always the best when in doubt. |
Let’s Ponder!
Which one has more caffeine—coffee or tea? I’ll share my findings together with your comments below.
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Are your facts straight? I am not trying to be a jerk, but I don’t see how this makes total sense!