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Tea is for Therapy

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When you hear someone say tea, you are bound to picture that wonderful, aromatic concoction made from milk, sugar and tea leaves. Have you ever felt a slight amount of guilt for loving this enchanting drink when the rest of the world is telling you it is unhealthy? Tea has evolved so much over the centuries from the first time when it came to India, that its original shape and taste is only restricted to additives and the harmful effects of the additives are attributed to tea.

Does it feel like we’ve forgotten the true meaning to tea, which as per Merriam Webster dictionary is – “an aromatic drink, prepared by soaking the part of various plants (such as leaves or roots) and is used medicinally or as a beverage!’’

Here I am enlisting a few authentic teas which have some magical benefits on your health!

Tea for Daily Therapy

1. Wake Up Call Tulsi Tea
Tulsi or holy basil is one of the most sacred herbs in India, also known as “queen of herbs”. Chewing on a few Tulsi leaves is beneficial for you! Imagine sipping on hot Tulsi tea in the morning! The antioxidants in Tulsi Tea clean your body off all the accumulated toxins after the wear and tear which happens during deep sleep.

Its metabolism booster effect helps in optimizing your fasting blood sugar levels while anti-cortisol action is great to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, making you ready to welcome the day with a super refreshed and rejuvenated mind!

How to Brew: Take a cup of water in a saucepan. Add 2-3 Tulsi leaves and bring it to a boil till the water absorbs its colour and flavor. After about 2-3 minutes, strain the tea and sip it hot! You can add honey and lemon for more added flavor and nutrients.

2. Mid-Morning Green Tea
Known as one of the world’s healthiest drinks, we are aware of the numerous health benefits of green tea and how it boosts the metabolic process. But do you know that there are some specific times in a day when green tea can do more harm than benefits?  For example, drinking green tea early morning on an empty stomach can increase the acidic environment in the gut or very close to the meals, when the tannins present in it can hamper the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, proteins from the food. An ideal time to drink this elixir is mid-morning, around 2 hours after your breakfast or 2 hours after lunch.

The natural antioxidants, catechins, which make about 30% of green teas’ nutrient content protect the body from cell damage, and prevent the occurrence of a variety of cancers and degenerative nerve cell disorders like Alzheimer’s.

How to Brew: Pour hot water over loose tea leaves or teabag. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Three minutes for mild flavor, five minutes for a robust full flavour as per your taste.

3. Afternoon Black Tea
Afternoon, around 1-2 hours after lunch is the time when we crave for tea the most. The feelings of dizziness, lethargy, sleepiness, heavy headedness all attack the body together and the need for an instant stimulant is unavoidable. At that time, ditch the harmful additives altogether (milk, sugar) and go for pure, super brain stimulant black tea. L-theanine, the amino acid present in tea increases alpha activity in the brain, resulting in relaxation, better focus and alertness. Black tea is also found to have positive effects on heart health by reducing the levels of LDL – the bad cholesterol when taken consistently.

How to Brew: Pour hot water over a tea bag or boil 2-3g of tea leaves with one cup of water. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the flavour you prefer. Strain it and sip to enjoy the rush of energy!

4. Before bed Chamomile Tea
This is one of the best non-caffeinated drink which you can have at bedtime. Chamomile is a herb which comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family which have been used for centuries to reduce inflammation, anxiety and treat insomnia. The best time to relish this naturally sweet tea is 30 minutes before bedtime, as the antioxidant ‘epigenin’ present in it binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain that may decrease anxiety and cause mild sleepiness. Some studies have found it effective in positively reducing the anxiety during the postpartum period.

How to Brew: Pour hot water over tea bag or infuser. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Add in the flavour of your choice like lemon or mint leaves if needed and enjoy the calmness.

Tea For Home Remedies

Let’s see some age old remedial teas from our grandma’s kitchen!

1. Lemon Honey Tea for Cold and Sore Throat
It is one of the most popular drinks, especially in winters, which instantly soothes a sore throat and reduces congestion. Lemon helps in reducing congestion because of its anti-inflammatory action, while honey helps in soothing the throat.

How to Brew: Add the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon of organic honey to one cup of hot or warm water and drink instantly!

2. Ginger Tea for Nausea
The active components present in ginger i.e. Gingerol and volatile oils have been found to be effective in reducing nausea caused by pregnancy, chemotherapy or post-surgery. It can also help in calming down the symptoms of motion sickness like dizziness, vomiting and cold sweats.

How to Brew: Add 3-4 slices of peeled, raw ginger in one and half cup of water and let it boil on medium heat for 10-20 minutes, depending on how strong you want it. Remove from heat and add in lemon and honey as per your taste.

3. Peppermint Tea for Bloating
Peppermint is one of the most widely used herbal tea all over the world as a home remedy for various health conditions. It is sometimes known as ‘stomach healer’, as it is known to soothe various gastrointestinal ailments, including stomachache, heartburns, bloating, indigestion and diarrhoea and to promote healthy digestion. It is particularly effective after a meal if you experience heartburn or at the onset of stomach problems.

How to Brew: Add fresh (preferably) or dried peppermint leaves to boiling water. Steep it for 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves, drink it warm and not scalding hot.

Did you find this article helpful? Want to know more about different types of teas and their benefits? Click here! If you try any of these teas, do share your experience with us in the comments below!

#BeTheForce 

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The Magic of Indian Masala Chai

Masala Tea

The word Chai actually means tea in English and Russian. In India, it is also known as Masala Chai. More appropriately, it means spice blend. Tea has become a daily part of Indian life. It is now a key element of our culture which has spread throughout the world. Masala Chai is an everyday drink in most parts of India. It is common for Indians to delight themselves with 2 cups of it per day.

In almost every street corner and even office space, you will find a Chai Wallah (tea vendors) who prepares this traditional beverage. They prepare this rich Masala Chai over an open fire in small stands and stalls and serve it in clay tea cups called Kullarhs.

Well, you can prepare it yourself! This may be the right tea for you, to give you the strength and energy during the day and to take you on an amazing ride through the world of Indian tea. Let’s prepare it together! Have a look at our Masala Chai benefits, recipe and get your ingredients ready.

Some amazing Benefits of the Indian Masala Chai

  1. Improves Digestion: The spices used in Masala Chai help in regulating the digestive system. It also helps in keeping your gut healthy. A spice like Ginger aids digestion by improving circulation and delivering oxygen to organs so they can perform optimally.
  2. Supports the Immune System: It is known to strengthen the immune system and keeps common infection at bay. It helps provide relief when infected with common cold and cough.
  3. Improves Heart Health: Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in Masala Chai, helps lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Drinking Masala Chai can prevent cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly over long periods of time.
  4. Relieves Aches and Pains: The spices found in Masala Chai can alleviate common aches and pains. These health benefits derive from the anti-inflammatory properties of many of the ingredients in it, specifically ginger and clove.
  5. Reduces Nausea: Spices like Ginger and Cardamom are well known for their ability to reduce nausea and seasickness. Masala Chai soothes an upset stomach and alleviates stomach pain associated with nausea.
  6. Boosts Energy: It is a wonderful experience having a hot cup of ‘Masala Chai’ after a hard day’s work. Caffeine is a natural stimulant in Masala Chai which boosts energy and gives you the kick which you need to start your day.
  7. Boosts Metabolism: Tea is known as a heat generating food in Ayurveda. It helps speed up metabolism. Ingredients like ginger, clove, black pepper and cardamom helpincreaset loss and increases the metabolism of the body in a short period.
  8. Contributes to Reduce Sugar Levels: Ingredients used in Masala Chai such as clove, cinnamon, and cardamom helps in preventing diabetes by increasing the insulin sensitivity of the body and lowering one’s blood sugar levels.
  9. Relieves PMS: It can be your best friend to fight the symptoms of PMS the natural way. Ingredients like ginger, clove, and cardamom work as natural painkillers when you are experiencing period pains. It calms your nerves, keeps you in a good mood and relaxes your muscles.

Authentic Masala Chai Recipe (Serves 2 cups)

Masala Chai ingredients

Ingredients

  • Water: 1 cup
  • Milk: 1 cup (organic whole milk, almond milk, oat milk)
  • Black tea/ loose leaf: 1 ½ teaspoon
  • Jaggery Powder: 2-3 teaspoons (more or less) or maple syrup, honey, brown sugar
  • Clove: 2-3
  • Cardamom: 2
  • Cinnamon: ½ stick
  • Peppercorns: 3-4 (optional)
  • Ginger: 2 slices or crushed
  • Star Anise: 1 (optional)

How to prepare

  • Lightly crush cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, star anise, and peppercorn and add in boiling water
  • Add black tea/leaf and boil it for 2-3 minutes
  • Add sugar and milk
  • Bring it to simmer twice or more
  • Turn off the heat and strain it into your favorite mug
  • Your Masala Chai is ready!

A common myth is that green tea has more health benefit than black tea.  This is simply not true. It is because all tea (Black, Green, and White) comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, they offer the same benefits. The spices which we have used in our Masala Chai are well known in Ayurveda for many health benefits.

  • Ginger is anti-inflammatory and improves digestion, prevents and manages stomach ulcers, protects against symptoms of cold and flu, and stimulates blood circulation. It also reduces blood cholesterol by improving liver function
  • Cinnamon has Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial properties. It helps in lowering LDL cholesterol and has a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardamom is considered as a kidney cleanser. It is known to enhance appetite, improve digestion and provide relief from acidity in the stomach. It is also considered beneficial to the urinary tract system
  • Cloves are well-known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. They’re also known to heal ailments of the digestive system and promote good digestion as well as metabolism
  • Black Pepper is a powerful anti-oxidant. It improves digestion and promotes intestinal health. It is an effective remedy for respiratory conditions including colds, coughs, and flu
  • Star Anise aids digestion, alleviates cramps and reduces nausea. It also helps in preventing constipation, supports good sleep, promotes bone and skin health.

So, add the ingredients mentioned above in your regular tea to make it a complete Indian Masala chai. Do share your experience in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

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Know about the Caffeine in your tea?

 

Tea pix (2)

We live in a country where our day starts with a cup of tea or a conversation starts with a cup of tea. Tea is offered to every guest who comes at home. In offices or any workplace, we just grab a cup of tea when we feel tired or exhausted. Tea is the most consumed beverage in India at present. But, is your tea making you healthy or is it making sick?

Many Indians have a habit of having tea as soon as they finish their meal. Let me start with saying while there is no harm in consuming tea, when you consume is what matters.

Tea contains “CAFFEINE” which is a psychoactive drug. It inhibits calcium, iron, vitamin D, zinc, copper, manganese and many other nutrient absorption. When you consume food along with tea all the micronutrients that are essential for the body are not absorbed and are directly excreted in urine. Milk should be ideally consumed as plain milk without flavours.

Evidence also suggests that caffeine may lead to harmful effects on health. It may interact with satiety and is also associated with stress levels in individuals. Caffeine may have an adverse effect on insulin-dependent glucose uptake, irrespective of obesity, type 2 diabetes and exercise, heart rate and blood pressure. The risk of myocardial infarction with caffeine is higher in present or past smokers. Caffeine may increase blood pressure, the risk of negative cardiovascular consequences and may enhance stress responses in men as well as women. If combined with a high dosage of sugar, may cause obesity and overweight.

Caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and respiration, and other side effects.

This is one of the major reasons 80% of Indian population especially women are osteoporotic. The main reason is they are deficient in calcium and vitamin D. When you mix milk with tea powder you are mixing calcium and anti-calcium ingredient together.

Your body requires at least 2 hours to digest your food. An ideal time to consume tea is 2 hours before and 2 hours after you consume your meal. The same implies to coffee or any beverage that contains caffeine.

How much caffeine is present in your tea?

There are many factors influencing caffeine levels in tea, including brewing time/ temperature, tea grade, and tea varietal.

Tisanes or “herbal teas” (including many of Celestial Seasonings’ “teas”) are usually caffeine free. Similarly, teas blended with other ingredients (such as mint green teas or masala chai) will often have lower caffeine levels than unblended teas. Most studies show that black tea has between 40 and 120 mg caffeine per eight-ounce serving. Decaf black tea usually contains about two to ten mg of caffeine.

The information below comes from a very interesting article on tea and caffeine by Bruce Richardson, who has been instrumental in debunking caffeine myths surrounding tea.

Each seven-ounce cup of tea was steeped for three minutes.

  • Assam Black Tea (FTGFOP Grade) – 86 mg
  • Bai Mu Dan / China White Tea – 75 mg
  • Chinese Ti Kuan Yin Oolong- 37 mg
  •  DarjeelingAutumnal (SFTGFOP1 Grade)  Darjeeling White Tea – 56 mg
  • Indian Green Tea – 59 mg
  • Kenyan Green Tea – 58 mg
  • Ceylon Black Tea (OP Grade) – 58 mg.

Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, a day appears to be safe for a most healthy adult. Bringing desirable change in this habit may make a lot of difference in your health.

 

 

 

 

 

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