Well, it’s all happening again: the rain, the darkness and the turning back of clocks. All of this makes me want to snuggle up and feel warmth – preferably in the form of soups, stews, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and tea.
Tea, especially, is one of my favourite things with which to start the day.It’s great for so many reasons: In addition to helping you keep warm, it’s yummy, is a great alternative to coffee, and comes with some amazing health benefits.
But how did our love for tea begin? As much as we might like to think our grandmother invented teatime, it was, in fact, China that takes the glory. It started around 5,000 years ago – and totally by accident, allegedly, when a tea leaf fell into a cup of hot water that Emperor Shen Nung was drinking. Tea was first transported to Canada by the Hudson Bay Company in 1716, taking more than a year to get here.
Different types of tea have different health benefits, and there are many medicinal uses depending on the herb/flower/root/leaf. For example, dandelion root is great for your liver, lavender helps to induce sleep and relieve stress, and ginger soothes the digestive system. Tea is also among the best ways to add more fluids to your day. And if you're trying to break your coffee habit, replacing it with tea is one of the best ways to start.
Let’s take a look at some popular types of tea and their benefits to your health.
Black: Great for the heart and for oral health. It may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and can even be helpful for asthma.
Green: I’m sure most of us have heard at one time or another how great green tea is for you, but why? Well, I discovered that it helps to boost your metabolism and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and viruses – and, of course, it’s full of antioxidants.
Rooibos: Got a headache? Rooibos has got you covered. This naturally caffeine-free tea is great for your skin and hair, and has a high mineral content. Everything we need and want in tea form.
Herbals: Generally caffeine free, the endless varieties of herbal tea have medicinal properties, beautiful fragrances and delicious flavour.
Recipe: Coconut Chai Delight
Ingredients:
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 1 or 2 bags chai tea
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp honey
Directions:
• Bring all ingredients to a simmer in a saucepan. Serve hot. (Add Baileys if you're in that sort of mood.)
