How to Choose the Right Tea for Your Needs
Tea is arguably the most widespread beverage across the world, being second only to water. In many Asian countries, drinking tea is an integral part of their culture and traditions, a one-of-its-kind ritual surrounded by ancient legends. However, the health benefits of tea are not a myth. Quite on the contrary, the “magical” powers of this amazing drink are confirmed by numerous studies run in different parts of the globe.
Nowadays, more and more people recognize the advantages of incorporating tea into their daily life, often replacing with it some of their coffee doses. The great thing about tea is that it comes in so many varieties and tastes that one just never gets bored with this drink. It can be consumed hot and cold, flavored and spiced up, or even serve as the base for a wide range of other beverages.
The diversity of this plant sometimes can be a bit confusing, especially for relative newbies to the world of tea, but if you want to make the most of your teatime, it’s very important to understand which type can cater directly to your needs. Without further ado, here is how to choose the right tea for your demands.
To Slim Down
Over recent years, green tea has become an incredibly popular weapon in the fight against excessive weight. Indeed, it is unrivaled when it comes to boosting metabolism, curbing the appetite, and speeding up the body’s fat-burning process. All sorts of green tea are rich in catechin, which is in charge of all of the aforementioned benefits but the caffeine content may vary from one type to another, therefore to figure out the best green tea for you, decide on whether you want it to be rich or low in caffeine. While on a diet, you will have to drink several cups of tea a day, so if you do not plan to quit coffee, then stick to hojicha which won’t significantly increase your caffeine intake.
To Boost Your Day
If you are one of those who can’t start the day without a decent dose of caffeine but for different reasons look for a safer alternative to coffee, then opt for a hot cup of aromatic white tea in the morning. This type of tea is produced from very young leaves, which makes it an absolute champion among teas when it comes to caffeine content. Even though the majority of people think that black tea has the highest level of caffeine, it is not true, and believe it or not, the white variety is the one to be a substitute for your espresso. In addition to that, white tea is also rich in antioxidants known as great helpers in reducing the risk of heart diseases.
For Quality Sleep
Stress and screens are an inseparable part of the modern lifestyle, as well as the main reasons for problems with quality sleep. If you find it pretty challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep, do not hurry to swallow another over-the-counter or prescription sleep drug but rather try a cup of chamomile tea close to bedtime. You will be surprised how effective this natural remedy is, helping you relax, get rid of anxiety, and bad thoughts. Just a heads up, for the best results, eliminate all screens (including TV) and bright lights at least one hour prior to bedtime and try to be in bed before 11 p.m. Other teas that have a calming and relaxing effect are lavender, valerian root, and lemon balm, but chamomile should be your #1 choice.
For Hot Summer Days
Despite what many people think, hot beverages are great in the hot weather and bring more benefits to your body than ice-cold counterparts. People who live in warm climates have always taken advantage of hot tea to prevent overheating and dehydration. During summer, a cup of green tea flavored with lemon or ginger can become a real game-changer – try it and see for yourself! By the way, an ancient Indian recipe of masala tea is another great way to pass the sizzling days – spice up black tea with cinnamon, nutmegs, and cloves, add some milk and enjoy not only a delicious but also refreshing drink.
The world of tea is very rich and diverse, bursting with a plethora of flavors and a wide range of health benefits. Whatever your needs, you will easily find your perfect match, all the more so, drinking tea is like an exciting adventure full of unexpected twists and turns, precious moments, and unique experiences.