Health benefits of tea

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 75-80% of tea consumed in America is iced. Health benefits of TEA

Although most people think of coffee as the ultimate American beverage, tea gives java a run

for its money.

While 64% of American adults drink coffee daily, about 48% drink tea every day. Both drinks have many health properties, but tea doesn’t always get as much attention in our coffee-centric society.

ADD-INS TO ELEVATE YOUR TEA EXPERIENCE

As with coffee, sweeteners and other additives can enhance the flavor of tea. Experiment with combinations to find the taste you like best. Or try one of the many flavored teas available at the grocery store or online.

These ingredients go well with tea: • Sugar or sugar substitutes • Honey • Lemon • Cinnamon • Milk or milk alternatives • Ginger • Mint or peppermint • Fruit or fruit juice • Chai powder • Vanilla extract • Lavender • Maple syrup

TEA AND YOUR WELL-BEING

Tea contains no sodium, fat, carbonation or sugar, and is virtually calorie-free. Both caffeinated and herbal teas contain natural antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. These antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals, which scientists believe, over time, damage elements in the body and contribute to chronic disease.

In a U.K. study of 498,043 men and women between ages 40 and 69 led by researchers at NCI, part of the National Institutes of Health, researchers found that people who consumed two or more cups of tea per day had a 9-13% lower risk of death from any cause than people who didn’t drink tea. Higher tea consumption was also associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke.

Recent research suggests that tea and the antioxidant flavonoids found in tea may play important roles in various areas of health including heart health, certain cancers, neurological decline, factors related to diabetes, bone health and immune function.

CAFFEINE CONTENT

Tea generally has less caffeine than coffee.

While one 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, most tea contains between 29 and 48 mg. Decaffeinated black, green and oolong teas contain very small amounts of caffeine – about 2 mg. Many herbal teas are caffeine free.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers up to 400 mg a safe amount of caffeine for healthy adults to consume daily, but many people feel better when they limit their caffeine intake – particularly later in the day – as it can contribute to problems such as anxiety, insomnia, headaches and frequent urination.

TYPES OF TEA

There are many varieties of tea to choose from, which differ widely in flavor. According to the Tea Association of the U.S.A., black, green, oolong, dark and white teas all come from the same plant. The differences result from the various degrees of processing and the level of oxidization, which impacts their flavor. If you’ve only ever tasted tea made with highly processed plain black tea bags, you may want to experiment with other varieties.

BLACK TEA

Is highly oxidized, resulting in a dark reddish-gold hue and a hearty, slightly astringent flavor. About 84% of all tea consumed in the U.S. is black.

GREEN TEA

Taste differs from cup to cup, but it’s often described as grassy, flowery, earthy, nutty or bittersweet.

OOLONG TEA

Has the combined characteristics of green tea and black tea. It can taste fresh and bright as well as woody and roasted (similar to black tea).

WHITE TEA

Has a light, delicate quality because it’s so minimally processed. Though the flavor can vary, it’s often described as “refreshing.”

HERBAL TEA

Doesn’t actually contain any tea at all. It’s made from “tisanes,” which are blends or infusions of dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs that give it a wide variety of flavors. The most popular types are chamomile, peppermint, ginger and lavender. Tisanes have been shown to offer medicinal effects. HOW TO MAKE A LONDON FOG

Warm up with this slightly sweet, milky and aromatic hot tea drink this winter. It features Earl Grey, a black tea whose prime flavoring is bergamot, which gives it a mild citrusy flavor.

INGREDIENTS Earl Grey tea bag Milk (cow’s, coconut, almond or oat) Vanilla Honey Dried lavender (food-grade)

DIRECTIONS Bring 2/3 cup water to a boil and remove from heat. Add 1 Earl Grey tea bag and 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender to water. Cover and steep 5 minutes. In a separate mug, add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon honey. Strain the tea and lavender water into the mug and stir. Heat 2/3 cup milk and pour into the mug. (You can also froth the milk and spoon the froth on top.) Sprinkle with more dried lavender (optional).