Tea

For thousands of years tea has been used to promote health, happiness and wisdom.  And now in recent history, researchers are discovering and proving tea’s many health benefits.  . 

There are several different types of tea.  Black, white, green and oolong all have high concentrations of an antioxidant called flavonoids.  This most potent flavonoid is called ECGC and it helps protect the body from free radicals that contribute to cancer, heart disease and clogged arteries.  Here are some benefits of each:

• Green tea is like the Rolls-Royce of tea.  It is excellent for overall health.  Green tea’s antioxidants may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce risk of stroke and improve cholesterol levels. 
• Black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.
• White tea is uncured and unfermented and has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
• Those who drink oolong tea were found to have lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Pu-erh tea is considered a black tea and can attribute to less weight gain and reduced LDL cholesterol.

Herbal teas have less flavonoids than the other types of tea but bring on their own widely unique benefits.  Here are some specific benefits of different types of herbal teas:

• Teas that have sedative properties – Chamomile, valerian root and cat-nip are often used to help overcome sleep problems or to assist in gaining more beneficial sleep.
• Teas that can help with the digestive system – Peppermint, cinnamon, ginger (good for settling nausea), cardamom, rosemary and pu erh tea.
• Teas that are good for detoxing – Aniseed, fennel, licorice, nettle.
• Teas that work as a stimulant – Cinnamon, cardamom, lemon grass, rosemary, ginkgo, ginseng, gotu kola.
• Teas with other properties – Rooibos (all the antioxidant benefits of green tea but minus the caffeine), echinacea (very effective for cold and flu prevention), marigold (has anti-fungal, antibiotic and anti-viral properties) and St John’s Wort (used to treat depression). 

Tea is the second most popular drink in the entire world (Water is first!).  If you aren’t drinking it, you really should be!  Try sticking to the brewed or steeped versions over the store bought bottle kinds to reduce the extra calories and sweeteners.  The kind you make at your house only costs about three cents per serving.  The caffeine content of tea is much lower than coffee and many varieties come in caffeine free!  You may think that if you’ve tried one tea you’ve tried them all.  But there are many different flavors and variations and I’m sure there is something for everyone to enjoy!  As you can see…..there is really no downside to it!

   

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!