In Search of a Great Cuppa – Which Tea Is Best?

Aside from plain water, tea is the most popular drink in the world. One of the most nutritious beverage choices you can make, evidence suggests drinking tea regularly can enormously impact your overall physical condition, peacefulness, and well-being. But with so many selections, which tea is best?

 All true tea is harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant, believed to have originated in China. There are over 3000 tea varieties, but only a few main classifications, including black, green, yellow, white, oolong, and dark or pu’erh. A newer purple strain grown in Kenya is also gaining market share today.  The taste of each variety differs based on where and how it is grown, the climate, soil condition, when it is picked, and how it is processed.

While all teas are considered beneficial health-wise, green is usually deemed the better variety. According to the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Medicine, the green strain is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Studies show green tea can also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.  

While green may be better, green matcha might just be the best! Matcha endures an 800 year old growing and refining process whereby the bushes are covered and shaded from sunlight for 20-30 days before harvesting. Leaves are hand-picked, steamed, dried, then de-veined and de-stemmed before being stone-ground into a fine powder.  In contrast to other preparations in which leaves are steeped and then tossed, matcha is whisked into water for consumption, allowing you to receive the full nutritional support of the plant. One study suggested matcha is the equivalent of 10 times more the benefits of regular green tea due to ingesting the whole leaf.

Energizing matcha is super-charged with antioxidants, especially catechins that can help to reduce inflammation, maintain arteries, and promote cell repair. It is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements, has been used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments, is associated with a lower risk of stomach cancer, and can even aid in promoting glowing skin.

Sipped in small amounts, matcha contains up to 44 grams of caffeine per serving and should be consumed only once or twice daily. To avoid pesticides and chemically treated leaves, obtain good quality, organic matcha powder from a reputable source. Stay away from fancy lattes and bubble teas found at your favorite chains. They are laced with sugar, calories, and carbs. As always, ask your doctor for advice when making changes or additions to your diet, if you are pregnant, nursing, fighting a disease, or taking medications. 

 Drinking tea should always be an exceptional experience. While matcha may win for specific health benefits, the best tea choice will always be the one you choose to sip in the company of your favorite tribe, with great stories and much laughter. Make it a point to enjoy your best cuppa every single day!  

 This article first appeared in the Traveler Weekly Newspaper July, 2023