A royals fan got a birthday treat when he found himself enquiring after the same tea as the Queen while out Christmas shopping (Image: SWNS)
Spotted on a festive shopping spree at Fortnum and Mason on Tuesday, Queen Camilla picked up an intriguing blend of cinnamon and black orange tea – a choice that might be more than just delicious. With tea being more than a mere cultural icon in the UK, the selection prompts the question: which teas are healthiest?
Dr Donald Grant, a GP boasting more than four decades in practice and a senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, sheds light on the health kick provided by Camilla’s latest tea favourites, alongside other beneficial brews such as matcha and mate.
Dr Grant explained: “With Queen Camilla spotted purchasing tea this week, it’s a reminder of how prevalent these drinks remain in British culture. Camilla’s choice to opt for cinnamon and black orange tea is a healthy one and this beverage has numerous benefits for our wellbeing.
“Firstly, this drink contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Additionally, the presence of cinnamon offers several health benefits including helping lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it’s not the only healthy tea option.”
Rounding up the doctor’s list of top teas for health, Dr Grant focuses on black tea: “Black tea is another option that came from China, originating around the 17th century. Using the same leaves as green tea, there is a different production process that consists of letting the leaves fully oxidise before drying out, giving them a darker appearance.
Green tea is good news for teeth (Image: Pexels)
“The flavour is usually stronger than most other teas, but it still remains an incredibly healthy choice. This drink contains flavonoids and antioxidants that support our well-being in many ways, including brain function and cardiovascular health. The amino acid, L-theanine, can be found in black tea, helping people remain focused and attentive.”
Matcha tea
Dr Grant extolled the virtues of Matcha tea, stating: “Matcha tea is a great alternative to coffee that has numerous benefits. The drink originated in China and dates back as far as the 7th century, since then it’s become a widely known and sought-after beverage due to its many health benefits.
“It’s also high in antioxidants, helping lower the risk of diseases by protecting our cells from damage, while also decreasing stress levels. It also contains polyphenols that help boost gut health. Additionally, the inclusion of amino acids such as L-theanine means the energy gained from this beverage will be much more sustained.”
Green tea
On the topic of Green tea, Dr Grant said: “Originating in China, green tea has existed for thousands of years with people lauding it for its various health benefits. The drink comes from camellia sinensis leaves – a plant native to China and Japan, but is also a very popular choice here in the UK.
“The drink is incredibly healthy too and contains antioxidants such as catechins which help protect cells from damage and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Additionally, numerous studies suggest the drink may be effective in reducing the risk of liver disease, stroke and cognitive decline, making it a great beverage choice for our wellbeing.”
Mate tea
Dr Grant has extolled the virtues of mate tea, a South American favourite that’s been embraced by sports icons like Lionel Messi for its rich antioxidant content. “Mate tea, popular in South America, is tea derived from dried yerba mate leaves and first originated in Paraguay. Nowadays, it’s a go-to for many sports stars, including Lionel Messi, due to the presence of various beneficial antioxidants.”
He notes that while it contains less caffeine than coffee, it’s an excellent energy booster and can aid in managing diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Other herbal teas
The health expert also highlighted the advantages of other herbal teas: “Finally, there are many herbal teas that can provide a much-needed health boost. They can range in terms of benefits, but the most popular healthy herbal teas include chamomile, ginger and peppermint.”
Chamomile is praised for its calming properties, ideal for those with sleep issues, while peppermint aids digestion and can alleviate bloating or gas. Ginger tea is known for reducing nausea and supporting digestive health.
Dr Grant concluded by celebrating the wide array of teas available, each offering unique health benefits. “Overall, there are so many teas out there that can boost well-being in so many ways. From herbal teas that prioritise sleep hygiene to mate which is an effective energy source, it’s easy to see why these beverages have remained popular go-to drinks for centuries.”