Monday Challenge:
Have you had a cuppa today?
Cuppa is a British term meaning simply “a cup of tea.”
Tea has so many health benefits to it that there is no debating its advantages for your well-being. Tea contains polyphenols that help lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
White, green, matcha, and black tea all have a compound call theanine which your body does not make. Theanine has been linked to increase dopamine and serotonin so it may help you better regulate stress. It is also connected to better focus and cognitive function, improved sleep and even weight loss.
Have you tried match tea? Matcha is essentially ground up green tea leaves. It is very rich in antioxidants, including a unique type of antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are not commonly found in other foods. One cup of matcha tea has the antioxidant equivalent to ten cups of green tea and six times as much antioxidant as goji berries. These antioxidants can help boost immunity, fight infections, slow down the signs, of aging, fight cancer, and even help prevent chronic disease. That’s one powerful cuppa!
What about caffeine? Different varieties of tea have different levels of caffeine. Black tea has the most caffeine while tea and green tea have lesser amounts. The caffeine in tea can provide just the right boost of energy unlike a strong cup of black coffee which might make you feel a bit jittery. Experiment with different varieties to find which works best for you.
You can also enjoy herbal teas which don’t have caffeine. Herbal teas are an infusion of herbs, fruits, flowers, and/or spices (they don’t actually contain “tea leaves”). Herbal teas have historically been used as a method to enjoy the effects of medicinal herbs.
New to herbal teas? Here are some you can try:
Chamomile Tea: has a calming effect and is frequently used as a sleep aid and can also help reduce symptoms of PMS
Peppermint Tea: used to support digestive tract health but also has antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Ginger Tea: most well known as a remedy for nausea but also help fight inflammation and stimulates the immune system.
Hibiscus Tea: a brightly red colored tea known for its antiviral effects and has also been shown to help with high blood pressure
Echinacea Tea: popular for helping boost the immune system and fighting off the common cold.
Rooibos Tea: widely used for medicinal purposes in South Africa, may help with bone density, lowering blood pressure, and beneficial to cholesterol.
Sage Tea: supports cognitive function along with mood, mental function, and memory.
Lemon Balm Tea: known for its pleasant scent, may also improve elasticity of the arteries and the skin, and improve blood lipid levels.
Rose Hip Tea: high in vitamin C and may also help with inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Passionflower Tea: used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep
The best way to enjoy your tea is by drinking it plain. Add sugar to your tea and you’ll offset all the health benefits. Sugar is linked to so many health problems and artificial sweeteners pose other health risks so just learn to sip your tea slowly and enjoy the experience Leave out the milk – studies have shown that the milk protein, casein, negates the healthful effect of tea.
Note: sweetening your tea with a whole food, such as dates ground up in the blender can be a nice treat. Plant milks like soy milk and almond milk do not have the same effect as dairy milks. You can use plant milks and dates to create a wonderful tea treat like this Green Tea Latte from Chef Katie Mae:
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons walnut pieces
3–4 Medjool dates, pitted
1 teaspoon chia or hemp seeds
1 teaspoon matcha powder (more or less to taste)
1¼ cups hot water
DIRECTIONS: Add all ingredients to a blender. and blend until creamy. Pour into a mug and sip joyfully as you nourish your body!
Your challenge this week is to have a cuppa everyday. Experiment with herbal teas for your specific health concerns
What types of tea are you interested in trying?
Post in the comments below and let me know.
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