10 Teas to Try This Winter
If cooler temps have you seeking out something warm to sip on, try swapping your usual cup of joe [...]
If cooler temps have you seeking out something warm to sip on, try swapping your usual cup of joe for a spot of tea. There are so many different kinds to choose from, all full of flavor and loaded with health benefits. It's no wonder the Brits can't live without it. Try one of these varieties and pretty soon you'll be hosting tea time like a regular Lady of London.
Matcha
By now, you've probably heard how good green tea is for you. It's full of antioxidants that protect your body from clogged arteries, heart disease and cancer. It's even been shown to prevent the formation of plaque in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer's. Matcha is basically green tea on steroids. It's a concentrated powder made from ground green tea leaves, so it has even higher amounts of antioxidants. Instead of steeping leaves, you can drink Matcha by mixing the powder directly into hot water. Because it's concentrated, it also contains about three times more caffeine than regular Green tea, so sip on it in the morning or anytime you need a quick energy boost.
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Oolong
This traditional Chinese tea is made from the same plant as green tea; it's just slightly more oxidized, giving it a flavor that's stronger than green tea, but still milder than black tea. The antioxidants found in Oolong combined with its caffeine content can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories for up to two hours after drinking it. It also contains a high amount of polyphenols--micronutrients that help your block fat-building enzymes, so sip on Oolong to help keep your waistline trim.
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White
Also derived from the same plant as green tea, white tea is made from the youngest, freshest leaves giving it a milder, sweet flavor. It's less processed than green and black tea, leaving it with a very high antioxidant content. According to a recent study, drinking white tea regularly may help protect your body from certain types of cancer. It also has very low amounts of caffeine, so if you're trying to avoid the jitters, this type of tea is a great choice.
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Rooibos
Also referred to as red bush tea, Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) comes from a plant that only grows in the region around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The smoky, sweet flavored tea is naturally caffeine-free and contains aspalathin, an antioxidant that helps reduce stress. Make a cup before bedtime to help you unwind from your day.
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Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea has a tart flavor profile, similar to cranberry, so it's best served with a spoonful of sugar. It's a great source of immune boosting vitamin C. Sip on some throughout cold and flu season.
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Echinacea
A Native American medicinal plant, Echinacea is also believed to be an immune system booster. Keep some on hand for when you feel a cold coming on.
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Dandelion Root
Follow up a weekend of over-indulgence with Dandelion root tea. It contains both diuretic and liver-detoxifying properties. Its flavor is earthy and can be slightly bitter, so you might want to add sugar to this one as well.
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Lemon Balm
Fix a cup of lemon balm tea when you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It's believed to have calming effects and it's also caffeine-free, so it's perfect for bedtime.
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Peppermint
Peppermint tea is often used as a natural remedy for indigestion, so sip on some after your next big meal. It also acts as a decongestant, making it a great choice if you're battling a cold.
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Ginger
Another stomach soother, try drinking ginger tea if you're experiencing nausea related to motion or morning sickness. It can also come in handy if you've just logged in an intense workout. Studies have shown that ginger consumption may reduce the daily progression of muscle pain.
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