by Manish
All tea is produced from a plant called Camellia sinensis. The thousands of different varieties of teas available in the world only vary by the region it was grown, the time of year picked, and the processing method.Each type has its own characteristics including a different taste, differing health benefits, and even different levels of caffeine.
White Teas
White is the purest and least processed of all teas. This loose leaf tea has very little caffeine and brews a light color and flavor. White teas also contain healthy antioxidants and are the best for skin and complexion.
Green Teas
Green is the most popular type of tea, mainly because it is the beverage of choice in Asia. Some loose green ones are scented with flowers or mixed with fruits to create scented or flavored. This has only 5-10% the caffeine in coffee per cup. Green teas contain healthy antioxidants. They help maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, are good for skin and teeth, and can be used as part of your diet to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Oolong Teas
Oolong, also known as wu long, is full-bodied with a flavorful fragrance and sweet aroma. It is semi-fermented, which gives it approximately 15% of the caffeine in one cup of coffee. Most people commonly recognize oolong as the Chinese tea served in Chinese restaurants. Oolong can be a healthy part of your weight loss plan.
Black Teas
Black is the tea most people know since you likely grew up dipping tea bags of black tea in your cup (or enjoyed this tea from an iced tea pitcher in the South). It is fully fermented, so it has approximately 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Black help maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, as well as helping to maintain cardiovascular function and a healthy circulatory system.
Herbal Teas
Herbal does not contain any leaves from the Camellia plant family, so it is sometimes referred to as a tisane. Herbal can be broken into three categories: rooibos, mate, and herbal infusions. Herbal infusions consist of pure herbs, flowers, and fruits. Herbal are typically caffeine-free (except Mate teas) and most are rich in vitamin C. They can be delicious hot or iced.
Rooibos Teas
Rooibos, or red, is made from a South African red bush. This premium tea is a healthy source of vitamins and minerals; it also contains antioxidants. Naturally caffeine free, Rooibos help promote digestion, support your immune system, and promote healthy skin, teeth and bones. Rooibos can be delicious hot or iced.
Mate Teas
Mate is considered the coffee lover's favorite one. Made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant, mate give the same energy as coffee without the jitters. They also may curb your appetite and contain 21 vitamins and minerals.
Blooming Teas
Also called artisan or flowering teas, these actually 'bloom' as they steep. They are hand tied by artists and often include some type of flavor or scent along with the beautiful design. These romantic ones make a great gift for your significant other!
Blends
Blends often have the best of both worlds since they combine more than one type of premium tea. Mixing in a blend is one of the best ways to get great flavor along with great health benefits.
(taken from Teavana Site)
