Tea is a staple beverage in many people’s lives all around the globe, but some of us have no clue what kind of tea we should be drinking. What teas are best for lowering cholesterol, caffeine or anti-aging? Here is a simple breakdown of common types of teas and the variety of health benefits they have.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea has a variety of health benefits. It aids in weight loss by boosting metabolism. Oolong also aids in weight loss by blocking fat absorption and helping to burn fat. Oolong has been found to help in the anti-aging process because of the antioxidants naturally found in the tea. It has also been proven to help with heart health.

The tea helps reduce blood concentrations of triglycerides by 80 percent, according to a 2007 American study. Drinking a cup or two of oolong tea a day has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure.

Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea, or Red Bush, is from South Africa and has been gaining popularity around the globe for its variety of health benefits. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free, so it isn’t the best thing to drink if you’re trying to stay up late to study.

It’s recommended for people with insomnia to drink before going to bed. It naturally contains calcium, magnesium and fluoride, so it helps build strong bones and teeth. Another caffeine free tea is hibiscus tea.

Green tea

Green tea is probably the most popular type of tea around. It is widely known that green tea aids in weight loss because it increases metabolism and helps turn food into energy rather than fat. Green tea has also been found to help reduce bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Green tea also helps with anti aging and helping to slow the Alzheimer’s process.

Black tea

Black tea has a variety of benefits, most health related. It has been found to reduce the formation of plaque and kill bacteria in your mouth. Black tea is rich in antioxidants and has been found to help prevent cancer. Black tea has also been shown to help reduce the risk of diabetes.

A study was conducted on a group of people where they drank one to two cups of black tea a day over an extended period of time. This lowered their chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 70 percent. Black tea strengthens your immune system and helps reduce stress, while also giving you a burst of extra energy due to the high caffeine content.

Other teas that are rich in caffeine and will provide a boost of energy include Chinese white tea and matcha tea.

Sweet tea

The staple of the South. What every true Southern orders at restaurants and BBQs and drinks while relaxing on their front porch. Depending on where you get your tea and how it is prepared, it can have anywhere from 80 to beyond 230 calories per serving. Each serving can have anywhere from 30 grams of sugar to 54 grams. While some recipes are healthier than the typical soda, some are much worse in regards to calories and sugar content. So if you’re trying to lose weight or get healthier, skip the sweet tea and grab a cup of oolong or green tea instead.