Oct 23, 2013
Tea-riffic!
There are so many reasons to drink tea, I can't even think of anything bad to say about it. You may drink tea because you like the aroma of it, the many different flavors, the way it relaxes your body on a hot or cold day, or because of its endless health benefits! I've written numerous articles about superfoods, vitamins and supplements, and now it's time to show you what this "superdrink" is all about. From protecting against heart disease, promoting weight loss, boosting the immune system (plus anti-cancer effects), this little humble cup of tea can do wonders for your health. You have your oolong, green, black and white teas. All teas come from a plant called Camellia sinensi, what makes each tea different is the way it is processed. (Be aware that herbal teas are not made out of the Camellia plant but a combination of different plants, roots, herbs and spices)
Green tea is the most popular type of tea, mainly because it's considered the main beverage choice in Asia, along with oolong tea. Oolong tea has a flavorful fragrance and sweet aroma. It is most recognized as the type of tea served in typical Chinese restaurants. Black tea is another popular type of tea that more caffeinated and flavorful than its counterparts, and is usually found in iced teas.
So instead of going over the most popular types of tea, I'm going to tell you about the teas that taste just as good, but are in need of recognition! Pukka's three fennel tea is my favorite kind of fennel tea. I also recommend Yogi Organic Tea, they have so many flavors to choose from and they have tags with motivational quotes! I love the Detox flavor one, check out their website HERE to take a look at all of their tasty flavors.
Fennel
1. Herbal tea made from the ground or crushed seeds of the fennel plant
2. It has a sweet, earthy flavor (tastes like licorice!)
3. Traditionally, it was used as an herbal remedy in the Chinese, Indian, Arab, and Western worlds. But the Mediterranean, Middle Easterners, Indians, and Europeans were like “Let’s just drink this stuff and see what happens!”
4. If fennel is good for one thing, its for stomach and indigestion problems. Helps gas by relieving gas pains and flatulence, and has also been proven effective in battling indigestion, excess stomach acids, bloating and even as an antispasmodic (aka stops muscle spasms)
5. Natural help for people with cancer patients because it helps settle their stomachs after chemotherapy and radiation treatment
6. Promotes the production of milk for women who are breast feeding
7. Anethole found in the fennel oil reduces inflammation, so its be good for arthritics
8. Excellent source of vitamin B and vitamin C
White
1. White tea is the purest and least processed of all teas, and has a light color and flavor to it.
2. Locked and loaded with antioxidants (boosting cardiovascular health, helping to lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of cancer and enhancing weight loss, the usual schpeel)
3. Silver needle is highest quality of white tea.. it comes from China and is only harvested twice a year!
4. It has less caffeine than green tea
5. Studies have shown that white tea has the least amount of flouride (because of the shorter brewing time) and an excessive intake of fluoride can increase the risk of damage to the dental enamel, called dental fluorosis, in children
Mint
1. Made from peppermint leaves or spearmint leaves
2. It has a very strong aroma and flavor because of its high menthol content
3. Can be mixed into other herbal or tea leaves to give it an extra kick (green tea tastes good mixed with mint)
4. Can be used to alleviate digestive trouble, calming an upset stomach, relieving nausea and diminishing gas
5. Don’t have gum with you? Drink peppermint tea, it freshens your breath!
6. It’s useful against colds because of its ability to decongest stuffy sinuses and reduce chest pain
7. Just the smell of peppermint or spearmint alone relieves stress, drink it before you go to bed because it’ll help you sleep at night
8. The cool, refreshing taste of mint tea can also have the opposite effect, and can help you stay alert and focused.. the smell of the tea boosts mental performance, perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up
