5 Teas You Need to Drink and How to Make Them
Tea has been around for thousands of
centuries, and there's a good reason why. Numerous studies show that
traditional tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves is not only a
soothing warm drink, but it may also help ward off cancer, type 2
diabetes, and arthritis.
This brew was once considered an official
medicine in ancient Chinese culture. While it is still a component of
today's herbal remedies, these days you'll find hundreds of different
teas that are said to fight various diseases. Warm tea has also been
proven to stimulate the digestive system as well as boost immunity, ease
stress and enhance physical endurance.
Sip on the five teas below to help boost your health:
1. Oolong tea
Health benefit: weight loss
According to research, drinking oolong tea may give your metabolism a
boost and increase the body's energy levels. This lightly fermented
black tea can help you shed a few pounds by increasing the number of
calories you burn. While the reasons for this aren't completely known,
scientists think the caffeine and flavanols, typically found in black
and green teas may work as fat-burning agents. This tea is often served
in Chinese restaurants. It's got a sweet and fruity taste that is good
served both hot or cold. One serving generally yields around 75mg of
caffeine, about half the amount in a cup of coffee. So, whether you are
looking for a little pick-me-up or something to supplement your weight
loss regime, steep some of this tea.
Here's How: Place 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of oolong tea in a pot or
cup, either directly or in an infuser. Pour 6 ounces pre-boiled water
over the tea leaves. Steep anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes.
2. Peppermint and holy basil tea
Health benefit: liver protection and immunity
This minty tea is refreshing and can be enjoyed steaming or chilled. The
peppermint will help relax the stomach, while the holy basil (tulsi) is
a super herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Deemed the mother
medicine of nature, tulsi has a broad array of healing property ranges
from preventing infections to taming anxiety. Numerous studies show that
holy basil can also protect the liver and kidneys from damage caused by
ingesting pesticides and industrial chemicals, sometimes found in
fruits and vegetables.
Here's How: To make the tea, boil the water and pour a teaspoon of holy
basil leaves. Allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Holy basil pairs well
with other extras including a blend of herbs such as peppermint, lemon
or ginger, or a dash of honey!
3. Rhodiola tea
Health benefit: improved endurance and exercise recovery
If you suffer from anxiety, Rhodiola tea is a great place to start.
Studies have also found it to increase endurance and quicker exercise
recovery time. The tea doesn't contain caffeine so it will leave you
feeling energized without suffering from an energy crash later on. Its
flavor is subtle, with hints of rose.
Here's How: Once the roots are dried and ground, 5 grams of finely
chopped Rhodiola root can be steeped in hot water. If you have a
steeper, you can prepare the tea with that, if not, pack tea bags with
the root. The water should be hot, but the roots should not be exposed
to temperatures higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can damage the
active ingredients in the root. Usually, the tea is left to steep for
extended periods of time.
4. Seaweed tea 
Health benefit: essential mineral boost
While you may have eaten seaweed before, have you ever given much
thought to drinking it? Seaweed offers the broadest range of minerals in
comparison to other food. It contains thyroid-protecting iodine,
immune-boosting vitamin C and energizing iron. Brewing it will enable
you to take advantage of its nutritional benefits. It also contains
about 60 trace minerals essential for the human body. Regular intake of
seaweed maintains hair health and promotes growth.
Tip: Your best bet would be to find edible seaweed tea from a health
store and follow package instructions.
5. Apple cider vinegar tea
Health benefit: blood sugar control
Apple cider vinegar has been used for just about anything. It can be
used to eliminate blemishes or to lose weight, alongside many other
things. It has been touted as a natural cure-all and perhaps one of its
biggest perks is that it can lower blood sugar when consumed with
starchy foods, making it a helpful tool for those managing type 2
diabetes. One drawback is that it's highly acidic and may possibly
damage your tooth enamel. For this reason, it's best diluted with water,
and preparing it as a tea.
Here's How: Combine and stir 1 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons apple cider
vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon
cinnamon and a dash of cayenne.