We have all heard about the health benefits of tea, but did you know there are many health benefits of loose leaf tea specifically?
White tea, black tea, green tea, jasmine tea, and basically any other type of tea you can find has its own set of benefits.
Tea has been used since around 2700 BC by the Chinese as a medicinal beverage. Somewhere around the 3rd century, tea became an everyday drink for the Chinese. The benefits of tea drinking spread throughout the world from there.
Taking until around the 17th century to come to the Western world when it became popular in Britain. It soon made its way to the United States in the 1640s and has been regularly consumed by Americans since then.
In other words, tea has been around for a long time and that’s because it has some powerful health benefits.
The medicinal properties of tea have a positive effect on a wide variety of things from heart health to the prevention of tooth decay.
With the vast number of health benefits tea offers, you may want to know more details about tea products.
Instant teas, or teabag teas, are most commonly used by consumers in the United States because they are easier to source, cheaper to make, and can be sold at a lower cost. Also because they are convenient.
It turns out, teabags might not be the healthiest way to drink tea. As with everything we consume, it’s important that we know that we’re getting the most out of our tea consumption.
Why are tea bags bad for you?
The convenient little bags your tea usually comes in, ready for steeping in hot water, could be negating the healthy effects of drinking tea. Tea bags may be convenient, but as with many other conveniences, they have their downsides.
According to a study done in 2020 by McGill University, when you drink tea from tea bags, you are drinking glue, bleaches, and chemicals.
Whether you choose paper tea bags or pyramid ‘silken’ bags, you’re consuming billions of nano-plastic particles from PVC and/or nylon in your tea.
Paper tea bags may be coated with dioxin, epichlorohydrin, or bleached in chlorine. All of these substances can become active when they are put into hot water.
The potential health benefits of tea are many. However, consuming these toxins on a daily basis (if you’re a regular tea drinker) can have a negative, unintended effect on your health.
According to Country Living UK, some brands have removed plastics from their tea bags – or have pledged to do so by a certain date – are in the UK.
In the United States, however, that does not appear to be the case. This happens often with the use of chemicals and toxins in foods, drinks, and other products in the United States versus other countries.
Our Food and Drug Administration tend to be more lenient in favor of companies, which means we need to be clear about what we are consuming.
Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bags
Now that you know why tea bags may not be a great choice for your cup of tea, let’s talk about the main differences between loose-leaf tea and tea bags.
As mentioned, tea bags are a little easier and more convenient to use, but they are also typically low quality.
They are made from tea “dust” or “fanning,” which is small particles that are inexpensive and readily available. These tea bags can also be over 18 months old. This affects both the taste and the health benefits of tea.
Unlike tea bags, loose-leaf tea is typically fresher and of better quality. That is because it is not mass-produced or industrially processed.
Loose-leaf tea, also known as whole-leaf tea, is primarily made up of unbroken leaves. This provides more flavor and nuance with every cup.
Whole and fresh tea leaves allow you to reap the maximum health benefit from drinking different types of teas.
Is Loose Leaf Tea Healthy
Many people wonder if loose leaf tea is worth the extra effort. Meaning, are there enough health benefits to over look the extra process.
Loose tea leaves keeps more of their powerful antioxidant properties and plant polyphenols since they consists of larger leaves. That means you get more of the benefits that tea is known for.
Tea brewed in a bag contains fewer of these benefits, and has the added downside of chemical contaminants.
Loose tea will always give you a healthier cup. The fresher the better.
It’s recommended to use loose-leaf tea no old than 6 to 8 months.
Health Benefits of Loose Leaf Tea
Loose-leaf tea can help prevent cardiovascular disease by lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
It can aid in weight loss, boost the immune system, and even prevent certain cancers.
Some teas are great to combat the oxidative stress from free radicals.
According to a panel put together by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, tea (black, green and oolong) is a rich source of flavonoid, antioxidants and other micronutrients.
Remember that herbal teas have been used as medicinal drinks because of their healing natural bioactive compounds.
They work as natural medications, which means they could interact with some medications you may be taking. Be sure to consult your doctor before you start drinking herbal teas if you are taking any medications.
- Helps prevent cardiovascular disease
- Lowers blood pressure
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Can aid in weight loss
- Boost brain and heart health
- Boost immune system
- Help prevent certain cancers
- Full of antioxidants
- Rich source of flavonoid
- Natural healing remedy
If you’re not sure where to start with drinking tea, try green tea.
Green tea is considered the healthiest herbal tea there is. Not only is it full of polyphenols and antioxidants that help to boost brain and heart health, but it’s also the least processed tea.
Green tea doesn’t undergo oxidation. Oxidation is a process where tea leaves are exposed to the air in order to dry and darken. Green tea leaves are harvested and immediately dried and rolled.
Popular Loose Leaf and Herbal Teas
There are many different types of tea to choose from, all harnessing their own powers and different benefits for health. You will find that any kind of tea you look into will have a list of different varieties of benefits.
Davidson’s Tea Bulk, Classic Chai
Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants such as catechins and theaflavins that fight oxidative stress and can play a role in preventing cancer and other conditions.
This popular tea can be made traditionally in water or as a latte with milk or plant milk.
Original English Breakfast Black Tea Leaves
The antioxidants and other phytonutrients in black tea can help in eliminating toxins from the body, which also offers a boost in the healing process.
Black tea is good for your skin and may help delay the aging process. Black tea is the most popular tea in England and it’s often enjoyed with a splash of milk or a milk substitute.
Organic Green Loose Leaf Tea
Green tea can improve brain function, help with fat loss, protect against certain cancers, lower the risk of heart disease, and more.
Green tea is most popular as a cold drink, but studies show that it may be more beneficial when consumed lukewarm or warm.
Tiesta Tea – Lavender Chamomile
Lavender and chamomile teas are known for their relaxing properties. This combo of the two can relieve nausea, induce relaxation, and reduce anxiety and stress.
According to a randomized controlled trial as a supplementary approach to alleviating depression and sleep quality problems.
Tiesta Tea – Nutty Almond Cream, Loose Leaf Cinnamon Almond Herbal Tea
Cinnamon has antibacterial components so it’s good for your immune system. It can also help with inflammation and the regulation of blood sugars. According to some research, cinnamon tea may also fight off infections and reduce PMS and menstrual cramps.
The Tao of Tea, Peppermint Herbal Tea
Peppermint tea aids in digestion and is great to drink after a meal. It’s also an excellent remedy to an upset stomach.
Peppermint tea has also been shown to relieve tension headaches and migraines, relieve clogged sinuses, improve energy and sleep, and fight bacterial infections.
Organic Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus tea supports liver health, reduces inflammation, and supports your immune system. It is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anthocyanin. Hibiscus tea has a tart taste similar to cherry and pairs great with honey.
Worldwide Botanicals – Organic Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea can reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and help with the discomfort of indigestion. When used proactively, lemon balm tea can act as an antibacterial and antimicrobial.
Davidson’s Tea Ginger Spice
Ginger is known to alleviate nausea and is often used in response to motion sickness, chemotherapy, and morning sickness.
Ginger tea is also an anti-inflammatory and may relieve pain.
Elderberry Flower Tea with Calendula, Yarrow, Rosehip, Thyme, Peppermint
Cold season tea blends are a great way to prevent and treat both allergy and cold symptoms. Herbal blends can relieve a variety of symptoms from congestion to sinus relief, and cough relief.
Sleep Tea by Amoda
Blending teas like valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender creates and excellent defense against stress and insomnia.
Organic India Tulsi Original Stress Relieving & Energizing Loose Leaf Herbal Tea
Stress reducing blends like this one, containing Krishna tulsi, vana tulsi, rama tulsi, can have a drastic effect on your daily anxiety levels. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are taking any anxiety medications. This India Tulsi tea is a win.
Licorice Fusion Loose Leaf Black Tea
Licorice root is a powerful natural treatment for an upset stomach and inflammatory issues. It’s a very strong flavor that many people cannot tolerate, but it’s a beneficial addition to your tea collection if you can handle it.
Licorice root tea should only be consumed in moderation and not for long periods of time.
Greenhilltea Dried Rose Buds Rosebud Herb Loose Leaf Tea
Rose bud tea is often used to treat or prevent diarrhea, gastroenteritis and constipation. Drinking rose flower herbal tea is a great way to relax after a long day. Many people add a small amount of honey to this tea.
Tiesta Tea – Passion Berry Jolt Raspberry Passion Fruit Black Tea
This blend of black tea, pineapple, natural flavors, freeze-dried passion fruit, cornflowers, marigolds, and raspberry bits is energizing and mood boosting.
Organic Red Raspberry Leaf
This tea leaf is usually recommended as a tonic to improve fat metabolism and encourage weight loss. It contains vitamin B6 which will combat PMS, including mood changes and irritability.
Prickly Pear Herbal Tea
Prickly pear is said to treat diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It’s also praised for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gotu Kola Loose Leaf Tea
In human studies, gotu kola increased calmness, contentedness, and alertness. It also reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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