Join me For a Cup of Tea?

My favorite time of the day is when I’m able to completely unwind with a cup of hot tea in my hands and a cozy blanket wrapped around my body. I love having this time to myself. I usually have a good book to indulge in or catch up on some Netflix (currently loving “The Following”).

Warm tea is so soothing and has some amazing health benefits. Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants.

I religiously wake up every morning and have a cup of green tea with lemon. A lot of the great benefits of green tea come from catechins. Green tea is the best source of catechins when compared to any other food. Catechins have been shown to be great disease fighters; when put in test tubes, they are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells. This prevention of oxidative damage is what studies have shown to possibly reduce the risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.

Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease.

A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea.

Chamomile tea: It’s good to drink a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before bed. It can help relax your muscles for better sleep. It also has calming effects, which can help reduce your overall stress. It lacks the caffeine that is found in traditional teas.

Peppermint tea: Not only does peppermint have a wonderful tingly taste but it may also speed up digestion, which would help with weight control. Digestive problems can cause issues with nutrient intake, which can lead to cravings. If you do not have any digestive problems, then your food cravings will be suppressed, leading to overall weight control.

White tea: It has a lighter taste than green or black tea. It prevents cancer because of its increased antioxidants that fight off harmful cells. It can strengthen your immune system.

Sources:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefit_of_drinking_green_tea

https://whatthehealthmag.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/the-best-teas-to-drink-this-winter/

Join me for a cup of tea?