Steamy Solutions – Herbal Teas
Herbal Teas are becoming more and more popular. With so many teas on the market now its time to know which tea is for what. Here is a quick breakdown…
White Teas
White tea is the purest and least processed of all teas. This loose leaf tea has very little caffeine and brews a light color and flavor. White teas also contain healthy antioxidants and are the best for skin and complexion.
Green Teas
Green tea is the most popular type of tea, mainly because it is the beverage of choice in Asia. Some loose green teas are scented with flowers or mixed with fruits to create scented or flavored teas. This tea has only 5-10% the caffeine in coffee per cup. Green teas contain healthy antioxidants. They help maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, are good for skin and teeth, and can be used as part of your diet to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Oolong Teas
Oolong tea, also known as wu long tea, is full-bodied with a flavorful fragrance and sweet aroma. It is semi-fermented, which gives it approximately 15% of the caffeine in one cup of coffee. Most people commonly recognize oolong tea as the Chinese tea served in Chinese restaurants. Oolong teas can be a healthy part of your weight loss plan.
Black Teas
Black tea is the tea most people know since you likely grew up dipping tea bags of black tea in your cup (or enjoyed this tea from an iced tea pitcher in the South). Black tea is fully fermented, so it has approximately 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Black teas help maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, as well as helping to maintain cardiovascular function and a healthy circulatory system.
Herbal Teas
Herbal tea does not contain any leaves from the Camellia plant family, so it is sometimes referred to as a tisane. Herbal teas can be broken into three categories: rooibos teas, mate teas, and herbal infusions. Herbal infusions consist of pure herbs, flowers, and fruits. Herbal teas are typically caffeine-free (except Mate teas) and most are rich in vitamin C. They can be delicious hot or iced.
Rooibos Teas
Rooibos tea, or red tea, is made from a South African red bush. This premium tea is a healthy source of vitamins and minerals; it also contains antioxidants. Naturally caffeine free, Rooibos teas help promote digestion, support your immune system, and promote healthy skin, teeth and bones. Rooibos teas can be delicious hot or iced.
Mate Teas
Mate tea is considered the coffee lover's favorite tea. Made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant, mate teas give the same energy as coffee without the jitters. They also may curb your appetite and contain 21 vitamins and minerals.
Blooming Teas
Also called artisan or flowering teas, these teas actually 'bloom' as they steep. They are hand tied by tea artists and often include some type of flavor or scent along with the beautiful design. These romantic teas make a great gift for your significant other!
Tea Blends
Tea blends often have the best of both worlds since they combine more than one type of premium tea. Mixing teas in a blend is one of the best ways to get great flavor along with great health benefits.
