In the tea-drinking world, tea is a symbol of zen, health, and spirituality. For some, it is a popular refreshing drink served with ice, tapioca pearls, and high amounts of sugar. But whether iced or hot, tea has a ton of benefits not just for quenching your thirst, but also in helping you be healthier and achieving glowing skin.

If you want to know more about the most popular teas in the world and their health benefits, here are seven of them.

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most famous teas in the world. They have a light, sometimes bittersweet, and floral flavor that many people love. The popularity of green tea is also due to its array of health benefits. Derived from dried Camellia sinensis leaves, green tea is packed with antioxidants that keep free radicals under control and reduce the risks of cancers and heart diseases.

Green tea is also known as a detoxifier, making it helpful for those who want to lose weight and flush out toxins. Skincare enthusiasts may add drinking green tea to their routine to cleanse their skin from the inside. If you are not a fan of drinking green tea, you may still enjoy the benefits of green tea through green tea lattes, green tea ice cream, and green tea-flavored sweets.

Hibiscus

This bright-colored flower isn’t just decorative. Hibiscus flowers are made into salad garnish, refreshing beverages, and herbal teas.  Besides adding pops of color into your drink, hibiscus tea helps cardiovascular health and regulates blood pressure. Drinking hibiscus tea is also linked to eliminating free radicals and fighting certain types of cancers such as leukemia. Two studies in 2015 revealed that drinking hibiscus tea is tied with inhibiting prostate and skin cancer cells’ growth.

Besides being beautiful, hibiscus provides wellness through its calyces, leaves, seed, and roots. You might want to thank them for their health benefits when you see the rows of hibiscus plants and flowers in places such as Rizal Park near the apartments for rent in Ermita, Manila.

Oolong

You might have heard of oolong tea from ordering your favorite milk tea flavors. But did you know that oolong tea still tastes good on its own? Oolong tea is a type of black tea that went through a shorter fermentation process, which results in its aromatic and more nuanced flavor. Oolong also has lower caffeine content, making it suitable for those who can’t drink coffee.

The aromatic flavor of oolong tea is coupled with various health benefits. Drinking oolong tea helps activate enzymes that target burning fat and boosting metabolism. People who want to lose weight faster may add oolong tea into their diet and fitness plan for better results.

Chamomile

Chamomile is another fragrant and beautiful flowering plant that benefits your well-being. Unlike most teas, chamomile teas are extracted from the flowers, making them taste sweeter, lighter, and slightly earthy. They also have a lower caffeine content, so they are suited for those who can’t tolerate coffee or stronger teas or need to take a break from drinking coffee.

Because they have a lower caffeine content, drinking chamomile tea may help you relax, reduce stress, and sleep better. The calming properties of chamomile tea may also help alleviate anxiety and potential risks of depression. In a 2016 study of 80 postpartum women with sleep issues, drinking chamomile tea for two weeks enhanced their sleep quality and improved their depression symptoms.

Chamomile extracts also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve allergies and colds. A study in 2016 also showed that drinking chamomile tea may protect your liver against diseases such as cirrhosis.

Chamomile tea may also relieve diabetes, stomach ulcers, and abdominal pain. Women who bloat during their menstrual periods may take chamomile tea to ease the pain.

Black Tea

Another world-famous tea, black tea is extracted from the Camellia sinensis, the same plant green tea comes from. However, black tea goes through rolling and oxidizing, two processes that give the tea its darker color. Black tea also has a more intense earthy flavor and a higher caffeine content than other teas.

Black tea is one of the most common tea types you will find in many households. They are usually served hot with biscuits, dates, or pastries, although some prefer them iced or as cold milk tea. Besides being delicious, black tea is packed with antioxidants such as theaflavins. Specifically, theaflavins help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. They may also help lower the risks of cardiovascular diseases and your cholesterol level.

Sage

Common sage is a popular herb used in cooking, making essential oils, and dried form. The dried bunches of sage are burned to cleanse the air, dispel negative energy, and for spiritual purposes. However, sage’s health benefits and flavor may also be enjoyed in tea form.

Sage tea offers health benefits, especially for your brain. Several studies show that sage extracts may effectively reduce the risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Other studies also show that sage tea may improve memory, mood, cognitive function, and anxiety symptoms.

Besides brain health, sage tea is also shown to improve blood lipid levels and reduce colon cancer risks. As a whole, drinking sage tea benefits your overall health and need for zen and peace.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular flavor during the holidays. It has a minty and refreshing taste and has health benefits for your gut and digestive tract.  A study in 2013 shows that drinking peppermint may help alleviate nausea, indigestion, and gastrointestinal problems. You might want to drink peppermint tea to relieve your bloating or menstrual cramps.

While peppermint tea is widely known for its benefits for the digestive tract, many drink it as a remedy for colds and allergies. Peppermint has antiviral properties that help fight infection, common colds, and fever symptoms.

As a whole, drinking tea is often associated with relaxation and wellness. They also have hidden properties that protect you from deadly diseases. Consider adding some of these seven teas to your meal plan, and enjoy a healthy, calm, and refreshing lifestyle.