An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about a cup of tea?  

When someone asks if you'd like some tea, what's the first thing that pops into your mind? If you're a Southerner like me, it's probably sweet tea, right? Growing up, I used to think tea was just one thing—especially when it came to sweet tea, which, let's be honest, is practically a staple down here. But did you know there are actually six different types of tea? That’s right—green, black, white, oolong, Pu-erh, and yellow tea all have their own unique flavors and characteristics. And if you're counting herbal teas, that makes it seven! Two years ago, I couldn’t have told you much about any of them beyond the fact that sweet tea requires a whole lot of sugar. But now, I’m excited to share how diverse and delightful the world of tea really is!

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, right after water. It's no surprise—tea is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing. But is there more to it than just being a tasty drink? I say, without a doubt, YES! Over the past year, I've done a bit of experimenting (and with a little help from my friends), and we've discovered some truly amazing benefits hidden in this magical liquid. This isn't exactly a new idea, though. For centuries, cultures around the globe have relied on tea as their go-to beverage, and they were definitely onto something. Drinking tea can offer not just physical benefits for the body but also a boost for your mental well-being.

So how does tea affect the mental state? It has something to do with the small, but mighty bioactive components found in the leaves. The most notable being L-theanine, various antioxidants and caffeine. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine are particularly beneficial for cognitive function. While caffeine increases alertness, L-theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Together, they create a state of calm alertness, enhancing focus and attention. This is why many people find that tea helps them concentrate better and stay productive for longer periods.

L-theanine is an amino acid. This little acid is a jack of all trades having antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and regulatory effects on the immune and sympathetic nervous system. All of this to say it does an amazing job of maintaining a balance in the body.

Antioxidants work in the body by finding and attacking free radical particles in the body. Free radicals are created when the atoms in your body gain or lose electrons causing the atoms to become unstable. When these free radicals build a sizable number in the body, they create damage manifesting as cancers, aging, or other illness.

Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It works in the brain by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that triggers drowsiness. When caffeine blocks adenosine, it results in increased alertness and reduced feelings of tiredness. This explains why many people rely on their morning cup of tea to kick start their day. However, the caffeine in tea is often released more gradually than that in coffee, providing a more sustained energy boost without the jitters and crash associated with coffee consumption.

Tea is more than just a comforting beverage—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits, and each type of tea brings something unique to the table. For example, green tea is packed with antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which have been linked to weight loss and improved brain function. If you’re looking for a morning energy boost, black tea is your best bet with its higher caffeine content. Plus, it’s loaded with theaflavins, which are powerful antioxidants.

White tea is the least processed of all the teas, meaning it retains a high level of antioxidants. It’s known for its delicate flavor and potential anti-aging properties. Oolong tea strikes a balance between green and black tea, offering moderate caffeine and antioxidants, and is often praised for its metabolism-boosting effects. Pu-erh tea, a fermented variety, brings unique probiotic benefits that support digestion and overall gut health. Then there’s yellow tea, a rare and often pricey option that undergoes a longer drying process, resulting in a distinct flavor and high antioxidant content.

And let’s not forget about herbal teas! While they technically aren’t “true” teas since they don’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant, they still offer a wide range of health benefits. Whether you’re sipping for the flavor or the wellness perks, there’s a tea out there that’s perfect for you.

This blog was written by Markedra Mann and edited by Alexis Millsaps.