Tea
Tea
Tea (pronunciation: /tiː/) is a popular beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over the cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to East Asia.
Etymology
The word "tea" comes from the Chinese word "té" (pronounced 'tay') which is the word for tea in the Min Nan spoken language.
Types of Tea
There are several types of tea, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. These include:
- Green tea: This type of tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea. It therefore contains the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.
- Black tea: This type of tea is more oxidized than green, oolong, and white teas. Black tea is generally stronger in flavor and contains more caffeine.
- Oolong tea: This traditional Chinese tea is somewhere in between black tea and green tea in terms of oxidation and flavor.
- White tea: This is the least processed tea and is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant.
Health Benefits
Tea is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer, improving mental alertness and slowing the aging process. However, more research is needed to fully understand these benefits.
Related Terms
- Camellia sinensis: The plant from which tea leaves are harvested.
- Caffeine: A stimulant found in tea.
- Antioxidants: Compounds in tea that help protect the body from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Polyphenols: A type of antioxidant found in tea.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tea
- Wikipedia's article - Tea
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