Spilling the Tea on Tea

Rich in tradition and steeped in health benefits, a cup of tea is a wonderful way to welcome the day, warm your body, strengthen social bonds and enhance your well-being. Next to water, tea is the most ancient beverage in the world and five out of six North Americans drink tea, and each will drink almost 23 gallons of tea a year. That’s a lot of tea!

As you sip your freshly brewed cuppa, engulfed in warm cozy feelings, know that you could be adding years to your life. A number of studies have shown that true teas – green, black, white or oolong – contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which protect against cancer, stroke and heart disease and offer a host of healthy benefits.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that consuming as little as one cup of tea daily may reduce the risk of a heart attack by 44 percent. The benefits results derive from significant amounts of flavonoids found in true teas, which have the ability to lower cholesterol and reduce the incidence of heart disease.

RED, WHITE AND GREEN

Whether you have your tea hot or cold, using loose tea leaves or tea bag, the benefits are the same. But to maximize your polyphenols and the health benefits, drink fresh tea (not instant or bottled) that has been steeped for three to five minutes. You’ll get the highest concentration of polyphenols in your first cup (84 percent) and potency will be reduced to 13 percent in a second infusion.

A vast array of medicinal and therapeutic values are attributed to different tea varieties. Red tea (from the rooibos herb), which is free of caffeine, additives, colors and preservatives, is thought to counteract insomnia, irritability, headaches, hypertension, anxiety and allergies.

The following teas are either ethically sourced, certified organic, loose-leaf or follow fair trade practices.

FGO Organic Rooibos Tea,
Eco-Conscious Tea Bags, 100 Count

Umi Organic Rooibos Tea, 18 Tea Bags (Pack of 3)
South African Red Tea, Caffeine Free Herbal Tea

White tea (Yinzhen, or Silver Needle tea) fights off free radicals, reduces the risk of heart disease, and can be used topically as an antioxidant for the skin.

The following teas are either ethically sourced, certified organic, loose-leaf or follow fair trade practices.

Art of Tea | 12 Count Eco Friendly | Premium Caffeinated Organic White Tea Variety | Biodegradable Sachets

Uncle Lee’s Tea Organic White Tea, 100% Natural Premium White Tea Bags

Green tea is said to suppress aging, refresh the body, prevent and treat skin disease, stop cavities and fight viruses, and according to Swedish scientists, significantly prevent new blood-vessel growth, which could stop the inception of cancerous tumors.

The following teas are either ethically sourced, certified organic, loose-leaf or follow fair trade practices.

Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, 1lb | 100% Pure Culinary Grade | No Sugar, Eco-Friendly Recyclable Bags

Imperial Sencha Green, 1 Lb – USDA Organic

Yogi Tea Green Tea Pure Green Tea – 16 Tea Bags per Pack (6 Packs) – Organic Green Tea – Supports Overall Health & Provides Antioxidants

THE PERFECT BREW

To liven things up, try scented, spiced or herbal teas (although the latter don’t contain antioxidants, they can provide other health benefits).

HOT SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Hot Lemon Detox Oolong Tea

Add 1 tablespoon of real maple syrup and the freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon to a cup of oolong tea. Boosts circulation, provides antioxidants and vitamins and promotes weight loss.

Choice Organics – Organic Oolong Tea (6 Pack) – Fair Trade – Compostable – Contains Caffeine – 96 Organic Oolong Tea Bags

365 by Whole Foods Market, Syrup Maple Dark Grade A Organic, 32 Fl Oz

Enamel Sunflower Crystal Lead-Free Glass Tea Cup with Spoon Set

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Tea

Place 2 peppermint tea bags in the bottom of a pot. Add 6 cups of plant-based milk and heat almost to boiling. Remove the tea bags. Place 1 tablespoon of mint dark hot chocolate mix in each serving mug and pour one cup of the hot, minty vegan milk over the chocolate. Serve with fresh mint. Eases aches, congestion and inflammation.

Castle Kitchen Sugar Free Marvelous Mint Premium Dark Hot Chocolate Mix with Monkfruit (8 oz) – Vegan, Dairy Free, Plant Based

Art of Tea | Organic Pacific Coast Mint (NaturallyCaffeine Free)| 50 Eco Friendly Pyramid Peppermint Tea Bags

Califia Farms – Oat Barista Blend Oat Milk, 32 Oz (Pack of 6), Shelf Stable, Dairy Free, Plant Based, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non GMO

REFRESHINGLY COOL IDEAS

Making Iced Tea from Hot Brewed Tea

Make tea approximately double strength and steep for 5 minutes. Pour into pitcher over an equal amount of ice. To cut sugar in half, sweeten the tea while it is hot.

Mint Lime Cooler

Place 1/4 cup of crushed mint leaves in a pitcher. Fill half the pitcher with iced tea and the other half with water. Add 1/2 cup of lime juice. Stir and garnish with whole slices of lime and a mint stem. Eases digestion and stomach upsets.

FGO Organic Decaf Black Iced Tea, Eco-Conscious Tea Bags, 36 Pitcher Bags

Glass Pitcher with Bamboo Lid – High Heat Resistance Stovetop Safe Pitcher for Hot/Cold Water & Iced Tea

Green Tea Sparkler

In a large pitcher, mix together 3 cups of water, 3 cups of ginger ale, 3/4 of a cup of green iced tea and 1 1/2 teaspoons of agave syrup. Stir and serve over ice. Garnish with mint. Helps lower cholesterol and improves impaired immune function.