The Tea That’s Best For Me
The tea question I’m most often asked is “What’s the best tea?” There is, of course, the issue of what “best” means. Best can mean price, flavor, overall quality or, most often, the tea that provides the most health benefits. Surprisingly, the answer is the same irrespective of the meaning of “best”. The tea that is best for you is the tea you enjoy drinking.
My tea philosophy has always been that life is too short to drink bad tea. That includes “bad” as in poor quality and tea that tastes bad to you. No one should have to suffer through a cup of tea! Many of our customers come in convinced that they must drink green tea because that’s “the best tea”. True, green tea is very high in antioxidants but the flavor does not agree with everyone. If you can force yourself to down one cup of green versus enjoying a pot of black tea you are getting about the same amount of antioxidants plus the health benefits resulting the peace and pleasure of a half hour’s relaxation with a favorite tea.
There is also a more complex, involved way of looking at tea if the aim is not just the pleasure and flavor of it. Different types of teas do offer different health benefits and certain people should not or cannot consume certain types. White teas for example are reported to have the highest levels of antioxidants (with the exception of matcha tea) and are also very good for protecting the health of your mouth and your heart. Oolong teas have been shown to help those with eczema and psoriasis. People intolerant to caffeine or suffering from kidney stones may want to consider a rooibos tea.
If you have specific concerns about your health as it relates to tea drinking discuss them with both your health provider and your tea supplier. There are literally thousands of different types of teas available and a very good chance that at least one of the will suit both your health needs and your palate.
I look forward to hearing about your life with tea and answering any tea related questions you may have.
Yours in tea,
Maria Sparsis
Tags: antioxidants, health, kidney stones, matcha, rooibos, tea, white tea
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
What is the best tea for menopause symptoms?
March 7th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Thank you for getting in touch Cindy. There are a number of symptoms associated with menopause and a variety of herbs is used to treat different symptoms. Ideally you want to use a blend of these herbs that will work synergistically to alieviate the majority of your symptoms. At Tea and Chi we use a blend that seems to work well for a lot of people called “Age of Wisdom”.
It contains:
Chasteberry: Used to alleviate menopausal complaints and to treat sexual neurasthenia.
Black Cohosh: Used to suppress LH secretion without effecting FSH and to reduces hot flushes and psychological distress. Also used to relax the uterine tissues.
Sage: Used as an anti-hypertensive, perspiration inhibitor. May help reduce hot flushes. Acts on the central nervous system.
Dandelion root: Used as an aid in dyspepsia and to prevent, UTIs, and support the liver and gallbladder.
Red clover: Very high in isoflavones
Ginseng: Used to improve cognitive function, antineoplastic, antioxidant, to increase stamina, reduce fatigue and to aid in concentration.
Roman Chamomile: Acts on CNS. Used to reduce aggressive behavior and to reduce inflammation and dyspepsia.
Schizandra: Used as an anti-inflammatory, tumor inhibiting compound and to increase physical performance.
Raspbery leaf: High in flavonoids. Used to protect the cardiovascular system.
Fennel: Used to stimulate gastro-intestinal motility.
Ginger: Used to stimulate the immune system and tone the intestinal tract. Anti-inflammatory.
Cocoa Bean: Besides the obvious, it is used to stimulates cardiac muscle performance and acts as a mild muscle relaxant.
Rooibos: Used to controls sugar levels, high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Birch Bark: Used to protects kidneys and bladder and to reduces pain.
Peppermint: Aids in liver and gallbladder dyspepsia
I hope this helps and should you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me again.
All the best
March 27th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Which green tea helps with weight loss?
March 29th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Thanks for getting in touch Greta. In theory, any green tea should be suitable as an aid to weight loss. To me, the formost factor is to find a green tea that you like and to learn how to brew it properly. If you hate the tea you chose you won’t stick with it and if you don’t brew it properly it will be bitter and will have to be sweetened which would negate the point of drinking the tea in the first place. Start by locating a reputable tea merchant with a decent selection of loose leaf teas. Naturally flavoured green teas are often more approachabe for beginner tea drinkers and they are just as beneficial. Make sure the tea is fresh and then follow your nose. Chances are very good that if you like the aroma of a tea you will like the taste. Find out the best, practical way for you to prepair the tea you’ve chosen. Green teas typically only need 1-3 minutes of steeping time and water around 175 F. Higher temperatures or longer steeping time will result in a bitter brew. I would also encourage you to concider iced tea since it is often easier for people to consume larger quantities of cold beverages than hot. Also,soda, juices and other cold, sweet drinks is often where a lot of empty calories come from. Another thing to concider is choosing a caffeine free dessert substitute tea or after dinner. Something along the lines of a cup of “Tiramisu Rooibos” or “Carrot Cake Rooibos” can take the place of a “bite of something sweet” after dinner without keeping you up all night.
All the best with your efforts