Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Tea is essentially an aromatic beverage that is prepared from tea leaves and by using hot water. Tea is known to contain several antioxidants that are good for the health. Since its origin, tea is known to be a medicinal drink and till today, tea is consumed for its various health benefits. A wide variety of teas is available of which organic tea has become very popular and is today consumed more than conventional tea.

Organic Tea

Organic tea is the tea produced without pesticides and artificial fertilizers as opposed to conventional tea. Conventional tea is produced in large quantities and to meet the demand worldwide, the cultivators need to make use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers on the tea leaves. This also means that conventional tea does not offer as many health benefits as does organic tea. Organic tea is grown on fields where the soil has been replenished with nutrients from crop rotation. This also implies the fact that the taste of the organic tea is natural and not artificial.

Benefits of organic tea

The various nutrients and antioxidants in organic tea make it highly suitable and healthy for consumption. Since this tea is free from pesticides and fertilizers, it is considered to be the healthiest form of tea.

The antioxidants in organic tea are very good for health. These protect the cells of the body from oxidative stress. In addition, these lower the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Antioxidants also help in fighting cataract.

Polyphenols found in tea leaves are also very beneficial for the health. These protect the cells and also lower the risk of cancer.

Antibacterial properties of tea are good for oral health. These prevent tooth decay and halitosis.

In addition to having several health benefits, organic tea also has many environmental benefits. Since organic tea leaves are grown on fields where crop rotation takes place, the soil does not get eroded and is always rich in nutrients. In addition, since no fertilizers and pesticides are used for growing organic tea, the farmers and cultivators are also free from the risk of catching various diseases.

Types of organic teas and their benefits

Organic tea is basically available in four different variants. All these variants have several heath benefits. These are:

• Black Tea- Black tea is a type of organic tea that has the highest caffeine content. Black tea contains two antioxidants that lower cholesterol. It is believed that drinking two to three cups of black tea everyday reduces the risk of stroke.
• Green Tea- Green tea contains antioxidants that prevent cancer as well as heart diseases. A single cup of green tea everyday can result in a stronger cardiovascular system.
• White Tea- White tea contains catechins which is a type of antioxidant that fights cancer and cardio-vascular diseases. It is believed that white tea is consumed by many breast cancer patients to reduce the risk of recurrence of the cancer cells.
• Oolong- Oolong is a type of organic tea that is commonly known as a fat burner. White tea is also used for the detoxification of the body. The anti-bacterial properties of white tea prevent tooth decay.

How to use organic tea?

Organic tea is available in tea bags as well as loose tea. However, loose tea offers a better flavor than the packaged tea bags. To use organic tea, boil water and place the tea bag or a teaspoon of loose tea leaves. Then let the tea steep for about 1-3 minutes. The time to brew tea can be increased as we if a stronger flavor of tea is required. Organic tea can be served by adding honey, sugar, or milk, though it is believed that consuming organic tea in its natural form is the healthiest way.

How often should organic tea be consumed?

Organic tea is very beneficial for health and owing to this fact a person can easily have 8-10 cups of organic tea in a day. This is the ideal consumption level for good health and also for the slowing down of the ageing process. The reason why organic tea can be consumed in such large quantities is the fact that the caffeine content in organic tea is less.