Put on the kettle and get the tea!

Discover which tea made our list.

Brewing a cup of tea can tick all the boxes.

a recipe photo of EatingWell’s Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea

Photo:Ana Cadena

Tea has been enjoyed since ancient times, and it’s the second most popular beverage in the world.

Each cup of tea is also brimming with health benefits.

In fact, tea is one of the leading sources of antioxidants in most peoples diets.

One strategy is to include more protective antioxidants in our diet through food and drink choices.

And steeping up a cup of tea is a great way to do it.

One category of antioxidants is called polyphenols.

Ruhs explains that tea contains three subclasses of polyphenols: flavonols, theaflavins and catechins.

Below, we reveal which teas are some of the richest sources of antioxidants.

The 6 Best Antioxidant-Rich Teas

1.

Each tea undergoes different preparation methods.

Black tea, for example, uses leaves which are fully fermented.

Black tea contains a number of polyphenols including flavonoids, catechins and theaflavins.

Green Tea

Green tea takes second place in global tea popularity.

Its touted for its numerous health benefits, ranging fromenhanced brain functiontoreduced blood sugar and gut inflammation.

Unlike black tea, green tea is made from unfermented fresh tea leaves.

Green tea is rich in catechins, a pop in of antioxidant and polyphenol.

More research is needed to further support these findings.

Green tea tastes delicious hot, iced or even added to a smoothie.

Try our refreshingGreen TeaFruit Smoothierecipe for something flavorful and bright.

Spanos highlights its heart-health benefits: Hibiscus tea is packed with flavonoids, including anthocyanins and quercetin.

Hibiscus tea seems to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Cool off with our Strawberry-Hibiscus Agua Fresca orHibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tearecipes.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea, and is a cross between green and black tea.

Its partially fermented and is filled with antioxidants.

Oolong tea contains theaflavin, a polyphenol which boasts antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Like black and green tea, oolong tea containsL-theanine.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea tastes naturally sweet and slightly nutty.

She says, It is widely consumed throughout South Africa.

The main polyphenols in rooibos tea are aspalathin and quercetin.

Research has linked aspalathin to potentially lowering blood sugar, and quercetin to anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antidiabetic properties.

Enjoy it year-round, hot or cold, or use it to make mocktails or smoothies.

Tea is naturally calorie-free, making it a great substitute for sugar-sweetened drinks.

So put on the kettle and discover the delicious and antioxidant-rich world of tea.

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