For many, the idea of drinking tea revolves around the tea bags that are found in grocery stores. Although these teas come in a variety of flavors and promise plenty of health benefits, it is loose leaf tea that offers the true rewards. Loose leaf tea contains actual leaves of tea that possess the essential oils and chemicals that give tea its flavor, nutrients and antioxidants. When the leaves are placed in tea bags, they are broken down and the oils and chemicals evaporate. While there are some good tea bags out there, your safest bet is to choose loose leaf tea for exceptional taste and further health perks.

The health benefits of loose leaf tea are very similar to bagged tea. The advantage is that these health benefits are even stronger since the essential oils and nutrients are not broken down. First, loose leaf tea has cancer-fighting properties that not only lower the risk of certain cancers, but also reduces existing cancer by rebuilding tissues. By drinking loose leaf tea, women can reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancers, while men can lower their risk of prostate cancer. Tea has also been shown to fight off liver, esophageal and stomach cancers.

Loose leaf tea fights off heart disease by lowering blood pressure, rebuilding blood vessels and reducing the bad cholesterol in the body. In fact, some studies have indicated that by drinking three cups of tea each day, the risk for heart attack is lowered 11 percent. Loose leaf tea is not only beneficial in the prevention of heart disease, but it offers health benefits if a heart attack or stroke does occur. A component in the leaf called EGCG reduces cell death, which can lead to tissue death and organ failure.

When drinking loose leaf tea, not only do you get to enjoy a delicious beverage, but you also will see changes in your physical appearance. Since the antioxidants in tea help reduce swelling and inflammation, the skin has an improved appearance and anti-aging properties. Tea also increases the metabolism by encouraging fat to oxidize. If you suffer from arthritis, the anti-inflammatory agents can also help reduce arthritic pain.

With all the antioxidants and healing properties that tea offers to its fellow drinkers, it’s also one of the most effective ways to boost the immune system. Loose leaf tea prompts the body to kill germs and bacteria faster, and these findings are consistent amongst humans and laboratory experiments. Tea is also used to slow down bleeding, which can prove beneficial with certain injuries. The tannic acid is what aids in the formation of blood clots. 

A final benefit that is offered from loose leaf tea is for the health and strength of bones and teeth. Tea leads to a reduction in periodontal disease, cavities and gum disease. The antioxidants also help control bacteria and reduce plaque buildup. Many people worry about the staining that tea can cause, but compared to sodas that wear away at the enamel, loose leaf tea is a much better option. Just be sure to rinse the mouth out after drinking a cup.

There are endless health benefits to drinking loose leaf tea, and since this type of tea contains the leaves in their entirety, you can enjoy the full rewards. Plus, the taste is much better compared to bagged tea and costs much less. And, you can add the tea leaves to more than just a cup of hot water. Unlike tea bags, loose leaf tea can be incorporated into a variety of foods for added health benefits. These leaves can also be blended with one another to form new and exotic flavors of tea.