Lets Spill the Tea
If you are anything like me, I LOVE all kinds of tea. Morning, noon and night, if it's offered, I am interested. However, the contents of those convenient tea bags might not be as pure and wholesome as you would think. Actually investigate, and you'll uncover a world of chemicals lurking within.
Numerous studies have shed light on the potential hazards of tea bags. According to research published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, many paper tea bags are treated with epichlorohydrin, a compound that can potentially form carcinogenic dioxins when exposed to water at high temperatures (Ahmed, 2013). Additionally, a study conducted by McGill University found that some tea bags contain nylon or polypropylene, which can release harmful compounds like BPA (bisphenol A) and microplastics into the brewed tea (Turner et al., 2019). Lots of big words there. In my experience, if it has words you cannot pronounce, then your body probably can't pronounce, let alone digest, them either. Hence the search for a healthier alternative!
Let me introduce you to your new best friend: loose-leaf tea.
Will drinking tea from a tea bag kill you? Probably not, but by making the switch, you not only rid yourself of harmful chemicals but also elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights. Loose leaf tea offers superior quality and flavor. This would suggest that loose leaf tea offers a more robust flavor profile and potentially greater health benefits. Getting the nutrients straight from the leaves allows for better absorption and a higher dose of nutrients versus what you would get from a tea bag, not to mention the stronger flavor profile.
While yes, this isn't something that will absolutely change your life, it is all about making the small changes to affect bigger change. Adding a daily herb count that fits your body’s needs into your routine is just as helpful as your daily supplement intake. See below for my daily tea intake:
Morning: Swap out coffee for a warm black tea (I like Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
Afternoon: Try a warm Green Tea to help suppress appetite instead of mindless snacking
Night: Lemon Ginger - This is not only soothing and delicious, but it will also help with digestion overnight to help keep things “moving”.
TEA CHEAT SHEET::
Green Tea - Good for appetite and caffeine. Rich in antioxidants like catechins, which may help in reducing the risk of certain cancers, improving heart health, aiding weight loss, and boosting brain function
Black Tea - Contains antioxidants that promote heart health, may improve gut health, and can enhance focus and alertness due to its caffeine content.
Oolong Tea - Known for its metabolism-boosting properties, aids in weight management, may help reduce the risk of heart disease, and contains antioxidants.
White Tea - High in antioxidants, supports healthy skin due to its anti-aging properties, may help in maintaining oral health, and could aid in weight loss.
HERBAL:
Chamomile - Promotes relaxation and sleep, reduces anxiety and stress, soothes digestive issues like indigestion and bloating, and may help with menstrual cramps.
Peppermint - Relieves digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and indigestion, freshens breath, alleviates headaches, and may improve concentration and focus
Ginger - Eases nausea and motion sickness, reduces inflammation and pain, aids digestion, boosts immunity, and may help alleviate menstrual cramps
Lemon Balm - Calms the mind and promotes relaxation, aids digestion and relieves stomach discomfort, helps in reducing stress and anxiety, and may improve cognitive function
Echinacea - Boosts the immune system, reduces the severity and duration of colds and respiratory infections, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and supports overall wellness
Hibiscus - Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, supports liver health, and may aid in weight management
Rosehip - High in vitamin C and antioxidants, boosts immune function, supports skin health and collagen production, aids digestion, and may alleviate joint pain.
