Tea has long been thought to have health benefits for the
heart and in the prevention of cancer. Studies have found that some teas may
help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encourage weight loss; lower
cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness.
The degree of processing the leaves of camellia sinensis determines
whether a tea will be green, black or red (oolong). Green tea is the least
processed. These are simply steamed quickly before packaging. Black and red
teas are partially dried, crushed and fermented. The length of fermentation,
which causes the leaves to blacken, determines whether the tea will be red or
black.
Types of tea
White
Tea: White tea is similar to green tea, in that it's undergone very
little processing and no fermentation.
