Archive for August, 2010

Is Black Tea as Healthy as Green Tea?

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

When considering the many health benefits of tea, green tea is usually the focus of researchers’ attention, as it has proven to be a well-rounded beverage that can aid in cancer prevention, weight loss, and many other areas of concern. However, green tea is not actually the most popular tea worldwide despite its many perks. Black tea is the most widely consumed tea, and because of its popularity, researchers are starting to examine the many health benefits of this variety and are finding pleasantly surprising results.

The most common benefit we see from green tea is a high content of antioxidants, which aid in cancer prevention and the neutralization of free radicals. Before further research was conducted, many experts and consumers assumed that, because black tea is dried and fermented unlike green tea, it loses cancer-fighting properties. This myth has now been abated by further research and has established that black tea does have a high content of polyphenols, or antioxidants, just like green tea, and therefore, can also help in fighting the development of cancer cells. Though this fact can seem surprising at first, we should remember that all tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, and the true difference in the varieties has to do with when they are picked and how they are processed, not their biological composition. It actually makes sense, then, that black tea would have many of the same natural properties as green tea that contribute to good health.

Black tea is also great for cardiovascular health, as it promotes optimal function of blood vessels and reduces the presence of bad cholesterol, or LDL. In improving blood flow, the benefit gained is a lessened risk of heart attack or stroke, which is amazing, considering this benefit comes from simply drinking black tea consistently. Furthermore, black tea can slow the absorption of blood sugar into the body, leading to a reduced risk of diabetes with regular consumption. Another interesting fact is that black tea promotes good dental health, as tea contains fluoride that can prevent cavities.

Lastly, black tea contains a significant amount of caffeine and thus helps in boosting the metabolism just as green tea or coffee does. Raising your metabolism directly correlates with personal weight loss, and though green tea has held bragging rights regarding this benefit for many years, we are now finding that black tea can serve the same purpose and also provide an excellent early morning beverage. With all the health benefits to be gained from drinking a cup of strong, flavorful black tea, why hesitate in selecting it over a cup of green tea? Overall, tea, no matter how it is processed, is a healthy beverage to enjoy, so feel free to indulge!

To find your new favorite black tea, visit our catalog for an amazing selection of premium, loose leaf varieties.

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The Shared Zen of Haiku and Tea

Friday, August 20th, 2010

In Japanese culture, there is a long standing tradition of artistic expression derived from nature, simplicity, and reflection.  Showing reverence for the fleeting nature of life mixed with tranquility and harmony are principles derived from the Buddhist concept of Zen, and these ideas are magnified in the treasured art of haiku.

As an articulation of the regimented and formal lifestyle once prevalent in Japan, the haiku emerged in its current form in the late 19th century.  It is composed of three lines, each carrying the syllabic pattern of 5-7-5, respectively.  Just as metered verse was utilized by William Shakespeare to give a rhythmic flow and structure to his prose, haiku also uses its own unique, strict form in a way that is ideally balanced and recognizable, but exposes the philosophy behind the art form.  Haiku is deliberately simple to awaken the reader’s spirituality and self-reflection by describing a passing moment in nature that can be celebrated by the individual.  The poem itself is also unrhymed and asymmetrical, which is believed to be a Zen-like expression, as symmetry is a formed and humanized concept that does not accurately reflect natural beauty.

The Tea Ceremony is another example of a Zen-like tradition that is articulated in Japanese culture, as the impermanence of the gathering is emphasized, and the ritual is strongly structured, but meditative.  Asymmetrical objects are placed sparsely throughout the tea room, and purposefully off center, to allow reflection and appreciation of their beauty.  The haiku is sometimes used in tea ceremonies to accompany the ritual as the philosophy behind both is based in the same ideals of peace, thought, and personal insight.  Much like a natural, pure cup of tea can lead its drinker to ponder the hidden complexity and depth, a haiku can be savored and contemplated in the same way for a spiritually satisfying experience.

Join us in our Zen quest by participating in Teaflection’s weekly haiku competition where we fuse our love of haiku, tea, and reflection with a bit of fun!

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Herbal Tea as Medicine

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Every tea drinker knows that there are wonderful health benefits associated with the famed green, black, and white tea varieties, but there are other types of ‘teas’ that are utilized more frequently for their medicinal properties—tisanes, or herbal teas. A fine herbal tea can function just as an herbal supplement would for those seeking a homeopathic remedy for an ailment, and they are steadily growing in popularity for this reason.

The main difference between herbal teas and other, true tea varieties is the plant from which they originate, as all tea (no matter what color describes it) comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, herbal teas are actually made from the leaves, roots, and flowers of other plants and added to boiling water to create an infusion. Based on the medicinal results for which you are searching, you can use various tisanes to relieve discomforts and ailments, or simply enjoy the unique and diverse flavors created by the highly contrasting infusions.

For example, a personal favorite of mine in the herbal tea sector is red ginseng tea, though it is definitely not because of the taste. The flavor is distinct, but a bit too earthy and astringent to be wholly enjoyed for its flavor profile. However, the reason I have grown to love red ginseng tea is because of the burst of energy and clarity that results from drinking it, as well as the profound benefits it bestows upon the immune system.

Thankfully though, not all teas that are good for you have to necessarily be unpleasant. Blackberry and raspberry teas have a wonderful aroma and taste while aiding the digestive system. Other delicious teas that are great for stomach issues are ginger tea, which alleviates nausea, and chamomile for its soothing properties.

If you are looking for a great tisane to help with headaches, poppy tea and rosemary tea are excellent sources of relief, and St. John’s Wort can ease any accompanying stress and anxiety. There are even tisanes that help clarify skin, like dandelion tea, which also provides general detoxification benefits. With the plethora of options available, there is an herbal tea to accommodate any discomfort or illness an herbal supplement can pacify, so the next time you feel a headache or stomach ache coming on, try a delicious tisane infusion, and enjoy the relief.

For a great selection of fragrant and soothing herbal teas, visit our catalog of premium, gourmet varieties.

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The Unique and Healthy Yerba Mate

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Though Yerba Mate has been held in high regard by South American cultures for centuries, this prized, and surprisingly healthy, non-tea is now gaining popularity in North America. Yerba Mate was originally discovered in the region that extends between Brazil and Argentina, including Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and has been traditionally utilized as social drink in this area. In the same sense that friends in the U.S. grab a cup of coffee together, South Americans prepare a gourd of Yerba Mate to enjoy in a group, and the activity of drinking it together is a notion of endearment and hospitality.

Even though it is technically a species of holly, Yerba Mate is still classified as a tea, but a surprising fact is that this super-beverage is actually healthier than green tea. Because of its high caffeine, vitamin, and mineral content, Yerba Mate is a nutritious drink that can boost your metabolism, sharpen your concentration, and prevent cancer cell formations, which is a function carried out by antioxidants. No wonder energy drink companies are now adding Yerba Mate to their products!

To prepare your very own, delicious cup of Yerba Mate, sans the gourd, you can make a beverage called “Mate Cocido,” which is prepared in the same way as conventional tea, with a few alterations. First, you want to put the Yerba Mate in a tea ball infuser and rinse it with cold water before preparation. Then, you steep it in water that is hot, not boiling, as it produces a bitter taste if the temperature is too extreme. Then, simply sweeten with sugar or honey—you can even add milk if you like. To make your Yerba Mate experience authentic, make sure to enjoy this beverage with friends and family, and keep the South American tradition of hospitality surrounding this beverage alive.

If you need your very own Yerba Mate, make sure to visit  our catalog, and order a 1/2lb or 2lb bag.

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