Tea has been a staple in Asian cultures for centuries. Not only does it provide numerous health benefits, but it also serves as a symbol of hospitality and a way to connect with others. From traditional tea ceremonies to scenic tea gardens, a trip to Asia is not complete without experiencing the tea culture firsthand.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the health benefits of tea and how it ties into Asian tourism.

We’ll cover:

• The health benefits of drinking tea
• The best vacation spots for tea tourism

Ready? Let’s get started!

The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

It’s no secret that tea has long been one of mankind’s favorite drinks. But tea can also help you preserve your health.
Several studies show that teas can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and prevent cancer and heart disease.
In fact, doctors in many countries often prescribe tea as a remedy or complementary treatment.

Tea is made from a plant called Camellia Sinensis. And the main types of tea include:

• Black tea
• White tea
• Green tea
• Oolong tea

All of these tea varieties are made from the same plant. But the difference lies in the way it is cut, oxidized, and prepared once it has been harvested.

All in all, tea’s health benefits are related to its antioxidants. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body and decrease cell damage. Thus, it may help reduce the risk of chronic disease, including factors of heart disease, such as:

• Blood pressure
• Triglyceride levels
• High cholesterol
• And more

Drinking tea regularly may:

• Improve your heart health
• Help reduce blood pressure
• Help reduce the risk of a stroke

Other tea-related health benefits include:

• Potentially reducing the risk of cancer
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Reducing the risk of diabetes
• Increasing your focus, since it contains caffeine

However, there are other health benefits associated with each type of tea. Let’s explore them!

The Health Benefits of Drinking Black Tea

Black tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It’s often blended with other plants to create different flavors, such as Chai, Earl Gray, Darjeeling, and more.

In contrast to other tea varieties, black tea has a strong flavor and contains considerable levels of caffeine.
According to research, some of black tea’s health benefits include:

• Boosting gut health
• Loweing “bad” cholesterol (LSL)
• Increasing focus

Green Tea Health Benefits

Green tea is hailed as one of the healthiest drinks on earth. And many healthcare professionals swear by its health benefits.

According to the experts, green tea:

• Is a healthy source of bioactive compounds, which are great to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer
• May boost brain function, helping with focus, memory, mood, and anxiety.
• May boost your metabolism, thus helping with fat-burning and weight loss
• May protect the brain from aging, lowering the risk of dementia
• Could reduce bad breath by inhibiting bacteria growth in the mouth

White Tea Health Benefits

In comparison to the other types of teas, white tea is the least processed. As a result, it retains a high amount of antioxidants and comes with significant health benefits. In fact, it has many of the same benefits as green tea.

According to research, white tea:

• Has antioxidant properties
• May boost metabolism, helping with weight loss
• May protect your teeth from bacteria and sugar, inhibiting plaque bacteria, and cavities.
• May protect against osteoporosis, by promoting bone growth and preventing bone breakdown
• Could have an anti-aging dermatological effect

Oolong Tea Health Benefits

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea, and it shares many benefits with other tea types.

According to the experts, Oolong tea:

• Has antioxidant properties
• May boost cognitive function, by improving focus and relieving anxiety
• May promote bone strength, boosting bone mineral density and
• May improve buccal health, reducing plaque and gingivitis
• May help relieve eczema symptoms

Tea Tourism: The Best Tea Destinations Around the World

Many cultures around the world share tea drinking as a tradition. Aside from its health benefits, tea is also a ritual and a ceremony that connects people. In fact, learning about tea history can also give you some insight into Asia’s colonial past.

There are multiple travel destinations where you can:

• Explore tea plantations
• Visit picturesque tea houses
• Experience tea traditions and rituals

Want to explore new cultures through tea? Here are some top destinations you shouldn’t miss out on:

• Darjeeling, India
• Chengdu, China
• Uji, Japan
• Bali, Indonesia
• Dembatene, Sri Lanka
• The Azores, Portugal
• Morocco
• Rize, Turkey
• Granada, Spain
• England
• Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Key Takeaways

Many of tea’s health benefits are still under debate. However, one thing’s for sure: incorporating tea into your daily routine is an effective way to increase your antioxidant intake as well as manage your blood pressure and focus.

Want to get tested for COVID before your next adventure? Find testing locations near you with our international directory.