Tea is pretty much perfect. Here’s why…
There are countless varieties of tea, so it’s guaranteed you’ll find one to delight your unique palate. All tea actually comes from the same plant, called Camellia Sinensis. After harvesting the plant, its leaves begin to wilt and oxidize.
- Black tea comes from leaves that are fully oxidized, wilted, and bruised.
- Green tea comes from leaves that are not wilted or oxidized.
- Oolong tea comes from leaves that are somewhat wilted, bruised, and only partially oxidized.
- White tea comes from young leaves and buds that have minimal oxidation.
Some benefits of Tea
- The polyphenols in green tea as well as the theaflavins and thearubigins in black tea act as antioxidants in the body, fighting free-radicals and protecting against DNA damage. What this means… Tea has anti-aging properties (because it helps protect the skin against UV damage) and can help prevent cancer. Studies have also shown that polyphenols in green tea slow the growth of tumors and help regulate the body’s immune system.
- Tea can address various ailments! Having trouble falling asleep? Drink a cup of Chamomile before bed. Suffering from sluggish digestion? Try Dandelion or Peppermint.
Getting the most from tea’s medicinal properties
- Steep for 10-15 minutes for herbal/medicinal tea
- Always cover tea (with a small plate/saucer) while steeping. (The benefits of tea are found in the leaves’ oils. While steeping, it is important to cover the tea cup or use a tea pot, so these oils cannot escape through the steam.)
- Consider purchasing loose tea or whole flowers rather than bagged tea. Bagged tea is often poorer quality and will not provide the same benefits because the natural oils have been destroyed and the tea leaves are left dry and broken.
- After steeping, add fresh lemon juice to your tea. Studies have shown that black tea with fresh lemon juice can help prevent skin cancer. It’s also reported that lemon juice in any type of tea maximizes the body’s absorption of its beneficial substances.
Sources
Britton, Sarah. “Put a Lid on it.” My New Roots. November 23 2007. http://mynewroots.org/site/2007/11/put-a-lid-on-it-2/.
Pritchard, Joseph. “Medicinal Benefits of Lemon Tea.” Livestrong. December 27 2010. http://www.livestrong.com/article/343791-medicinal-benefits-of-lemon-tea/.
“Tea and Cancer Prevention: Strengths and Limits of Evidence.” National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/tea.
