Stay Warm with a Cup of Hot Tea

January is the perfect cold, winter month to celebrate National Hot Tea Month.  Tea is the most popular beverage in the world.  It is has mild, comforting flavors and a number of health benefits.

Do you drink tea?

If you don’t, I’m sure you’ll change your mind after you learn about the numerous health benefits and learn how easy it is to brew!

Tea Types

There are thousands of varieties of tea across the globe.  Here are five popular types:

1. White Tea undergoes the least amount of processing of all tea types. This tea tends to have the most delicate flavors and aromas.

2. Green Tea is another tea that is minimally processed and contains high amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants.

3. Black Tea is the most well-known tea variety and contains the most caffeine. This type of tea is oxidized and fermented, which creates a strong, deep flavor that can be steeped.

4. Oolong Tea is semi-oxidized in an intricate process. This tea is a mix of green and black tea and has a wide array of flavor and aroma.

5. Herbal Teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, mint, lavender, and ginger are made from herbs and roots and have a soothing effect. However, these teas have less antioxidants than green, black and oolong teas.

Health Benefits of Tea

Teas are filled with antioxidants and polyphenols that can help protect you against certain diseases and cancers.

Catechins are the main antioxidant in green tea and are responsible for green tea’s signature texture.  They are also found in black and oolong tea, but in smaller amounts.  Catechins may provide you with many health benefits, such as

• Prevent the growth of tumors

• Reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), “bad”, cholesterol in your blood

• Strengthen the elasticity of your skin

• Inhibit growth of viruses and bacteria, specifically in your mouth

Calcium is also found in green tea, which can maintain healthy teeth, gums and bones.  It may play a role in preventing your risk of developing osteoporosis and alleviating arthritis symptoms.  However, compounds found in tea, such as oxalic acid, can decrease absorption of calcium if you drink green tea with a calcium-rich meal or calcium supplement

Vitamin C found in green tea and herbal teas has antioxidant effects.  It can help maintain the health of your skin and mucous membranes as well as neutralize any free radicals.

Flavonoids are found in green and black tea.   They play a role in strengthening your blood vessels, which may reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Herbal teas can relieve stomach cramps, soothe a sore throat and calm you when you’re stressed and anxious

Brewing Tea

Do you know how to make your own tea?   Brewing your own tea is rather simple, but if your tea comes out less than ideal, here are a few tips!

• Use fresh, cold water instead of hot tap water. Hot tap water has less oxygen and will give a flatter flavor once it is heated in a teapot.

• Preheat your teacup with hot tap water. If you pour your hot water into a cold cup, the water may drop several degrees, decreasing the amount of flavor extracted from the tea bag.

• One tea bag or one teaspoon of loose tea per 8-ounce cup of tea is the general guideline!

• Black tea should typically be steeped for 3-5 minutes for optimal flavor.

• Green tea is more delicate than black tea and should only be steeped for about 3 minutes.

There is a tea type and flavor that can match every mood and craving.  Don’t be afraid to venture out and try a new flavor once in a while, you may surprise yourself!

Your Turn to Take Action:  What’s your favorite type of tea?  Let me know in the comments below!

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