20/05/2023
How fab is it that International Tea Day falls on a Sunday this year, when you might find some spare time to actually brew one!
But seriously, if you aren't finding enough time to have a cuppa, you'd be doing yourself a massive favour if you started to prioritise it. Here's why...
🍵 Numerous studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation and even ward off cancer and heart disease. Why? Polyphenol antioxidants of course!
🍵 The link is especially true for those who habitually drink tea (e.g. at least three times week).
🍵 Green tea seems to have more antioxidant effects than black tea, but let's not forget the plethora of other teas out there - Rooibos, White Peony, Oolong, Chamomile, Safflower, Ginger, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Licorice, Chai, Dandelion, the list is endless!
🍵 With anything habitual, it's always best to think about details - are the tea bags plastic free or even better, completely biodegradable? According to a 2019 Canadian study at McGill University, steeping a plastic tea bag at a brewing temperature of 95 degrees Celsius releases around 11.6 billion microplastics into a single cup 😱
🍵 The best thing you can do for yourself is turn to loose-leaf and embrace a bit of tea culture! Your nervous-system will thank you for the daily reprieve from rushing around when you stop, steep, pour, sip, relax and unwind.
🍵 Keep caffeine content in mind if you're drinking Green or Black tea. The caffeine can act as a stimulant and a diuretic. Drink plenty of water also and if you're prone to caffeine sensitivity, switch to herbal after midday.
🍵 Try and avoid decaffeinated tea. One process used to decaffeinate tea includes an organic chemical solvent (either ethyl acetate or methylene chloride) that removes almost all of tea's polyphenols. While the residual amount of chemical after processing is minimal to none, think of all those wasted antioxidants!
🍵 If you must drink decaffeinated, read the packaging and look for a process called "effervescence" which uses CO2 and H2O - this retains the majority of polyphenols.
🍵 Avoid purchasing expensive bottled teas or teas from shops that contain added flavours and sweeteners. The only time tea should be pricey is if the bags and/or leaves are completely organic.
🍵 Additives of sugar, cream or milk can reduce the polyphenol content. For greatest health benefit, serve it plain or add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon to mimic sweetness.
🍵 Chinese herbal medicine traditionally involves blends of various plants to remedy a particular physical or emotional complaint. If you want to increase the health benefits of your daily brew, pick a tea that has benefits for your particular weaknesses - i.e. licorice for sore throat, fennel for bloating, white peony for women's health, dandelion to detox etc.
Photo: Anna Tarazevich, Pexels.
