A few years back, I came to discover a love for tea. It started innocently enough with a really bad tasting, plain, bagged green tea. Super revolting, and truly, I only drank it again because someone had recommended it as a part of a healthy routine.
But I’d be lying to you if I didn’t confess that the same pricey box of tea bags sat in the pantry for, like two years or something before I finished them. Not really doing much for my health that way! Ha!
And then a neighbour recommended this little loose leaf tea shop, where you could sample and buy any amount of tea that you wanted to try! They even had fancy sample kits with things like chocolate flavours, and everything! (NOW we’re talking!)
Around the same time, I had seen a clip from Dr. Oz outlining the benefits of the different types of teas, and why you would include them in your daily habits. Never one to just take the TV’s word for something (even if it did come from a Doctor lol), I decided to do a little research on my own.
And as it turns out, tea really is good for you ;o)
So many teas… so little time!
One of the first things I noticed when I started visiting tea shops was just how many varieties there are! It’s crazy! 435 variations of white tea, 764 variations of herbal… and on the list goes. How the heck is anyone to know which ones to buy?!? I mean, sure you can sit and smell every single can – but I doubt they’d have the patience for that!
So I thought, given the lack of spare time I seem to have, my sheer disdain for shopping malls (where the little shops like these typically hide), and because the descriptions of the teas on a good website are perfectly written so that I get a good idea of what I want (without the whole sniff-every-can thing) – why not try online?
And then, tea drinking all came together for me! I could slowly browse each tea type and available flavours, choose the ones that I wanted, and then the postal service brings it right to my door and I never have to think about it!
But, in order to know which tea flavours to start looking for, it helps to know what teas you should really try to drink, and why. And every tea has its own benefits, but here are the 4 that I swear by…
Morning Pu’erh Tea
Super awesome tea! It’s gonna give you the kick of coffee that some of us need in the morning, without having to go all out with coffee. Not only that, it has so many health benefits beyond what you’d get from coffee. Mmmmm
Here’s a great excerpt from www.life-enhancement.com:
In recent years, studies investigating health benefit effects of Pu-erh tea have shown effects on antioxidant, anticancer, lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, and improving bacterial flora in the intestines.
Pu-erh tea has become best known, however, for its ability to inhibit an enzyme complex called fatty acid synthase (FAS), which is linked not only to obesity but also to cancer (elevated levels of FAS are found in a wide variety of human cancers). This suggests that Pu-erh could be an anticancer agent as well as an effective weight-control agent—especially if used in conjunction with a low-glycemic-index diet and a program of regular exercise. (See “Fighting Fat with Pu-erh Tea” in the July 2007 issue.)
Woah! We need this in our life right now!
Here are a few of my favourite flavours you can try:
- Aztect Spice (Art of Tea)
- Coconut Cacao (Art of Tea)
- YMY 1690 Pu-erh Tea (Stash Tea)
Lunch Time White Tea
This one is my most favourite tea. There are lots of flavours of white tea, but I really like a lightly fruity flavours – light, slight flavour, and just an overall feel good.
And to top it all off, check this out from www.theteatalk.com:
The health benefits of white tea include weight management. White tea has caffeine, which may enhance weight loss, and white tea’s high levels of antioxidants can help to boost your metabolism and curb your appetite. Even better, research about white tea and weight loss has shown that white tea can prevent new fat cells from developing and encourage the breakdown of fat in existing fat cells, as well.
Here are a few of my favourite flavours you can try:
- White Peach (Art of Tea)
- White Coconut Crème (Art of Tea)
- Royal Yellow Tea (Stash Tea)
Anytime Green Tea
Ok, so this is the one that I always have on hand. In fact, I’ve been out of the other ones for a few weeks and waiting to put in my next online order, but I’m waiting until my can of green is gone.
Green tea is so damn good for you, so you should try to have it every day. I try to have a full pot every single day. Regular green tea is ok, but I’m not a super fan of its base flavour. But with the added flavours, well, my life changed! Lol.
From www.authoritynutrition.com:
Green tea is the healthiest beverage on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other incredible benefits.
Here are a few of my favourite flavours you can try:
- Moroccan Mint (Art of Teas) *My FAV is the mint flavoured… just s hint…
- Green Pomegranate (Art of Teas)
- Kashmiri chai green tea (Stash Teas)
Bedtime Herbal Tea:
At the end of an insane day, sometimes you just need something to help shut off your mind. Herbal tea is just the thing. There are quite a few herbals that I like, but only a few that keep me coming back for more!
And to end the day, it’s got some great health benefits for you – from www.theteatalk.com:
For centuries, people in every culture have used herbs and spices to enhance the taste of food and drink – and to help and heal their bodies, as well. Passed from generation to generation, the wealth of information about the healing powers of herbs and spices for our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual selves continues to hold true today.
Herbal teas (which are also called ’tisanes’) are simple, effective, inexpensive, caffeine- and drug-free ways to enjoy the taste and benefits of herbs and spices.
Here are a few of my favourite flavours you can try:
- Herbal Earl Grey (Art of Teas)
- Ginger Mint digestion tea (Stash teas)
- Ruby Mist herbal tea (Stash teas)
And there you have it! Check out a couple of my favourite website, browse their many flavours, and maybe order a sample pack. Then, sit back, sip, and let the health benefits start rolling in!
