DOWN TO A TEA

Seven healthy cuppas you should be supping this year

THE Brits love their cups of tea, but when they’re full of sugar and fattening dairy milk, the health benefits don’t exactly spill over.

But tea can also be the cup that cures so check out our concoction of healthy brews. They not only have the power to help your heart, liver and bodily functions, they’ll also stop you from dunking calorific bickies.

2. Black

This is one of the most highly-caffeinated varieties of tea, with about 40 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

Black tea also contains thearubigins and theaflavins, two types of antioxidants that have been linked to lower cholesterol levels.

Plus, drinking three or more cups of black tea a day can cut your risk of stroke by 21 percent.

1. Oolong

For a post-fes tive detox, this is just your cup of tea, activating enzymes that cut down triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. One study showed that women who consumed oolong tea burned a slightly larg er amount of fat than those who drank only water.

More than just a fat burner, it also contains niacin which helps detoxify the body, and an tioxidants that can prevent tooth decay.

3. White

With its many proven health bene fits, this is the ultimate multi-task er of teas.

Much like green tea, it contains catechin which may help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Drinking white tea might also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence for breast cancer survivors, according to the American Cancer Society.

4. Green

The best superfoods to add to your diet in 2023 for that New Year New You feeling

WE’VE all heard about how good probiotics are for our gut. Thanks to the fermentation process, Sauerkraut is one of the most probiotic-rich food available for digestive well-being.

Inflammation in the gut can lead to a range of problems such as decreased immunity, poor skin and, according to a number of studies, mood swings and mental health issues. Sauerkraut - which originated in China more than 2,000 years ago - is a strong probiotic including vitamins B6, C, K, iron, and protein. It also boosts metabolism and contains fibre which keeps you regular and reduces risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

6. Lemon ginger

Ginger has an active ingredient called zingiber, while lemon contains the immune-boosting compounds pectin and limonene. This epic duo makes lemon ginger tea an effective weapon against bacterial infections. One study shows that it can even kill the bacteria linked to salmonella!

Green tea is an excellent source of catechins, another type of antioxidant.

A subgroup of this compound known as EGCG has been studied for its potential role in preventing cancer and heart disease. One study showed that drinking one cup of green tea per day could decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10 percent.

5. Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea is a commonly-used natural compound that fights illnesses such as the common cold and other respiratory infections. One study showed that consuming echinacea in tea or lozenge form over a fourmonth period helped to prevent infections.

7. Chamomile

An ancient natural remedy with many health benefits. Research shows that the antioxidants in chamomile tea may help stunt the growth of cancer cells and prevent diabetes side effects such as loss of vision, nerve damage and kidney damage. Unlike the teas mentioned above, this brew is made from the flow ers of the chamomile plant.

BERRIES are highly nutritious and low in calories, containing several vitamins and minerals but who knew strawberries were so high in vitamin C? Just one cup of the summer favourite provides a whopping 150% of the recommended daily intake.

Berries

The darker the berry, the more nutrients. Blueberries are one superfood that all nutritionists agree are a diet staple, providing fibre-rich carbs which aid digestion and weight management. The blue fruit contains at least 15 different types of potent antioxidants that protect virtually every system in the body. Antioxidants prevent or delay damage to cells, tissues and muscles and are key in aiding cardiovascular and cerebral health and exercise recovery.

THE Indian ‘saffron’ has been hailed as a ‘wonder spice’ by medical experts for its anti-inflammatory benefits. But that’s not all. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, aids chronic pain, immunity and heart health and has anti-cancer properties. Sprinkle it in curries, add it to fresh juices or take it in supplement form.

Turmeric

GOOD news for expats, the Spanish favourite garlic is high on the superfood list because it is packed with allicin, a phytochemical which has numerous medicinal properties. It is also brilliant for fighting off most kinds of bad bacteria, viruses and fungi. So next time you have a cold, don’t reach for the Lemsip, stock up on cloves of the strong stuff. Experts say it’s best eaten raw but if cooking it, under 10 minutes is optimum time. Rub a clove on your toast in the morning (take breath pills to work) and enjoy it as pan con tomate, the traditional Andalucian breakfast.

Bone broth

For anyone suffering with digestive problems, such as IBS, bone broth could be a brilliant addition to your diet this year.

As well as being high in calcium, magnesium and collagen, it aids digestion and heals gut inflammation, due to its high content of amino acids (such as cystine, histidine and glycine).

It also packs plenty of collagen which gives skin elasticity and keeps joints healthy to prevent arthritis.

ALONG-TIME UK favourite, wild salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and much lower in toxins than farmed salmon. Omega 3 is important as it reduces the risk of heart disease, while lowering cholesterol levels. It has also been linked to improved cognitive function and could help reduce risks for depression.

Wild salmon

It’s additionally loaded with B vitamins and amino acids which will reward you with glowing skin and good energy levels.