Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the same plant that’s used to make green tea. However, the leaves are dried and fermented, giving black tea a darker colour and richer flavour. Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor your intake. When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function. However, you don’t have to merely drink black tea to benefit from its healthy properties. It can be steamed, cooled and then pressed on minor cuts, scrapes and bruises to relieve pain, and reduce swelling. A black tea bath can also ease inflammation caused by skin rashes, and conditions such as poison ivy.

Is known to have a delicate flavour, white tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant that’s native to China and India. It is also the least processed tea variety. Research shows it may be the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer thanks to its high level of antioxidants. White tea may also be good for your teeth since it contains a high source of fluoride, catechins, and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make them more resistant to acid and sugar. This variety also offers the least amount of caffeine, making it a smart choice for tea drinkers who want to avoid or limit their caffeine consumption.

Green tea originates from China, where the leaves are processed with heat using a pan-firing or roasting method, and Japan, where the leaves are more commonly steamed. Green tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol, and reducing blood clotting. Studies show this type of tea can also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Other research has found that green tea has a possible impact on liver, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. This tea variety has also shown to be anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing. In recent years, matcha – a form of green tea – has grown in popularity. Matcha is a very fine, high-quality green tea powder made from the entire leaves of tea bushes grown in the shade. Since it is the only form of tea in which the leaves are ingested, matcha contains even more antioxidants than regular green tea. In fact, some have suggested that one cup of matcha is the equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea.