Rooibos Made from the South African red bush plant, with a sweet, nutty flavor, it’s rich in several rare polyphenols that have potent antioxidant and cancer-fighting power, according to a report from nutrition researchers at Tufts University. White tea Made by lightly processing the same tea leaves used to make black and green tea, white tea retains a high concentration of catechins, powerful antioxidants found in fresh leaves. It has a mild, pleasant taste. Research suggests the brew has strong antibacterial and antiviral health benefits. Chai Traditionally, this black tea is blended with spices such as digestion-promoting cardamom and served sweetened and lightened with milk. Some cafés prepare it from a powdered mix or concentrate, which can be loaded with sugar as well as creamers that are filled with saturated or trans fat. Instead, look for freshly brewed chai and add your own milk and sweetener (we use a splash of soy milk and 1 teaspoon of honey). Pu-erh Though it’s reported to be popular among celebrities as a way to shed pounds, there is no evidence that this postfermented tea works as a weight loss aid. It does contain high levels of caffeine; large amounts from any source can cause serious side effects ranging from headaches to abnormal heart rhythms. Kombucha Traditionally home brewed by fermenting yeast and bacteria in sweetened black tea, this hot health-food store pick (devotees say it’s a cure-all) can bring on side effects from nausea to lead poisoning. The drink can become contaminated with microorganisms, making it especially dangerous (and potentially fatal) for people with compromised immune systems.
