How to Get the Most Out of the Antioxidants in Tea?

The antioxidants in tea are one of its main ingredients, and they make this infusion one of the most consumed beverages in the world. To take advantage of its beneficial properties, we must know how to make and drink it.

We know that infusions have a lot of nutrients and properties. However, we don’t always know how we can get the most out of the antioxidants in tea. In this article, we’ll give you some tips to enjoy the perfect infusion.

The antioxidant properties of tea

Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. And this isn’t just because of its flavor and diverse combinations, but because of its excellent properties as well. Without a doubt, the most interesting benefit is the antioxidant effect. Antioxidant means that it prevents aging.

The herbs used to make tea have effects that are more than useful when it comes to tissue repair. That’s why some people say that drinking an infusion a day is the best ‘anti-wrinkle’ we can try.

However, that’s not all; tea also has the ability to inhibit the growth of tumors, reducing blood cholesterol levels, improving the immune system and reinforcing the digestive function.

Antioxidants in tea according to their type and properties

If you like tea, you probably know there are different types or varieties. Besides specific flavor and color, they also have different benefits. Pay attention to some of the most popular kinds of tea:

1. Green tea: a bomb of antioxidants

It’s the infusion with the highest number of benefits for our health. It has a direct effect on the metabolism of fats, prevents cellular aging and lowers the risk of cancer. To make it, don’t use water that’s over 176° F and let it rest for a very short time.

2. Red tea

Also known as Pu Ehr, it’s exclusively produced in the Chinese province of Yunnan. The emperor’s tea (only high representatives used to drink it) regulates cholesterol and uric acid, it has an anti-cellulite effect and it improves digestion, circulation and blood pressure.

3. White tea

If you want to take advantage of the antioxidants in tea, don’t hesitate to try white tea. In ancient times, people believed it was an elixir for eternal life.

Nowadays, we know that it combats free radicals, lowers blood sugar levels, prevents premature aging, strengthens the hair, and provides a good amount of vitamins C and E. We recommend drinking it by itself, with no milk or sweeteners.

4. Black tea

It’s the most used tea in the west, with a strong and aromatic flavor, and a considerable theine content. It’s perfect to activate your metabolism in the morning, and you can mix it with milk, cream, lemon, honey, sugar, or whatever you like the most. We don’t recommend letting it steep for too long because it’s very prone to oxidation.

5. Blue tea

Oolong is a type of tea that’s midway between green and black tea. It has a fruity flavor and offers purifying and digestive properties. Among blue teas, jasmine stands out with its soft and delicious flavor.

How to get the most out of the antioxidants in tea

As a first measure, it’s very important to store the herbs in dark sealed cans. This is because the taste and other properties are very easily affected by light, heat, humidity, and oxidation. We recommend keeping them in a cool place; preferably inside a kitchen cabinet and never in the fridge.

When making your tea, keep in mind that the longer you let it steep, the darker and stronger it’ll become. The Chinese use a different kettle for each variety, but you don’t have to do this. Washing the container thoroughly after using it will be enough.

The most common method to take advantage of the antioxidant properties of tea is with an infusion. To make it, place a few leaves in a container, pour in some hot water and wait for a few minutes before drinking it. While it all depends on the type of tea you’re using, you should leave the herbs in for about 2 to 5 minutes.

The perfect way to make a great antioxidant-packed tea

You can get different utensils in stores to celebrate a tea ceremony, even if you’re making it only for yourself! Infusers or mugs are ideal, but you can also use thermal mugs or your favorite cup.

However, if you want to make a professional Asian tea, we recommend using a gaiwan; it’s a traditional Chinese element (although you can get it anywhere in the world) that consists of a plate, a cup, and a lid.

Using it is very easy: place the tea leaves in the container, pour the hot water in, place the lid on top and let it steep. Finally, pour the water in a bowl or cup and enjoy it.

To get the most out of the antioxidant properties of tea, we recommend drinking between one and three cups per day. Besides being a very healthy habit, you’ll notice how you experience a unique moment of relaxation!