It is impossible for me to get going in the morning until I have enjoyed a cup of warm tea. Coming from someone who doesn't even drink soft drinks or coffee, tea is the perfect mellow alternative (with a lot of added health benefits). So, lets hash out some of the best benefits of tea consumption!
Health Benefits of Tea Consumption
Whether your favorite blend is herbal or not, the consumption of tea has a lot of health benefits. If you are new to tea consumption, be sure to check out our shop to explore some blends! Whether you are new or seasoned, you might still be wondering what the difference between herbal and normal tea is (and this is important for our questions about health as well). By definition, the term tea refers to a drink made from infusing crushed leaves of a tea plant into water. Herbal tea does not contain tea leaves and is typically caffeine free.
Here is the difficult part, every tea blend can have different benefits. Herbal teas containing lavender, for example, can help with anxiety while loose leaf black teas have been shown to improve heart health. To learn more about a specific blend, it can be helpful to search for individual benefits of each ingredient.
Let's Look at Some Ingredients
Tea is diverse and there is something for everyone so it is no surprise that every blend can impact health in different ways.
1. Rooibos
As my personal favorite, I felt the need to discuss the awesome Rooibos plant first! Rooibos is an herb native to Africa. It comes from a shrub and displays a beautiful red color when dried. It has a long list of benefits including weight loss assistance, help with pain, skin benefits and so much more. One of the best things about this plant is that it is naturally caffeine free but tastes similar to real tea making it an awesome alternative for folks working to avoid caffeine.
2. Black Tea
Black tea, a fine refreshment with a delicate yet bold flavor making it among the world's most popular. Now I know what you are thinking, "Isn't black tea supposed to be bitter?" The answer is, yes... and no. Black tea is something that can have either an intense or mellow flavor depending on the length of time it is brewed. When brewed properly it can be used as a sweet or savory beverage. While caffeinated, black tea is known to be one of the highest in antioxidants, may lower blood sugar and may prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
3. Elderberries
They may look juicy and delicious, but don't be fooled, the elderberry can cause an upset stomach if consumed raw! If you don't feel like cooking up some fresh elderberries every time you need an immune boost, try an elderberry tea blend instead! When dried, this berry packs in all the nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect addition to your morning tea. As a superfruit, elderberries have a whole host of benefits including immune and digestive support, improved kidney and heart health and benefits to memory.
4. Lavender
With a lovely smell, lavender buds can be the perfect calming addition to tea blends. When you need to relax and unwind, its presence in a blend can be extremely welcoming. As a relative of mint, lavender has a fresh but mellow taste, plus it is high in vitamins and minerals making it both pleasing and healthy!
5. Safflowers
As a relative of the sunflower, safflowers are bright and cheery. Surprisingly, they have a lovely vanilla flavor that makes them both sweet and delicious. When you are feeling under the weather, grabbing a blend with safflowers can help with fever, headache, coughing and inflammation.
6. Licorice Root
If you prefer tea with a tangy but sweet flavor, look for licorice root! An ingredient commonly used in herbal teas, blends with licorice can help with indigestion as well as improve oral health.
7. Cloves
To close out our exploration of some tea ingredients, let's take a look at cloves. If you have ever eaten southern style pumpkin pie or apple butter, I'm sure you have tasted these loveable flower buds. This ingredient provides a spicy kick to blends, giving them an enjoyable, uplifting flavor. Cloves also provide antibacterial effects and can promote better bone health.
To Close...
No matter your health goals, there is a tea that can fit right in. Caffeine or no caffeine, anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial, sweet or savory: tea is something that everyone can enjoy. There are thousands of ingredients added to even more tea blends and each can provide incredible health benefits. So... what are you waiting for? Go find a blend that is right for you and your health!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and don't forget to check out our shop to explore our favorite blends (though we may be a little biased :)
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