Tea has a long and mystic journey through the history of the world.

First described by an emperor in 2000 BC, tea has been a food, a medicinal product, and a drink.

Different types of teas are grown around the world. Tea is grown in Asia, Africa, South America, and around the Black and Caspian Seas. It is produced in different parts of the US, including ginseng, for which Wisconsin is one of the largest producers in the world.

While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can impact your wellness.

Why is tea good for you?

Tea has long been believed to improve a person’s immunity.

It has also been believed to fight off inflammation and prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Research has now backed up these beliefs with facts. But not all teas are the same in terms of what they bring to the party (tea).

Their superpower lies within flavonoids. Flavonoids are the anti­oxidants responsible for many of the health benefits of tea.

How are teas made?

Traditional teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The teas will differ in flavor and color depending on how the leaves are rolled, crushed, and exposed to air before drying.

Traditional teas contain caffeine in varying concentrations. Some tea merchants will decaffeinate their tea, which may lead to losing other ingredients that give it the superpowers.

Herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger, are infusions of herbs and spices with other leaves, such as flowers.

Herbal teas are caffeine free.

I will devote time to the various types of tea in future blogs. For now, here is a list of most of the types of teas:

• Black tea
• White tea
• Green tea
• Oolong tea
• Herbal teas – Here is a list of some of the herbal teas one can find:
  • Chamomile Tea
  • Rooibos
  • Peppermint
  • Ginger
  • Hibiscus
  • Ginseng

No matter which type of tea you choose, understand that it is one part of the healthy lifestyle equation. As with anything that we eat, drink put on our skin, or breathe, there are pros and cons and side effects if overdone.

Future posts will discuss these issues.

Until then, enjoy a “cuppa” as they say in the old country.