With the summer heat and added thirst, it may be easy to eliminate tea from our list of summer drinks, but you may change your mind when you discover the wonders of green tea. First we need to dispel the myth that all tea is dehydrating. Certain teas can not only hydrate like water, but they possess amazing health benefits that have been known to protect our heart and bodies against some diseases with as little as 2-8 cups a day.
Green tea is my favorite with its antioxidants and flavonoids that studies have shown to protect against heart disease, plus vitamin C along with other vitamins and benefits. Matcha green tea is known to be much higher in antioxidants than other “green” teas. So how do we tell if our tea is one with many health benefits?
· Color – It should be “green”! If your green tea is brown this may indicate it has been highly processed which can destroy many of the nutrients.
· Organic – This ensures the tea has been grown without pesticides and other chemicals.
· Type of Tea – Some of my favorites are Organic Matcha or Double Matcha Green Tea, or Tulsi tea. These can be purchased in places like World Market, health food co-ops, Whole Foods, etc.
Not crazy about the flavor of green tea? Here are some tips for adding natural flavor to enhance your tea experience so everyone in the family can enjoy it.
· Summertime ice tea – When steeping your tea, add fresh torn spearmint leaves, zest from fresh orange rinds (or lemon, lime), then strain when done and put in a glass container in the refrigerator for ice tea! This adds wonderful flavor and you can choose your favorites.
· Combo tea – Another way to enhance the flavor is the steep with one of your other favorite organic teas to add other flavoring to it. This is a great way to make a unique, delicious ice tea.
· Green Latte – Yes, a Latte! This is a wonderful indulgence (without the guilt) I recently learned from a friend. Steep your tea, then froth some almond milk (or your milk of choice), add a little cinnamon, pour in your tea and you have a delicious treat without the added cost and calories of purchasing in a coffee shop! You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of nutmeg for a little more added flavor.
Resources for article:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/green-tea.html
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/03March/Pages/tea-compared-to-water-for-hydration.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21450118
