Inflammation is a hot topic in wellness and health domains, all for right reasons. While acute inflammation is beneficial for the body to recover from injuries, chronic inflammation can cause several conditions. Chronic inflammation can lead to several conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, cancer and various other diseases.
Just like certain foods, some beverages can also help in combating chronic inflammation in the body. Certain teas have been therapeutically used to treat a myriad of health conditions including inflammation. Read-on to know which teas are best for fighting inflammation.
7 Teas to Consume for Fighting Inflammation
Here are seven teas that help combat chronic inflammation:
1. Black Tea:
Black tea is made from leaves of the C. sinensis plant. The polyphenols especially flavonoids, present in the black tea are promising anti-inflammatory compounds that effectively inhibit free radical generation. Thearubigins and Theaflavins are also active compounds that are found in black tea. These compounds inhibit activity of the enzymes that cause considerable oxidative stress. All these amazing findings are reported in this study.[1]
2. White Tea:
White tea is a minimally processed, delicate tea that originates from the same plant as black tea and green tea. Young buds from the plant are harvested and then dried early to prevent oxidation. According to a study,[2] white tea has various anti-inflammatory flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol and catechins that significantly protect cells from oxidative damage.
3. Green Tea:
Green Tea is extremely popular for fighting inflammation . It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and provides various anti-aging benefits. Green tea is not fermented but is produced by drying, followed by steaming fresh C. sinensis leaves. It contains more catechins than its other peers. A study[3]emphasizes the anti-inflammatory effects of green tea.
4. Chai Tea:
Chai tea is traditionally consumed in India. It is a blend of black tea and various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper. Although, it is already known that black tea has excellent anti-inflammatory benefits, the spices in chai tea considerably enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. According to a study,[4]the spices provide overlapping therapeutic benefits that reduce overall inflammation.
5. Rooibos Tea:
Rooibos tea is made from leaves of Aspalathus linearis plant, originating in South Africa. This tea is gaining popularity as it is caffeine free and has myriad of anti-inflammatory properties. Rooibos tea is rich in potent anti-inflammatory flavonoids, nothofagin and aspalathin, which effectively reduce oxidative stress in the body, according to various studies.[5] Rooibos tea is generally enjoyed much like black tea, with a little splash of milk or sugar.
6. Turmeric Tea:
Turmeric contains Curcumin which is the active compound that possesses certain anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study,[6]curcumin blocks several pro-inflammatory molecules that trigger inflammation. Slice a piece of turmeric root and steep it in boiling water to make your cup of turmeric tea. Alternatively, you can also use bagged tea purchased from the store.
7. Chamomile Tea:
Dried flowers of Chamomilla recutita contain various terpenoids and flavonoids, which majorly contribute to chamomile tea’s medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. A study [7]demonstrated that essential oils and flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties. Also, these two compounds are present in chamomile tea and can considerably penetrate below skin’s surface and thereby promote skin health.
Next time, when you feel like having a warm, soothing and relaxing cup of tea, go ahead and grab one of these teas for their anti-inflammatory properties. Calling your friends for a tea date isn’t a bad idea either.
