For decades, study after study has proven the seemingly endless benefits of drinking tea. Just check out these articles on the physical benefits and mental health benefits.

Most recently, a 2020 study from the European Society of Cardiology concluded that those who drink tea daily live longer than those who don’t.

While the study of over 100,000 participants revealed that those who habitually drink green tea live the longest, it also concluded that general tea drinkers had lower risk of cardiovascular risks and many health-related causes of death.

However, drinking tea is easier said than done. Why? Because there are so many different teas out there.

When visiting your local grocery store, you’ll likely see a tea for every occasion. For example, you might find sleepy-time teas, teas for energy or teas for stress relief.

If you’re new to drinking tea, all of the choices could overwhelm you.

9 Types of Tea to Try

To help you in your quest to find the right tea for your lifestyle and health needs, here’s a guide to some of the most common teas with scientifically-backed health benefits.

• Green Tea

  Green tea is one of the most popular teas. It’s also one of the healthiest, contributing to benefits all over the body.

  For example, green tea has been linked to healthy weight loss and disease prevention. Specifically, medical studies show that the tea can improve heart health, boost metabolism, relax the body and lower cholesterol.

• White Tea

  Despite its name, white tea is actually a form of green tea. While green tea stems from Japan, China and Morocco, white tea primarily stems from China. Green and white tea provide similar nutritional benefits. Particularly, they both have catechins — antioxidants that benefit overall health.

  Like green tea, studies show that white tea can aid those with cardiovascular diseases, assist with weight control, protect against neurodegenerative diseases and benefit those with type 2 diabetes.

  The primary difference between green tea and white tea is how the two are made. White tea’s buds are harvested at an earlier age than green tea buds. From there, white tea sees less processing than green tea. Because of this process, researchers believe that white tea provides more antioxidant compounds and stronger nutritional value.

• Black Tea

  Black tea is more fermented and bitter than white or green tea, but has been associated with some sweet health benefits — especially to those focused on improving their heart and mind. Studies show that regular black tea consumption benefits heart health, cholesterol levels and muscle mass.

  Despite the benefits associated with black tea, research shows that only eight percent of people prefer it over other teas. Because of its bitter taste, many prefer to drink it with milk or other additives that are thought to counteract the antioxidant benefits it does offer.

• Matcha Tea

  Matcha is a Japanese green tea which has been used in zen rituals of Buddhist monks for thousands of years.

  Although green tea is known to provide major health benefits, one glass of matcha has ten times the nutritional value of green tea. The tea is filled in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C which can improve your metabolism, mood, and overall health.

  While antioxidants promote mental, heart health, and health metabolic rates, vitamin C is considered an immune-booster while vitamin A benefits skin.

• Oolong Tea

  Oolong tea cannot be classified as a green or black tea, but has a few benefits of each type. Like green tea, oolong can assist with brain and heart health. It also can strengthen dental health.

  Studies also show oolong can ease symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and prevent against certain types of cancer.

• Chamomile Tea

  Many people know chamomile tea can be helpful for boosting immunity while easing some cold symptoms. But, did you know it can also help you get a good night’s sleep?

  Chamomile tea is filled with nutrients and essential oils that relax muscles and central nervous system. Ultimately, these nutrients can ease stress, relax the body, and encourage a sound sleep.

• Ginger Tea

  Ginger tea is known primarily for its yummy taste and digestive benefits. Nutrients in the tea can ease an upset stomach caused by illness, poor digestion or motion sickness

  The tea’s chemicals that stimulate saliva, bile and gastric secretions that improves digestion by boosting muscle contractions that help food move through the body.

  Aside from the benefits above, ginger can also help prevent stomach muscle spasms that result in diarrhea. Additionally, when ginger tea is mixed with other healthy ingredients, it can soothe a sore throat or cough.

• Peppermint Tea

  Like ginger tea, peppermint tea also provides a unique taste while boosting the digestive system.

  Peppermint tea enables bile and food to better travel through the stomach and can soothe digestive issues like upset stomach, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea.

  While ginger may be tasty and helpful for children with stomach aches, peppermint should only be consumed by older children and adults. Peppermint may also irritate those with gastroesophageal diseases.

• Hibiscus Tea

  Hibiscus is a red and fruity tea that stems from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Research shows that it can help with hypertension, cholesterol, high blood sugar, and urinary tract infection. Some say it can also ease sore throats when mixed with honey.

Picking the Right Tea for Your Lifestyle

As a conscientious shopper, you might also look at a box vaguely titled as “Weight Loss Tea,” and ask yourself, ”what’s in this?”, or “should I actually be drinking this tea?”

• What Benefits of Tea Do You Want?

  As you navigate the tea aisle in your local store, or consider ordering a box online, it’s important to determine the what tea best aligns with your goals.

  For example, if you’ve been working out and want a tea that fits within your weight loss diet, you might want to try a green, white or matcha tea.

  If you have a fast-paced work life and need to slow down when you get home, you could consider a hibiscus or chamomile tea for relaxation.

• Health Concerns or Complications

  If you plan to drink a tea daily, you should also be sure to research possible health interaction.

  For example, those who drink black tea regularly should remember that some additives — such as milk — might counteract the health benefits.

  Similarly, those with gastroesophageal issues may want to avoid peppermint teas.

For some of us, once the temps drop a few degrees we turn to herbal teas to sip throughout the day. Others of us may need a nudge to imbibe these health-promoting, warming beverages. Here are five plants that make a delicious cup of tea on their own or when blended with other herbs. You can easily find them in the boxed tea section at your local natural products store. Don’t forget to opt for organic, even with teas.

The Top 5 Wintertime Herbal Teas

• Dandelion Tea

  Dandelion tea is a great one to have on tap around the holidays when rich foods and alcohol are often in full swing. Dandelion leaves promote healthy liver and gallbladder function, both essential to the body’s detoxification process. This herb is also an excellent diuretic.

• Mint Tea

  Mint contains oils that are responsible for its digestion benefits. Sipping a hot cup of mint tea can be energizing and help clear headaches and your sinuses. A warm cup of mint tea that isn’t too strong is a nice treat for kids, especially when they complain of a tummyache.

• Ginger Tea

  Ginger is the ultimate warming tea for wintertime. The spicy root can help promote circulation and digestion. Try sipping a cup of ginger tea after a meal or on those days when you just can’t seem to get warm. Ginger can also help open up stuffy airways, so it’s a good one to keep close by if you have a cold.

• Nettle Tea

  Nettle has been used for thousands of years for its myriad health benefits. Some claim it helps ease congestion, while others use it as a purifier. Science tells us it contains a flavonoid called quercetin, which is promoted as an anti-inflammatory. While some may not like its pungent flavor, others love it and even crave it.

• Hibiscus Tea

  Hibiscus is packed with vitamin C, making it a good choice to sip during the cold and flu season. Studies also demonstrate it may lower blood pressure. The fruity flavor of hibiscus often appeals to children, making this a good go-to for kids. Try adding honey to a steaming cup of hibiscus for an afternoon treat or to soothe a sore throat.

The change of seasons does a number, not just on the immune system, but on our largest organ as well—the skin. Less moisture in the air combined with wind and cold can leave our skins looking and feeling dry and dull. Slathering on lotions can help, but it can also clog pores and, without proper exfoliation, leave skin unable to renew itself. Proper topical skin care will certainly help keep your complexion and body feeling and looking good, but don’t forget beauty from within. Taking care of yourself internally can be the key to healthy skin from head to toe. Treat yourself to the following fall skin treats.

Autumn Skin Care Tips

• Get Proactive with Probiotics

  These healthy bacteria that live in our digestive systems do more than keep our bowels working; they also boost our immune systems and promote healthy skin. Take a daily probiotic that is proven to survive into the lower intestine.

• Stay Hydrated

  Help your body adjust to the drier climate by keeping it hydrated from the inside out. Sip on hot water with lemon throughout the day or herbal teas. If you can, begin the day by sipping a cup of warm water with lemon before breakfast.

• Opt for Unprocessed

  Your skin will thank you for avoiding processed foods that contain chemicals and sodium, which can result in puffy, red skin. Opt for fruit, warming vegetable soups like this Carrot Ginger Soup, and unsalted nuts and seeds instead of processed snacks.

• Honey

  A natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin, honey gives a potent punch of minerals and vitamins to skin. Check out these tips for using honey.

• Pumpkin Mask

  Pumpkin contains alpha hydroxy acid—a natural exfoliant that gets rid of dead skin cells. Simply apply canned or steamed and mashed pumpkin to clean skin for 10 or 15 minutes. Add honey and cinnamon for aromatherapy and extra moisturizing benefits. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize.

• Dry Brushing

  This Ayurvedic treatment of gently brushing the body with a dry brush before bathing is said to stimulate circulation and the lymphatic system (a vital player in immune health) and remove dead skin cells. Once a week, before your shower or bath, lightly brush the skin with small strokes toward the heart with a natural-bristled brush. Finish with the abdomen.

• Sip Herbal Tea

  Not only can herbal tea hydrate you, certain herbs have powerful skin benefits. Rosehips are high in vitamin C, a definite skin nourisher. Burdock and red clover are good for detoxing the liver, which can help diminish under-eye circles. Dandelion is a great detoxing tea and can help skin bounce back from a night of indulgence. Check out the boxed tea section at your natural products store for herbal teas that support skin health.

• Scrub Up

  At least once a week exfoliate with a body scrub. Sugar will naturally exfoliate without the sting that salt can impart. Mix 2 parts organic sugar to 1 part oil or honey. Oils can be extra virgin olive, apricot kernel, coconut (melted), or any other food-grade vegetable oil. For an aromatherapy benefit, add a few drops of essential oil. Simply mix and store in your cupboard. Try adding sugar to your facial cleanser for an exfoliating boost.