This week, I’ll be starting a series on the health benefits of certain liquids and foods that I have on a daily basis or often.

The first of the series is my favorite beverage and I consume it throughout the day- Tea. Here, within, are the health benefits of teas, the different kinds of teas, and some of the ways I enjoy my tea, including recipes. To your health and well-being.

The health benefits of tea.
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. Tea is not only delicious and refreshing, but also has many health benefits that can improve your well-being. Whether you prefer green, black, white, or herbal tea, you can enjoy a cup of tea knowing that you are doing something good for your body and mind. Here are some of the health benefits of tea that you may not be aware of.

▪ Tea can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. According to WebMD, black tea contains antioxidants called theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of high blood sugar. Green tea also contains polyphenols, which can help regulate blood pressure and prevent blood clots.
▪ Tea can protect you from cancer. The polyphenols in green and black tea have been shown to inhibit the growth and survival of cancer cells, according to a medical literature review. Tea may also help prevent DNA damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm your cells.
▪ Tea can boost your immune system and fight inflammation. Herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, and peppermint can help soothe your stomach, reduce nausea, and relax your muscles. They can also help your immune system fight off infections and inflammation, according to Cleveland Clinic. Ginger tea is especially beneficial for your gut health, as it can speed up digestion and ease indigestion.
▪ Tea can improve your sleep quality and mood. Some teas, such as chamomile and lavender, have calming effects that can help you relax and fall asleep faster. They can also lower your stress levels and improve your mood, which can prevent depression and anxiety. Tea can also stimulate your brain and enhance your cognitive function, thanks to the caffeine and amino acids in some varieties.

Tea is more than just a tasty drink. It is a natural remedy that can benefit your health in many ways. The next time you feel like having a hot or cold beverage, why not brew yourself a cup of tea and enjoy its healing properties?

The different kinds of tea.
If you are a tea lover, you might be curious about the different kinds of tea and their benefits. Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and it comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. There are six main types of tea, each with its own flavor, color, and health properties.

▪ Black tea: This is the most oxidized and strongest type of tea. It has a dark color and a robust flavor, and it can be blended with spices, fruits, or milk. Black tea may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress levels. I love black tea with lemon.
▪ Green tea: This is the least oxidized and lightest type of tea. It has a green color and a grassy or nutty flavor, and it can be steamed or pan-fired. Green tea may help boost metabolism, immunity, and brain function. Green tea is my favorite type of tea.
▪ Oolong tea: This is a partially oxidized type of tea that falls between black and green tea. It has a brown color and a floral or fruity flavor, and it can be rolled or twisted into different shapes. Oolong tea may help improve digestion, skin health, and bone density.
▪ White tea: This is a minimally processed type of tea that is made from young buds and leaves. It has a pale color and a delicate flavor, and it can be infused with flowers or fruits. White tea may help prevent cancer, diabetes, and aging.
▪ Pu-erh tea: This is a fermented type of tea that is aged for months or years. It has a dark color and an earthy or woody flavor, and it can be compressed into cakes or bricks. Pu-erh tea may help lower blood sugar, fat, and inflammation.
▪ Dark tea: This is a post-fermented type of tea that is similar to pu-erh tea but made in different regions. It has a dark color and a mellow or sweet flavor, and it can be shaped into balls or mushrooms. Dark tea may help detoxify the body, enhance digestion, and regulate weight.

These are some of the different kinds of tea that you can enjoy and benefit from. Try them all and find your favorite!

My favorite brands of tea include Harney & Sons (we make special trips to Millerton, NY or New York City to stock up) , Yogi, and Pukka. They all have a number of different flavors and combinations to choose from.

Lemon with tea
If you are looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, you might want to try adding some lemon to your tea. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and fight off infections. Tea, on the other hand, contains antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Together, lemon and tea can create a delicious and beneficial beverage that can improve your well-being.

To make lemon tea, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 cups of water
– 4 tea bags of your choice (black, green, herbal, etc.)
– 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
– Honey or sugar to taste
To prepare the lemon tea, follow these simple steps:
– Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.
– Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger brew.
– Discard the tea bags and stir in the lemon juice.
– Sweeten with honey or sugar as desired.
– Enjoy your lemon tea hot or cold.

Lemon tea is a great way to start your day or to relax in the afternoon. It can also help you stay hydrated and soothe your throat if you have a cold or a cough. Try it today and see how it can benefit you!

I will often use lemon essential oil instead of store bought lemons and when I’m in the mood for an Earl Grey tea, I will use bergamot essential oil.

Honey with tea.
Honey with tea is a popular and healthy drink that can help you relax and soothe your throat. There are many ways to make honey with tea, depending on your preference and taste. Here are some examples of honey with tea recipes:
– Honey and Lemon Tea: This is a simple and classic recipe that only requires lemon juice, honey, and hot water. It has a sweet and sour flavor that can refresh your senses and boost your immune system.

▪ Honey Lemon Tea: This is a similar recipe to the previous one, but it also adds some sugar for extra sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your liking. This tea is great for sore throats and colds.
▪ Ginger Honey Tea: This is a spicy and warming recipe that combines ginger, honey, and hot water. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion and nausea. Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the spiciness of ginger.

To make any of these teas, you just need to boil some water and add the ingredients in a mug. Stir well and enjoy your honey with tea!

My favorite summer beverage, iced tea.
Iced tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed all year round. It is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and some ice. Here are some tips on how to make perfect iced tea:
– Choose your tea. You can use any type of tea you like, such as black, green, white, or herbal. Each one has different health benefits and flavors.

▪ Choose your method. There are three main ways to make iced tea: hot brew, cold brew, and sun tea. Hot brew is the fastest and most common method, where you steep the tea in hot water and then chill it in the refrigerator. Cold brew is the easiest and smoothest method, where you steep the tea in cold water and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Sun tea is the most natural and nostalgic method, where you steep the tea in a glass jar and leave it in the sun for a few hours.
▪ Choose your flavorings. You can add sugar, honey, lemon, mint, ginger, or any other ingredients you like to enhance the taste of your iced tea. You can also make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water with your favorite infuser, such as orange zest, lavender, or vanilla bean. Be careful not to add too much sweetener, as it can mask the flavor of the tea and add extra calories.
▪ Enjoy your iced tea. Pour your iced tea over ice cubes and serve with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint. You can also store your iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Iced tea is a versatile and healthy drink that can quench your thirst and boost your mood. Try making your own iced tea at home and experiment with different teas and flavorings. You’ll never get bored of this classic beverage!

See you next week!