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Wake up and Smell the tea...

If you think tea is reserved for grannies, you are certainly missing out on a lot of natural goodness that comes with only spending a few bucks.

History

From its legendary beginning over 5,000 years ago, tea has been a symbol of the Chinese belief in ‘health maintenance’. It was first consumed as a medicinal stew with ‘magical powers’ able to cure the body and mind. Tea is now, after water, the most popular drink in the world.

Tea Types and Health Benefits

As tea increasingly comes under the medical and scientific spotlight, its health benefits become more well known.

There are 5 Common tea types are Black (eg English Breakfast, Chai), Green (Sencha, Genmaicha), Oolong (Tie Kun Yin, Gin Shan) and White (Silver Needle, Sow Mee) and Pu-erh. They all come from the same tea plant, Camellia Sinensis.

Apart from being known as a pick-me-up and mental boost, tea is shown to help against tooth decay. Drinking one or more cups of tea a day will help to reduce overall blood cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
Studies also show that tea can help weight control and reduce the risk of cancer.
Herbal and fruit infusions are also becoming popular. A lot of the age-old recipes are now well received for its health benefits (and most of them are caffeine free).

What else can I do with tea?

Besides drinking chamomile to calm the nerves and peppermint for indigestion, do you know the American Indians use rosehip for its blood-purifying and infection-fighting properties and Chinese drink rose bud infusion for toning skin?

So what’s hip (and good for me)?

Weight management: Oolong has been known for its slimming (fat burning) property in Asia. A good oolong has large leaves and its green-golden brew leaves a sweet stone-fruit or floral after taste in your mouth.

Skin toning: Rose Buds are fantastic for beautifying skin. Its Vitamin C rich infusion also makes a relaxing cup before bed. Rooibos is also great for skin irritations.

Body warming: The increasing popular Chai tea does a fantastic job in warming your body. Swap your hot chocolate for a Chai! You won’t regret it!

Vitamin C Boost: Sencha tops the chart here a it has more Vitamin C than an orange. Highly anitbacterial and antiviral. Rosehips and hibiscus are also full of Vitamin C.

Women’s general wellbeing: Jasmine flowers have been used as a relaxant for centuries in Asia. Drink it about a week before menstruation can help relieve the pain (or discomfort) during the monthly cycle.
What else can I do with tea?

Cooking: Japanese green tea powder (matcha) is a great way to start making tea dishes. Try adding a teaspoonful of matcha into your smoothie for a Vitamin C boost.

Fertiliser for your plants: Bury the brewed leaves in the soil to give you plant extra nutrients.
With so many great benefits, it’s easy to see why tea is popular no matter where you go in the world. It is simply great for your body inside and outside anytime, anywhere!

Photos and article by www.teas.com.au. Check out more information on tea drinking, tea recipes or simply grab some different tea to venture out from your usual tea repetoire at www.teas.com.au - open 24/7! Sign up for our monthly newsletter for more specials, tips & tricks. Wholesale and retail enquiries welcome. T: 02 9411 8529