What do you drink in the morning?
A few years ago I was so addicted to sodas and coffee, and everything else but water. I realized that I could go weeks without having a sip of water. As a result, I gained weight, was feeling tired, sleepy, had no idea what I was doing wrong. One day a friend of mine pointed out, that if I quit drinking soda and start drinking water, I will lose at least 11lb (5kg). So I did. I quit drinking soda and it worked!
What do you drink during the day? What is the first drink you have every morning? I say: WATER, WATER and WATER. But what to do, when crave for some flavor in your glass? My suggestion- go for a cup of TEA.
So today I want to talk about healthy tea choices.
Tea is loaded with antioxidants that have been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cancer. All tea comes from the same source- the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. Whether a tea leaf winds up in a cup of green, black, or oolong tea depends entirely on what happens after it is plucked. So here is what I found:
White tea
I love it’s light, sweet flavor. White tea contains more polyphenols, the powerful anti-oxidant that fights and kills cancer-causing cells, than any other type of tea. A 2004 study at PaceUniversity concluded that white tea can help your body’s immune system fight off viruses and dangerous infection-causing bacteria.
Green tea
Green tea has a “grassy taste”, but for all the good it gives, it’s totally worth drinking. It has powerful cancer-fighting antioxidants, alkaloids, increases immunity, is known to help with weight loss. It’s hydrating and calorie free. Green tea contains various vitamins like A, D, E, C, B, B5, H and K. It is a rich source of Manganese and has many other beneficial minerals as Zinc, Chromium and Selenium. It contains caffeine, but the caffeine content of green tea is very low compared to other sources of caffeine.
Oolong tea
The taste is a little odd, but you get used to it after a few cups. Health benefits of oolong tea are doubled because of combined qualities of black tea and green tea. Oolong tea is known for reducing chronic bodily conditions such as heart diseases, inflammatory disorders, providing vital antioxidants, reducing high cholesterol levels, promoting superior bone structure, robust skin and good dental health. It is considerably low in caffeine and extremely relaxing to drink. It’s also known for increasing metabolism and stress management.
Black tea
The most commonly served tea in United States. Black tea is low in caffeine and sodium. Reduces cardiovascular problems and bountiful in antioxidants. Is offered in a wide variety of flavors.
Hearbal tea
Did you know that herbal tea is not a tea at all?! It’s created with herbs, roots, spices, and flowers. Herbal teas make for wonderful, fragrant, low calorie and relaxing drinks. Each herbal tea has its healing powers. Let’s look at some of them a little closer:
Nettle tea fights anemia, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, coughs and colds, congestion, urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder problems.
Chamomile tea soothes the stomach and relieves bloating and indigestion. It also calms the mind and helps people relax and deal better with their stresses. Some people are allergic to chamomile and should avoid taking the tea. People who find it hard to go to sleep should drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed. Chamomile is known to fight insomnia by relaxing the body and the mind, enabling the person to fall asleep naturally.
Ginger tea works as an energizer and a stimulant, also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint tea helps digest food, fights nausea, brings down the severity of herpes outbreaks, controls muscle aches, chronic pain, mild cough, asthma, congestion, reduces stress.
Lavender tea treats bowel infections, upset stomach, reduces fever, helps heal wounds, cuts, ulcers.
Hibiscus flower tea is known to reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol level, strengthens immune system.
Cardamon tea. If you have had too many cups of coffee, drink a couple of cups of cardamom tea to help detoxify the caffeine from your system. Drinking a cup of cardamom tea is helpful for women who experience mood swings during their menstrual period.
Rosehips tea. Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health and adrenal function. Consider reaching for rosehip tea next time you need a health boost.
Now you have an idea about healthy tea choices and tasty substitutes for soda.
Chose the one you like and get healthy!
FitAli
FitAli 