Longevity is a puzzle that we are all trying to solve. Well, Chinese medicine seems to have a leg up on the fountain of youth, whether they are using mushrooms or the more common cup of tea. But can tea really work miracles? The answer, according to research, is a tentative yes. In all of its various forms, tea has potent antioxidants that have anti-aging effects and help our bodies fight off free radicals. Those free radicals cause a host of different ailments, from inflammation to heart disease to cancer.
The teas that most of us think of — green, white, oolong, or black — are the brewed leaves of the Camellia Sinensis or the Camellia sinensis assamica. There are many other beverages, commonly referred to as herbal ‘teas,’ containing none of the actual tea plants but feature similarly beneficial botanicals.
Green, white, and black tea are all products of the same plant but go through differing processing levels. White tea is the least processed of all the variations and yields a delicate flavor profile and the highest levels of polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. Green tea is also an antioxidant powerhouse, but even black tea or oolong has anti-inflammatory properties. All of these varieties have anti-aging properties.
Researchers are continually investigating the potential uses for tea for antiaging and more benefits are found all the time. As the next super cup emerges, try one of these antiaging brews for a cuppa that’s as good for you as it tastes.
Ten Anti-Aging Teas To Try
Green
Sen Cha Organic Everyday Matcha Powder, $26.49
Matcha is one of the most concentrated forms of green tea. The green leaves are first dried and cured, then pulverized into a powder. Drink it whisked into hot water for your morning wake-up, or add it to a smoothie, latte, or recipe for a boost of natural vitamin C, potassium, iron, and fiber.
Rishi Tea Ancient Pu’er Tuo Cha Loose Leaf Herbal Tea, $63
Tea has complex flavor profiles and points of origin, much like wine or chocolate. This blend of sun-dried tea hails from the Hekai Mountain region and a very particular blend known as Pu’er. With a flavor profile that includes shishito peppers, toasted sesame, and magnolia, this green tea packs a lot of nuance into your cup.
Art of Tea Matcha+ Tea Eco Teabag Sachets, $45
Want the benefits of matcha with the ease of a teabag? Enter the Matcha+ blend, which incorporates several green tea varieties, including ceremonial grade matcha and organic Sencha green tea. And even better? The tea sachet contains no microplastics, so your daily cup helps you and the planet.
White Tea
Republic of Tea Emperor 100% White Tea Bags, $16.50
If you want a delicate cup packed with anti-aging power, white tea is a must-try. Because it is harvested before the flowers open, the flavor is floral and subtle. This particular white tea is grown in the mountains of the Fujian Province in China. This exclusive crop has a limited window of harvest and makes for a rare treat.
Oolong Tea
Organic Positively Tea Company Ti Kuan Yin Oolong Tea, $29.66
If white tea is the least processed and black tea is the most, Oolong is the happy middle ground. Oolong tea is partially oxidized, so it shares more flavor similarities with black tea and produces a robust and malty cup. There’s no standard for oxidation for Oolong tea, so the flavor profile is highly variable. This particular tea is nutty and mellow, perfect for an afternoon with a mystery and an incoming storm.
Black Tea
Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Tea Loose Leaf Caddy, $36.30
Looking for something more familiar but not quite Earl Grey? Look no further than the royal tea blending house themselves, Fortnum & Mason. The Royal blend was created for King Edward VII. This cup features a malty, honey sweetness that makes it an ideal pairing for an afternoon biscuit or binge-watching The Crown.
Non-Tea Brews
The Republic of Tea Organic Double Red® Rooibos Tea Bags, $17
While red tea or rooibos does not come from the Camellia plant, it is often grouped with traditional teas because of its robust flavor. However, rooibos lacks caffeine, making it the perfect tipple for the evening. This tea combines rooibos leaves with ground rooibos to create a full-flavored brew.
Rishi Tea & Botanicals Hibiscus Tea, $43
If you’re looking for a drink as aesthetically pleasing as it is tasty, hibiscus tea is the one for you. Derived from the calyx, or hip of the hibiscus flower, this tea is bright red and as tangy and sweet as you might expect, reminiscent of fresh cranberries. It can also be enjoyed hot or iced and is said to have mighty antioxidant powers as well.
Art of Tea Bright Eyed Eco Teabag Sachets, $42
These eco-friendly bags may not contain tea, but they do contain superfoods like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, giving your mouth and mind a bright wake-up call without any caffeine at all.
Harney and Sons Chamomile Loose Leaf Tea, $8.90
Chamomile tea is traditionally used for its soothing properties. Harney and Sons source its chamomile solely from Egypt, known for its superior flavor. Use a cup to wind down from a long day and get some sleep. If that’s not anti-aging, what is?
Now that we’re all enjoying our anti-aging teas, don’t forget to incorporate these anti-aging herbs and spices too!
