Water is the most consumed liquid in the world. And what is the second most you can ask? TEA! A staggering 80% of households in the US have tea, which is consumed by more than 158 million Americans each year, and 50% of the US population daily. Most of the world’s tea is grown in mountainous regions thousands of feet above sea level, nutrient-dense soils. According to the Tea Association of America, the most popular tea producing countries are Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Taiwan. Very convenient and quick to produce, tea offers tons of types, flavors, and health benefits.
Tea is a healthy drink that is almost calorie-free and contains no salt, fat, or sugar. Tea has vital flavonoids and antioxidants, which help eliminate dangerous toxins that can cause many chronic diseases. There are many types of teas, and some of their many health benefits are listed below:
Black tea: freshens breath, contains polyphenols and antioxidants. Helps with plaque, dental problems, and weight loss.
Chamomile: From Daisies, it helps with sleep, skin conditions, stomach problems, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), dark circles around the eyes, and PMS.
Ginger: reduces inflammation, intestinal bloating and aids digestion.
Ginseng: increases libido in both men and women, increases sperm count and is good for erectile dysfunction
Green– Helps curb hunger, is a great immune booster, reduces inflammation and can help dementia
Licorice root: very sweet to stop sugar binges, anti-inflammatory and soothes sore throats
Nettle– Helps prevent allergies and hay fever, common colds, and itchy eyes
Oolong: accelerates metabolism; burns fat, can reduce weight by blocking fat-forming enzymes
Passionflower: helps with anxiety, calms the mind
Mint– Relieves constipation, improves intestinal motility and helps with stomach aches
Valerian root: good for insomnia and people who have trouble sleeping. Drink before bed
White: contains polyphenols and antioxidants; fights aging and wrinkles. It also helps protect against colon cancer. It reduces inflammation and is good for weight loss.
Yerba mate: packed with antioxidants and vitamins; contains mateine, to help fight fat and increase energy.
One of my favorite tea recipes is called Oooss Juice (due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties):
- Use a 2-4 gallon pot made of high quality stainless steel that retains heat
- Boil a gallon of water; Add half a pound of sliced ginger and squeeze out a little lemon juice; boil slightly for five minutes; to turn off
- Add 2-6 organic green and white tea bags; let stand for 30-60 minutes, then remove
- After 4-12 hours, strain the ginger, place the juice in a glass jar and chill in the refrigerator; drink cold or reheat
A brief history of tea and the role of the United States: According to the Tea Association of America, tea was first used by the Chinese 5000 years ago, Britain and India revolutionized the tea trade. The United States made its mark on tea history by inventing the “tea bag” and “iced tea.” Americans consume about 80 billion servings of tea per year, 85% of which is in the form of iced tea. On an average day, more than 50 percent of Americans drink tea. Low in caffeine and calories, research studies have shown:
- In a large study, adults who drank two cups of green tea a day lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease by nearly 25%.
- One study showed that tea drinkers have a 40% lower risk of colon cancer compared to non-tea drinkers. Men benefited from a 70% decrease in colon cancer risk when they drank more than 1 to 2 cups of tea per day.
- A recent article showed that 30,000 adults who drank three or more cups of tea a day had a nearly 70% reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
- Drinking tea has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD), improve muscle mass, which can help prevent osteoporosis, combined with exercise with weights.
- According to the 2007 Scientific Symposium on Tea and Health, theanine, an amino acid found in green and black tea, may help prevent age-related memory decline and Alzheimer’s.
- The University of Maryland published research showing that green tea and black tea can help prevent atherosclerosis.
- Drinking one or more cups of green tea per day showed a marked decrease in the risk of tooth loss and plaque, due to its antibacterial properties.
- A Chinese study recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46% to 65% reduction in the risk of hypertension in regular green or oolong tea users, compared to non-tea drinkers.
Drinking tea has a host of health benefits. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, has a variety of flavors and types, and it’s so tasty! Drinking freshly brewed hot tea should be considered part of the regular diet.