TEA : Benefits and how to enjoy it

Next to water, Tea is the most popular beverage in the world. It is widely consumed all over the world, and is the only beverage commonly served hot or iced, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion.

Tea has been very popular these days due to the proven benefits we can obtain from it. Some of its health benefits are the following :

Tea contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help us look young and protect us from damage from pollution.

Tea has less caffeine than coffee. Herbal tea has no caffeine, while traditional teas have less than 50 percent of what is typically found in coffee. That means you can consume tea without palpitations and other effects on the nervous system. Tea will give you a kick of energy minus the caffeine.

Tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. According to study, nearly 20 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack and a 35 percent reduced risk of stroke among those who drank one to three cups of green tea a day has been recorded.

Tea may soothe the digestive system. Herbal teas such as chamomile, can be good for people with irritable bowel syndrome because it is an antispasmodic while ginger teas can calm nausea.

Tea may help protect your bones. Teas like Moringa which is known for medicinal properties and is now quickly becoming a superfood; has more calcium than milk, as well as iron, vitamin A and K. Moringa tea is best to help keep the bones strong.

Tea may boost the immune system. Holy basil or tulsi tea has been used for centuries to help keep the immune system strong after injuries or illnesses because of its antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Now, who said tea is bad for pregnant mothers? In fact, herbal teas have been used by midwives throughout history to help with some of the negative symptoms associated with pregnancy and labor.

One of the best herbal tea for pregnant is the raspberry leaf tea. It is rich in iron and has also been used to strengthen the uterus, improve labor outcome and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.
It also increases milk production, decreases nausea, and ease labor pains. Many pregnancy teas contain red raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy.

As raspberry leaf tea is made from leaves and not fruits, it sometimes tastes awful especially to pregnant women who experience Dysgeusia or a change in their sense of taste due to hormonal changes.

Here are some tips on how to make raspberry leaf tea taste better.

Make the tea, chill it and drink it with loads of ice. You may also add slices of oranges or lemons to make it more refreshing.

You may also try to add a peppermint tea bag or fresh mint and a large spoonful of honey. Serve cold, so you can swig it.

Others enjoy raspberry leaf tea by diluting a little dash of blackcurrant juice and serve it hot.

How about you? Do you have a specific kind of tea to recommend? How do you want it served to give it a more relaxing and refreshing taste?