The Health Benefits of Ceylon Tea

Ceylon tea is prized for its rich aroma and taste, but it also has many health benefits. This tea is grown in Sri Lanka (formally Ceylon), and is a relatively new crop there, only taking off in the mid-1800s. Ceylon tea comes in the same black, green and white varieties that are grown elsewhere, although each has subtle differences in flavor to other teas. Black tea is the most  widely produced and recognized and has citrus overtones. Ceylon green tea has a much stronger flavor than other green teas and is considered an acquired taste. Ceylon white tea is highly prized and said to taste of honey. Ceylon teas have much the same health benefits as regular tea, and are generally purchased for their superior quality and flavor.

The Health Benefits of Ceylon Black

Ceylon black tea has slightly different qualities to green and white teas, as it has been fermented (oxidized). It is an excellent defense against cancer, as it contains theaflavins and thearubigins, which are powerful antioxidants that help to fight free radicals that can damage DNA (and may cause cancer in the body). They have also been shown to lower the risks of heart disease and reduce the size of tumors.

Ceylon black tea is also useful at keeping viruses and bacteria at bay. Drinking black tea can reduce your chance of catching influenza, as well as boost your immune system to help prevent other illnesses. It effects the stress hormones in your body, allowing you to recover more quickly after a stressful situation. Ceylon black tea may also increase alpha-wave activity in your brain, allowing you to remain more alert.

The Health Benefits of Ceylon Green or White

Green and white teas are very similar in composition, although white tea may have stronger anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. These Ceylon teas have been shown to assist in weight loss through speeding up the metabolism slightly and aiding in fat burning. They also has anti-inflammatory qualities and can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis. Green and white teas have many of the same benefits as black tea, but contain different antioxidants that are no less effective at fighting cancer causing agents.

Ceylon white teas have been shown to be very beneficial in fighting the signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles, by slowing the loss of collagen. Tea might also be useful in dental hygiene as it can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, leading to fewer cavities and controlling bad breath. Drinking tea reduces the chances of dementia as well as lowering the rate of depression in those who drink it frequently.

The Health Risks

Tea contains caffeine which has both good and bad qualities. It can help with short term memory, and with athletic performance, but can also contribute to insomnia, as well as lead to mild addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Drinking tea at very high temperatures can also increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Generally, tea has few drawbacks and many health benefits. Ceylon tea is of particularly high quality and so is more pleasant to drink frequently, allowing you to reap the health benefits of tea every day.