When you’re in the fat freezing business, something that is warm, detoxing and has zero calories is a go-to. As the cool weather settles in, so does the wellness #winterwarmer trend, so we’re taking this opportunity to share with you why we love our tea.

As well as keeping us warm after treatments, tea has a multitude of health benefits, including slowing down the ageing process and assisting in weight loss, two reasons why it’s the perfect partner for the treatments at Body Catalyst.

Tea not only tastes great, it also hydrates, contains lots of antioxidants to help cells regenerate and repair, and it also strengthens our immune system. This cell regeneration is essential in maximising efficiency of our radio frequency treatment that works to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Having a strong immune system means that the fat released during cavitation treatments can be swiftly processed by the liver and effectively eliminated from our body or used as energy.

But the wonder of tea doesn’t stop there; it can help beat bad bacteria, aid in digestion, prevent bloating and even fight cavities and reduce plaque in your teeth. The simple act of drinking tea makes us feel relaxed, and studies have shown that this is not just because we are taking some time out – drinking tea actually lowers the amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, in our body.

However, the variety of teas are as abundant as the benefits, making choosing the right one a confusing task. We’ve done some tea-search explaining types and benefits to help you find your perfect blend.

There are a few main different types of teas; Black, White, Green and Oolong all come from the same plant called Camellia Sinesis, but are dried and brewed differently. Herbal Infusions tea are made from the leaves, roots, stems, bark and flowers of different herbs and plants that have shown to be beneficial to our bodies. Here is a quick summary of what makes them different and why they are good for you. We have also added additional information about some of our favourite teas and the health benefits they provide.

Black tea is the made from fermented tea leaves and has the highest caffeine content. Studies have shown that it may help protect lungs from damage caused by cigarette smoke as it’s very high in antioxidants which help fight free radicals. It may also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke because it prevents the blood from clumping and forming clots. Black tea can also neutralise germs, including some that cause diarrhoea, pneumonia, cystitis and skin infections.

Green Tea is made from steamed tea leaves and has been shown to have the most benefits of all the teas for assisting with weight loss. The compounds in green tea help to accelerate calorie burning and also help with digestion. It is also very high in antioxidants which interferes with the growth of some cancer cells and can also reduce the risk of neurological disorders and stroke. It can also be good for your skin, it’s known to help with acne and is used in many skincare products for this reason.

White Tea is uncured and unfermented and studies have shown that it has the most potent anticancer properties, even more so than green tea because it is less processed. White Tea can lower blood pressure and improve the function of the arteries. I also helps in protecting the skin by reversing some of the damage wrought by free radicals.

Oolong Tea is the darkest and most oxidised of the teas. It assists in anti-ageing; studies have shown that those who drink oolong tea show fewer signs of ageing than those who do not. Clinical tests have also shown that oolong tea lowers the levels of bad cholesterol. It can promote longevity by stimulating bodily functions and strengthening the immune system.

Herbal teas have many different benefits and there are hundreds of different varieties and blends. Most of the plants that are chosen for these teas are known for their healing or calming properties, their benefits, fragrance and taste. Following are the benefits of some of the more common herbal teas:-

-Chamomile is a herb that comes from a flowering plant from the daisy family. It has anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. It can help with insomnia and other sleep disorders, soothe stomach cramps and decrease the severity of anxiety and panic attacks.

-Rosehip Tea is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is believed to enhance immune system function and protect from free radical damage.

-Jasmine Tea has a green tea base, so has very similar health benefits, but with the infusion of Jasmine for fragrance.

-Ginger Tea is known to help relieve headaches, heartburn, inflammation and nausea. It is popular in winter because it reduces inflammation that causes sore throats. Ginger tea is also widely used by women with morning sickness during pregnancy.

-Peppermint Tea is a refreshing brew and beneficial to drink after a meal, as it helps aid digestion and freshens your palate.

-Chai Tea is made from a base of green, black or oolong tea with spices and herbs added such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Depending on the other ingredients used, Chai tea can fight bacterial infection, ease sore throats, help the digestive system and help with body aches.

A freshly brewed cup of tea – another reason to relax when you come into a Body Catalyst clinic for your consultation or treatment.

Jade Hunter, Nutritionist and Therapist.