The super flavors and health benefits of tea

Water is the most consumed liquid in the world. And what is the second most you can ask for? TEA! A staggering 80% of US households have tea, which is consumed by more than 158 million Americans each year, and 50% of the US population on a daily basis. Most of the world’s tea is grown in mountainous regions thousands of feet above sea level, nutrient-rich soils. According to the Tea Association of America, the most popular tea-producing countries include Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Taiwan. Highly convenient and quickly produced, the tea offers tons of types, flavors, and health benefits.

Tea is a healthy drink that has almost no calories and contains no salt, fat, or sugar. Tea has vital flavonoids and antioxidants, which help flush out dangerous toxins that can cause many chronic diseases. There are many types of teas, with some of their many health benefits categorized below:

black tea: Freshens breath, contains polyphenols and antioxidants. Helps with plaque, dental problems, and weight loss.

chamomile: From Daisies, it helps with sleep, skin conditions, stomach problems, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), dark circles around the eyes, and PMS.

ginger: reduces inflammation, intestinal bloating and aids in digestion.

Ginseng: increases libido in both men and women, increases sperm count and is good for erectile dysfunction

Green– Helps control hunger, is a great immune booster, reduces inflammation, and may help with dementia

licorice root: very sweet to stop sugar binges, anti-inflammatory and relieves sore throat

Nettle– Helps prevent allergies and hay fever, common colds and itchy eyes

oolong: increases metabolism; burns fat, can reduce weight by blocking fat-forming enzymes

Flower of the Passion: helps with anxiety, calms the mind

Mint: relieves constipation, improves intestinal motility and helps with stomach aches

valerian root: Good for insomnia and people who have trouble sleeping. drink before bed

White: contains polyphenols and antioxidants; fights aging and wrinkles. It also helps protect against colon cancer. Reduces inflammation and is good for weight loss.

yerba mate: full of antioxidants and vitamins; Contains mateine, to help fight fat and increase energy.

One of my favorite tea recipes is called Oooss Juice (for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties):

• Use a high quality 2 to 4 gallon stainless steel pot that will retain heat
• Boil one gallon of water; add half a pound of sliced ​​ginger and squeeze in some lemon juice; simmer gently for five minutes; to turn off
• Add 2-6 organic green and white tea bags; steep for 30-60 minutes, then remove
• After 4 to 12 hours, strain the ginger, place the juice in a glass jar, and chill in the refrigerator; drink cold or reheat

A Brief History of Tea and America’s Role: According to the US Tea Association, tea was first used by the Chinese 5,000 years ago, Britain and India revolutionized the tea trade. The United States left its mark on tea history by inventing the “tea bag” and “iced tea.” Americans consume close to 80 billion servings of tea each year, 85% of which comes in the form of iced tea. On an average day, more than 50 percent of Americans drink tea. Low in caffeine and calories, research studies have shown:

• In a large study, adults who drank two cups of green tea a day reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by nearly 25%.
• One study showed that tea drinkers have a 40% lower risk of colon cancer compared to non-tea drinkers. Men benefited from a 70% decreased risk of colon cancer when they drank more than 1-2 cups of tea per day.
• A recent article showed that 30,000 adults who drank three or more cups of tea a day had a nearly 70% reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
• Drinking tea has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD), improve muscle mass, which may help prevent osteoporosis, combined with weight-bearing exercise.
• According to the Scientific Symposium on Tea and Health in 2007, theanine, an amino acid found in green and black tea, may help prevent age-related memory decline and Alzheimer’s.
• The University of Maryland published research showing that green tea and black tea can help prevent atherosclerosis.
• Drinking one or more cups of green tea daily showed a marked decrease in the risk of tooth loss and plaque, due to its antibacterial properties.
• A Chinese study recently published in the Internal Medicine Archives showed a 46 to 65% reduction in the risk of hypertension in regular oolong or green tea consumers, compared with non-tea consumers.

Drinking tea has a host of health benefits. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, has a variety of flavors and types, and just plain delicious! Drinking freshly brewed hot tea should be considered as part of the regular diet.