The Ultimate Guide to Different Tea Types

Black Tea

​Green Tea

1. Reduces risk of many dental problems

Consumption of black tea reduces plaque formation and the growth of other tooth-decaying bacteria responsible for cavities and other dental issues. In addition, polyphenols suppress the formation of hole-causing bacteria and other bacterial enzymes that bind to plaque formations.​

2. Skin Care

Black tea is rich in antioxidants that support anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming black tea improves skin tone and supports overall health. Tea extracts or rinses applied over the face add moisture and enhance skin quality. It also lightens blemishes and wrinkles due to aging and has a whitening effect on the skin.​

3. Controls Obesity and Reduces Cholesterol

It has been found that people who drink 1-2 cups of black tea daily have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because black tea reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, it has anti-hypercholesterolemic effects that help the human body respond to cardiovascular disease and obesity.

4. Rich source of Antioxidants

Black tea is a rich source of antioxidants that help block DNA damage caused by tobacco consumption or other unhealthy beverages.

5. Stress Relief

Black tea is a stress reliever. The presence of the amino acid L-theanine in black tea helps you relax and concentrate better. It also reduces the release of stress hormones, Cortisol, when consumed regularly, preferably 1-2 cups daily.

6. Keeps Digestive Tract Healthy

Black tea also releases alkylamine antigens in the body that enhance immune function. In addition, tannins (polyphenolic biomolecules) present in black tea have therapeutic effects on gastric and intestinal illnesses and are also responsible for reducing digestive dysfunction.

7. Increased Energy and Happiness Factor

Unlike other drinks, black tea has a relatively higher caffeine content, which enhances blood flow to the brain and heart without overstimulating bodily activity. It activates metabolic processes and other functions of the respiratory system.
Black tea is a sip of perfect happiness that makes you smile and helps you indulge in work, experience sovereignty, and pursue life goals.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a blissful combination of dark (black) and green tea. The excellent preparation of Oolong tea depends on the master's processing time. Therefore, its characteristics are more well-defined in green than in black tea.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OOLONG TEA

• Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
• Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases
• Removes Harmful Free Radicals
• Helps Fight Obesity and Promotes Weight Loss
• Reduces Atopic Dermatitis
• Lowers Risk of Cancer
• Controlling Type-2 Diabetes
• Decreases Inflammation
• Functions as an Antioxidant

Green tea has been used for its medicinal qualities for thousands of years. Although often considered to have originated in China, green tea is cultivated and processed worldwide, likely in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Green tea is a quality beverage with many uses, from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. Green tea leaves are harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant and then dried after steaming and pan-frying.

7 Health Advantages of Green Tea

1. Weight Loss

The presence of two highly active elements, Caffeine and Catechins, in green tea helps burn fat in our body, resulting in weight loss. In addition, a cup of green tea contains 25-40 mg of caffeine, which has a mild stimulating effect that helps increase metabolism/energy levels. Therefore, green tea also increases metabolic rate.
On the other hand, catechins are antioxidant compounds that regulate “norepinephrine,” a hormone in our body that helps stimulate fat cells to burn fat. Researchers generally report that combinations of caffeine and catechins are more effective at promoting fat breakdown in the body.​

2. Cure for Parkinson’s Disease

The caffeine content in green tea is between 2% and 4%, and it helps stimulate the nervous system, heart, and skeletal muscles by releasing neurotransmitters. It also affects thinking power, alertness, and the improvement of the functionalities of brain messengers in Parkinson’s disease.

3.  Effective in Heart Diseases

Green tea contains catechins and polyphenolic compounds that add a protective lining to blood vessels to help them stay relaxed, which is a direct effort to withstand the changes in blood pressure.
Several studies have been conducted in different age groups to examine the after-effects of drinking green tea. It has been found to have a significantly lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. It also protects against blood clots in the body.

4. Skincare Benefits

EGCG, a potent antioxidant in green tea, helps protect DNA from to damage and prevent skin cancer. Green tea also has anti-aging properties. The high content of polyphenols reduces skin irritation, swelling, or redness. These anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for people. Green tea is also beneficial for hair growth. Leaf fibers present in green tea help stimulate hair growth and increase cell turnover in hair follicles.

5. Effect on Sleep

Theanine, an amino acid present in green tea, reduces stress-related hormones, improves brain function, and promotes mental relaxation.​

6. Improves Dental Health

Chemical antioxidant “catechins” destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, cavities, or tooth decay. In addition, catechins inhibit the growth of tooth-decaying bacteria that may cause plaque formation. Studies suggest that green tea reduces the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.​

7. Lowers Risk of Being a Diabetic

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the past few decades and now affects more than 400 million people worldwide. Elevated blood sugar levels and the inability to produce insulin increase the risk of diabetes. The antioxidants present in green tea help regulate body glucose levels and increase insulin spikes.

Pu'erh Tea

Pronounced as poo-air, Pu'erh tea also comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which has numerous health benefits in every sip. Pu-erh tea originates from Yunnan Province, China. The tea leaves of Pu'erh tea undergo microbial fermentation after they are dried and rolled, which causes them to darken and develop their aromatic flavor. This post-fermentation process enhances tea quality, extending its freshness for a longer period.
Also known as a type of black tea, Pu'erh tea is often sold to brick or loose-leaf form. Pu'erh tea is made from more significant leaf strains of the Camellia sinensis called Dayeh. Dayeh is an ancient tree with mature leaves that usually grows in regions with mild temperatures. The best time to harvest Dayeh is considered to be in mid-spring. Flavors of Pu'erh tea include smooth, fruity, grassy, musky, and earthy notes, as mild, mountainous conditions impart natural flavor to the budding leaves and enhance health benefits.

Health Benefits of Drinking Pu'erh Tea

1. Increased Energy

The presence of caffeine in Pu'erh tea helps increase energy levels and attentiveness. With every sip of Pu'erh tea, it helps you improve mental focus and feel recharged. Every 8-ounce cup of Pu'erh tea contains about 60 to 70 milligrams of caffeine compared to the 105 milligrams in a standard cup of coffee.

2. Prevents Heart Diseases and Reduces Obesity

Pu-erh tea helps treat high cholesterol. It also helps produce Lovastatin, a reductase inhibitor that helps lower risks of heart diseases and obesity-related issues while enjoying a delicious, soothing beverage.

3. Cleanses Toxins and Free Radicals

The higher oxidative properties of Pu'erh tea help deliver more oxygen and enhance blood circulation. Antioxidants present in this form of tea reduce free radicals and chemical toxins from the body. Because it is fermented and can be kept for a longer period, it contains simple sugars and microbacterial properties that help the spleen to cleanse the blood and eliminate free radicals. Pu'erh tea can be consumed daily or periodically as a toxin cleanser.

4. Protects Bone Health

Polyphenols present in Pu'erh tea help to develop higher bone mass and greater bone strength. These polyphenols also have an anti-inflammatory property that helps to minimize bodily pain and discomfort.

White Tea

One of the newest tea varieties, white tea, is the most exquisite produced in the Jianyang, Fuding, and Songxi counties of Fujian Province, China. White tea is a unique natural treasure, cultivated to the hilly regions of Fujian province, thriving on red and yellow mountain soils year-round in a mild climate with abundant rainfall. These buds and unfurled leaves are the most expensive teas produced worldwide due to their tender handpicked process, which is a constant uphill orientation.

5 Most Enduring Benefits: What It Means to Your Body

1. Rich in Antioxidants Makes White Tea a Superrrr.. Drink

One of the least processed white tea varieties retains the highest amount of antioxidants among all tea varieties. With many health benefits, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease, aging problems, chronic inflammation, and weight loss.
Antioxidants present in white tea help fight free radicals in the body. Cellular damage can thus be prevented, which protects the immune system from various injuries.

2. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Polyphenols (micronutrients) help relax blood vessels, improve immunity, and prevent oxidation of harmful cholesterol.
In the US, one in every four deaths is related to cardiovascular (heart) diseases. However, studies have found that white tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21%.

3. Lose Calories With Ease

White tea is beneficial for stimulating fat breakdown and preventing the formation of new fat cells. It also helps boost your metabolism.

4. Protecting Your Teeth

White tea is an excellent source of fluoride, catechins (phenolic compounds very abundant in tea and cocoa), and tannins. These combinations help strengthen your teeth and prevent dental cavities.​

5. Fulfilling Your Wish: Yes, It’s Anti-Aging

It’s natural for the skin to loosen or wrinkle with age. External aging occurs due to unfavorable environmental factors, likely inflammation or skin exposure to the sun’s UV rays. In contrast, natural aging, or internal aging, is caused by free radicals and enzymes such as Elastase and Collagenase present in the body, which damage the skin’s fibrous network. However, studies suggest that applying white tea extract to the skin protects the skin from the sun’s UV radiation. Polyphenols in white tea also suppress several cellular components to thereby maintain skin tightness and firmness.

Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a fusion of taste, a blend of varieties, and much-needed vibrant flavors to your palate. This any-season drink is a paradise for tea lovers. Herbal tea can be consumed year-round, whether the temperature is warm or cold. Not technically considered an actual tea form, herbal tea is not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant like other tea forms (black, oolong, green, and white). Instead, it’s blended from various leaves, barks, roots, or flowers belonging to non-tea plants that are edible too.  
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​In significant parts of the world, especially in Europe, Herbal tea is commonly known as Tisanes. Its popularity has surged over the past few decades due to its magical aromatic vibes and unchanged physical health benefits. Herbal tea offers a holistic approach to your health, supporting overall well-being. Check for herbal tea online to get it delivered to your doorstep from greattearoad.com.

1. Helps You Unravel bodily Gestures

Popularly known for its calming effects, a sip of herbal tea helps you unwind after a tiring day. Herbal tea is commonly used to relax and rejuvenate the body. A few herbal tea forms, such as Valerian tea, have natural soothing properties that help to overcome insomnia. It’s a safer choice to reduce stress and anxiety using this relaxing drink.

2. Natural Immune Booster

The higher antioxidant levels in herbal teas and other medicinal properties make it a super drink to boost the immune system. In addition, piping-hot herbal tea can make you feel rejuvenated, alert, and aware.

3. Highly effective in Reducing Pain and Soreness

Many herbal teas have medicinal properties that reduce pain and soreness without causing adverse effects. Ingredients in tea, such as capsaicin, willow bark, and Boswellia, help to palliate aches and pains. However, it is important to consult your physician before taking any medications.​

4. Prevents Chronic Diseases

Studies often suggest that antioxidants that reduce or eliminate free radicals help combat chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Polyphenols present in it also reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, teas such as Rooibos and Honeybush have antioxidants that have been shown to prevent brain deterioration and osteoporosis.

5. Improves Digestion

Mostly suggested for an improved digestive system, herbal tea helps improve blood flow to the entire digestive tract, absorb gases, and eliminate free radicals, which are primarily responsible for upsetting the stomach and causing indigestion. It also helps control acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.​

6. Stimulates Brain Function

Herbs and other plant extracts are a consistent source of nutrients in herbal teas. It provides the essential oxygen flow required for a healthy mind. Herbal tea inhibits chemical reactions inside the body that often cause headaches or migraines. Ginkgo biloba tea improves nerve cell function due to its high antioxidant content. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to reduce aluminum chloride in the brain, which has been connected to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and other cognitive impairments.

Drinking tea has long been popular, whether as a routine habit or for its health benefits. Unlike coffee and other tea forms, herbal tea is caffeine-free. Thus, stimulating interest in individuals to achieve common health benefits with an herbal blend. 
Herbal tea can be created by almost any combination of natural ingredients. The most common herbal teas available for online or in stores are:

• Chamomile
• Hibiscus
• Peppermint
• Red rooibos
• Turmeric
• Spearmint

• Ginger
• Yerba mate
• Ginseng
• Dandelion

• Lemon Balm
• Butterfly Pea
• Raspberry Leaf
• Burdock
• Yellow dock​

• Red Clover
• Licorice
• Sage
• Tulsi
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Rosehips
• Astragalus
• Honeybush
• Cornflower petals
• Rosella
  
• Marshmallow Root
  
• Coriander seed
  
• Fennel seeds
  

Tea Steeping Tips

Water temperature for tea
White & Green Tea                         160 - 170 F | 70-75C              
Oolong tea                                           180 -195 F | 80-95C
Black Tea                                               Near boiling
Puerh, Herbal Tea, Matcha*       Full, roiling boil 


​​*Matcha is generally used during a Japanese Tea Ceremony. First, the host will boil the water thoroughly. This ensures the tea dissolves and there are no lumps at the bottom of the cup. We are a Japanese Tea Ceremony practitioner, so we follow this method: Remove the leaves from the tea to prevent over-steeping. If you want a stronger tea, consider adding more tea rather than over-steeping. Oversteeping may cause constipation. ​

Our Sourcing Regions

While many tea shops source their teas through third-party vendors, we prefer to purchase them directly from the source. We schedule our buying trip each year to coincide with the Spring tea harvest, generally around April or May. Our travels take us to Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and China, while our business partner focuses on Sri Lanka and India, as he has more experience in this region. We want to ensure we obtain high-quality products to share with our communities. ​

1. Uji, Japan
2. Guangdong, China
3. Yunnan, China
4. Anhui, China
5. Hungzhou, China
6. Darjeeling, India
​7. Assem, India

8. Chiangmai, Thailand
9. Chiangrai, Thailand
10. Nantou, Taiwan
11. Alishan & Lishan, Taiwan
12. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
13. Fujian, China
14. Feng Huang Mountain, China

Organic
Teas

We do get this question quite often. We began our tea journey in 2012 as a USDA-certified organic company. In 2020, we decided to discontinue our USDA Certified Organic Certification process for several reasons. However, our sourcing remains unchanged, and our high-quality tea remains a priority to us. Although we can no longer use "certified organic," we remain an organic tea company. We will continue to provide quality products and services to our customers. ​