There Are Many Types of Healthy Tea, but These Are the 4 Dietitians Love Most
Because tea = the elixir of life.
Tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world (the only one that ranks higher is water), and we know why. It’s exceedingly soothing, deliciously addictive, and packs incredible health benefits. Tea comes in endless forms and flavors, too: matcha’s made for those who love green with caffeine, infused iced tea is the perfect sip for sweltering summer days, knock back a kombucha for probiotics, and when you can’t quell your bout of insomnia, there’s chamomile. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of tea types—there are over 20,000 teas that exist in the world, and more enter the market daily.
Flavor is, of course, a personal preference. But when it comes to choosing a tea you know is going to be good for you, we look to the pros. Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, author of Eating in Color, provides us with the four types of teas she recommends to her clients—and sips herself.
Turmeric is a fantastic anti-inflammatory, but it can taste very bitter. This blend from Vahdam is wonderful because it combines turmeric with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper, which helps boost the absorption of curcumin (aka the active ingredient in turmeric). "And I love that the tea bags are individually packaged, so they’re perfect for travel," Largeman-Roth says. Plus, the brand gives 1 percent of its revenue back to educate the tea growers’ children.
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"I love the flavor of licorice root, and these little biodegradable 'tea temples' from Teapigs are filled with a perfect combo of licorice root and mint," says Largeman-Roth. The tea is delicious and a wonderful sugar-free pick-me-up mid-afternoon.
"When I want just a bit of caffeine in the early afternoon, I reach for this blend of white tea, hibiscus, rose petals, orange, and mango from Teavana. It’s a pretty pink tea that definitely lifts my spirits!"
"Whether it’s due to travel or a big meal, we can all experience painful gas," Largeman-Roth says. This tea combines calming chamomile with peppermint (great for your belly), caraway, coriander, and lemon balm. "They are all carminatives, which means they help get rid of gas. Start sipping as soon as you experience discomfort and you’ll be feeling better soon."