Written By Madeleine Jennings
In the fast-paced world we live in, taking time out for a cuppa can make the world of difference to your health. Here’s Go Vita’s top tea picks.
The popularity over the last few decades of herbal teas made from ingredients like calming chamomile or soothing peppermint has given rise to an even greater range of tea types. No matter what your taste, now you’re sure to find something that suits you, with the added bonus of it being good for your health. And taking time out from what you are doing to fill the kettle with water, then waiting for it to reach boiling point, allows you the opportunity to contemplate and reflect, or just switch off mentally and think nothing at all.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Flavour profile: Mildly spicy
Health benefits: This anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-viral relieves digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Also eases arthritic pain and helps control cholesterol levels. Beneficial for circulation and healthy brain function.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Flavour profile: Mildly nutty
Health benefits: An anti-catarrh that expels wind and eases coughs. It also supports the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s used to treat constipation. The hemp seeds (from which the tea is made) have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy heart and brain function.
Berry
Flavour profile: Light and fruity
Health benefits: Full of vitamin C and antioxidants that support the immune system and help boost memory. Açai berries are very high in anthocyanins, antioxidants associated with lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation and relaxing the blood vessels.
Matcha green tea (Camellia sinensis)
Flavour profile: Slightly bitter
Health benefits: Full of antioxidants that prevent free-radical damage. Green tea is caffeinated, so it helps you stay alert. It also contains L-theanine, a compound thought to relax the brain, reduce tension and alleviate symptoms of depression. Matcha is more concentrated than standard green tea, it contains EGCG which has been shown to boost metabolism, burn calories, boost mood and contribute to anti-ageing.
Rooibos or ‘red tea’ (Aspalathus linearis)
Flavour profile: Light and refreshing
Health benefits: Good for easing indigestion, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Useful for infants with colic. Also helps relieve eczema and other allergies. It contains no caffeine, so can be consumed plentifully throughout the day. It is high in quercetin, an antioxidant, beneficial to the heart, bones and immune system. Also helps to relieve stress and nervous tension.
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