January is Hot Tea Month! Top Teas for Oral Health

When the weather is chilly, it’s a perfect time to relax with a cup of hot tea. Even better, some teas have great benefits for your mouth and overall health!

Green, black and oolong teas are some of the best choices for the winter, but you can still reap the benefits all year long. These teas are all made from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is how the leaves are processed to make each variety.

• Green tea is made from leaves that are withered and steamed or pan fired. They do not undergo a fermentation process.
• Black tea is made from leaves that are crushed and fermented.
• Oolong tea is also crushed and fermented, but for a shorter length of time than black tea.

All three of these teas have many health benefits, due to the high content of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants only derived from plants. They have been shown to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Stabilize blood sugar
• Increase vascular function
• Support the immune system

There are some studies that indicate these teas may also help protect against cancer. In addition, drinking them may promote healthy teeth and gums, although it’s not yet clear why.

Ready for a cup of tea? To brew it correctly, add water that is nearly boiling and steep for 2-8 minutes for the maximum benefits.

Sources:

• http://www.webmd.com/diet/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits
• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305183128.htm
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18691042
• https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea