Last Updated on December 5, 2024
Welcome to the wonderful world of healthy tea to drink daily, more specifically teas that boost metabolism, health and mood… where each cup brings a beautiful blend of flavors and wellness benefits.
Whether you’re savoring a robust black to kickstart your morning, enjoying a calming chamomile, detoxifying with dandelion, or boosting metabolism with green, all of the teas I recommend most offers something for everyone and should be a part of your daily routine.
Beyond its rich, cultural heritage and diverse taste profiles, tea is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals proven to improve metabolism, mood, and different aspects of overall health.
Dive into this blog to discover the top 12 teas I recommend most and for good reason.
The healthy teas I’m showcasing are scientifically proven to improve metabolism, immunity, and mood most.
You’ll discover each tea’s unique health benefits, how to brew the perfect cup to maximize benefits, the brands I recommend… and how to avoid microplastics.
Let’s dig in.
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12 Best Teas with the Most Health Benefits
Green Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: The catechins in green tea, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), have been shown to boost metabolism and enhance fat oxidation. This can aid in weight management and fat loss.
- Health: Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving blood vessel function, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing blood pressure. It may also have anti-cancer properties due to its high antioxidant content.
- Mood: Contains the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and improves focus and alertness without causing drowsiness. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in green tea can also enhance cognitive function.
- This is the brand of green tea I recommend most.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 175°F (80°C)
- Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes
- Tips: Use fresh, high-quality leaves; avoid tea bags to preserve catechins.
Black Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Black tea contains caffeine and theaflavins, which can help increase fat breakdown and energy expenditure. This can contribute to weight loss and improved metabolism.
- Health: The antioxidants in black tea can improve gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria. Regular consumption can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
- Mood: The caffeine in black tea can improve alertness and concentration, providing a mental boost. The presence of the amino acid L-theanine can also help improve mood by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- This is the brand of black tea I recommend most.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes
- Tips: Pre-warm the teapot or cup to maintain ideal temperature. Use in place of coffee and avoid drinking at night as black tea is high in caffeine compared to other options.
Oolong Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Polyphenols in oolong tea can increase metabolism and enhance fat burning, making it beneficial for weight loss and weight management.
- Health: Oolong tea can improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes. It also has oral health benefits.
- Mood: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in oolong tea can provide a calming effect, improving mental focus and concentration without causing jitters or anxiety.
- This is the brand of oolong tea I recommend most.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 185-205°F (85-96°C)
- Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes
- Tips: Use loose leaves; multiple infusions provide different taste notes and benefits.
White Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: White tea contains catechins that can help boost metabolism and promote fat burning, supporting weight loss efforts.
- Health: High in antioxidants, white tea can help reduce the risk of various cancers, improve skin health by protecting against UV damage and promoting collagen production, and support overall health by combating oxidative stress.
- Mood: Due to its lower caffeine content, white tea provides a mild calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety without causing drowsiness.
- This is the brand of white tea I recommend most.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 160-185°F (70-85°C)
- Steeping Time: 4-5 minutes
- Tips: Use a higher leaf-to-water ratio; longer steeping times extract more antioxidants.
Peppermint Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Peppermint tea can aid digestion, which in turn can support the nervous system, and metabolism by improving the efficiency of nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
- Health: Peppermint tea is known for its ability to relieve digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It can also help reduce headaches, improve respiratory conditions, and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Mood: Peppermint tea has a soothing effect that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Its aroma and flavor can improve mental clarity and concentration, making it a good choice for relaxation and focus.
- This is the brand of peppermint tea I recommend most.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-7 minutes
- Tips: Use fresh or dried peppermint leaves for stronger flavor and more potent health benefits.
Ginger Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Ginger tea can increase thermogenesis (heat production) in the body, which helps burn more calories and supports weight loss.
- Health: Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle pain and soreness. It aids digestion, relieves nausea, and can lower blood sugar levels, improving heart health.
- Mood: Ginger tea can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a better overall mood. It may also improve cognitive function and memory.
- This is the brand of ginger tea I recommend most.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-10 minutes
- Tips: Use fresh ginger slices or grated ginger; adding lemon or honey enhances flavor and benefits.
Matcha Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Matcha tea has a high concentration of EGCG, which can significantly boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, aiding in weight loss and fat burning.
- Health: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, including catechins, which support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Mood: The L-theanine in matcha provides a calming effect and helps improve focus and concentration. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine can enhance cognitive performance without causing jitters.
- This is the brand of matcha tea I recommend most
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 175°F (80°C)
- Preparation: Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl, add a small amount of hot water, whisk until frothy, then add more hot water.
- Tips: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) for best results; consuming the entire powdered leaf maximizes benefits. Swap in place of coffee.
Rooibos Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Rooibos tea may help prevent obesity by reducing stress hormones that trigger hunger and fat storage. It can also support metabolic health by improving lipid profiles.
- Health: Rich in antioxidants, rooibos tea can support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. It may also reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall immune function.
- Mood: Caffeine-free rooibos tea can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, improving sleep quality and overall mood.
- This is the brand of rooibos tea I recommend most
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-7 minutes
- Tips: Rooibos doesn’t become bitter with long steeping, so feel free to steep longer for a stronger flavor.
Hibiscus Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure and improve liver health, both of which support metabolic function and overall health.
- Health: High in antioxidants, hibiscus tea can help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It may also support weight loss by reducing fat absorption and promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Mood: Hibiscus tea can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it a good choice for unwinding and reducing stress.
- This is the brand of hibiscus tea I recommend most
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-7 minutes
- Tips: Hibiscus tea is naturally tart; adding honey or a slice of orange enhances flavor.
Chamomile Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Chamomile tea indirectly supports metabolism by improving sleep quality and reducing stress, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate.
- Health: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve digestion, reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, and boost the immune system. It may also help reduce menstrual pain and improve skin health.
- Mood: Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep, improving overall mood and well-being.
- This is the brand of chamomile tea I recommend most
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-7 minutes
- Tips: Use dried chamomile flowers; cover the cup while steeping to retain essential oils.
Dandelion Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Supports liver function and detoxification.
- Health:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium.
- Aids digestion and acts as a diuretic, helping to reduce water retention and bloating.
- Anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation.
- Mood:
- Helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.
- This is the brand of dandelion tea that I recommend most.
Brewing Time:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-10 minutes
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Benefits:
- Metabolism: Raspberry leaf tea supports overall metabolic health by providing essential nutrients and aiding digestion.
- Health:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium.
- Especially beneficial for women’s reproductive health: helps regulate menstrual cycles, ease menstrual cramps, and support pregnancy and labor.
- Anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and support overall digestive health.
- Mood:
- The calming effect can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Promotes relaxation and improves mood.
- This is the brand of raspberry leaf tea I recommend most.
Brewing Time:
- Water Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Steeping Time: 5-10 minutes
- Tips: Drink during ovulation and menstruation to support healthy hormones and reduce unpleasant symptoms.
HOW TEA CAN CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES
Drinking tea is often linked to higher exposure to microplastics which can have a negative impact on health. Recent studies have found that steeping tea bags made of certain plastics in hot water can release billions of microplastic particles into the tea.
A 2019 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology reported that a single plastic tea bag can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a single cup of tea.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment, including in the food we eat and the water we drink. Here’s how they can affect health:
- Ingestion: Microplastics can enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food and water. They have been found in a variety of foods, including seafood, salt, and even bottled water.
- Toxic Chemicals: Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These chemicals can leach out of the plastics and enter the body, potentially causing hormonal disruptions, reproductive harm, and other health issues.
- Inflammation: Once ingested, microplastics can cause inflammation and damage to the gut lining. This can lead to digestive problems and potentially increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
- Cellular Damage: Studies suggest that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis (programmed cell death) at the cellular level. This can contribute to various health problems, including an increased risk of cancer.
- Immune System: Microplastics can affect the immune system by triggering immune responses and causing immune dysfunction. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and other diseases.
- Bioaccumulation: Microplastics can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to long-term health effects. The full extent of these effects is still being studied, but chronic exposure could have significant implications for health.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of airborne microplastics can lead to respiratory problems, including inflammation and damage to lung tissues. This is particularly concerning for individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Research on the health impacts of microplastics is ongoing, and while there is evidence to suggest potential risks, more studies are needed to fully understand the extent and mechanisms of these effects. Reducing exposure to microplastics through measures like minimizing the use of plastic products, improving waste management, and advocating for stronger regulations can help mitigate these health risks.
HOW TO AVOID MICROPLASTICS AND KEEP TEA HEALTHY
To minimize exposure to microplastics when drinking tea, consider the following steps:
- Choose Loose Leaf Tea: Opt for loose leaf tea instead of tea bags, especially those made from plastic. If you get tea bags (which is what I recommend for portion control), cut them open and brew the leaves, then strain the leaves out to avoid exposure to microplastics.
- Use Non-Plastic Teaware: Brew tea using stainless steel, glass, or ceramic teapots and infusers, and drink from non-plastic cups.
- Select Natural Materials: Look for tea bags made from natural materials like paper, silk, or cornstarch-based materials.
- Filter Your Water: Use a high-quality water filter to remove microplastics from tap water before brewing tea.
- Store Tea Properly: Store tea leaves in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers to avoid plastic contamination.
By making these conscious choices, you can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics while enjoying the benefits of your tea.
So now that you know how tea benefits you and how to keep it healthy, start drinking it.
I personally like to stack teas together to boost benefits and recommend you do the same.
Cheers!
Your Coach & Biggest Cheerleader,
