Brian Weston, qualified tea sommelier at Fairmont The Palm, shares his insights into the potential health benefits of drinking tea.
‘Tea has a wide array of individual health benefits. All of them – black, green, white and oolong – contain measurable amounts of key vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folic acid, manganese, potassium and vitamin C. When combined with different types of herbal ingredients, a cup of tea can play an essential role in a healthy lifestyle. Try drinking tea instead of water. In addition to the healthy properties tea provides, the minerals, flavonoids and antioxidants found in many teas will aid your body in retaining water, allowing you to stay healthy and hydrated.’
White tea: Is the least processed of all teas. Renowned for its potent anti-carcinogenic properties, white tea is also known for fighting off free radicals which can cause premature ageing as well as illness. These variations are naturally low in caffeine and can be consumed often throughout the day to get the full benefit.
Green tea: These mildly processed teas contain high concentrations of EGCC, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-carcinogenic properties which have been said to aid in reducing the risk of certain cancers in addition to lowering the risk of stroke.
Oolong tea: Partially fermented, oolong teas are said to possess some characteristics of both black and green teas, but in fact have some of the most exotic taste profiles available in tea. Oolong teas are said to aid in lowering cholesterol levels and are heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement although studies have not backed these claims.
Black tea: Is made from fully fermented tea leaves which are coveted for their high caffeine content and energising effects.
Herbal tisanes: There are many kinds of herbal infusions that guests will commonly call ‘teas’. Some of the most popular types of herbs are chamomile and peppermint. Typically, these infusions are crafted to support health and wellness in addition to relieving common ailments. Theses variations are usually naturally caffeine-free.
Hibiscus tea: Consuming hibiscus may lower blood pressure, studies say.
Rosehip tea: Particularly high in Vitamin C.
Apple tea: The Stanford Cancer Center reported that apples might reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Elderberry tea: Has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Influenza B.
The tea sommeliers at Fairmont The Palm offer private consultations and tea-blending sessions (dubbed ‘consul-tea-ions’), with a focus on health and wellbeing, for guests wishing to create their own signature tea blend. From Dhs105. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 457 3457).
