By substituting tea for your morning coffee, you could be taking a major step to improving your health. In fact, tea is considered to be one of the main "superfoods" which have been shown to prevent heart disease and cancer while promoting overall longevity.
The teas that come from the Camellia plant-which include black, white, green, and oolong-possess an extremely high antioxidant count. This means that tea has healing properties that help to rid your body of the cancer-producing compounds called free radicals. In fact, research shows that people who drink tea regularly have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol. Additionally, studies hint that tea may even prevent certain types of cancers.
Not only does tea improve our physical health, but it can also keep us feeling happy and calm. Herbal teas, particularly chamomile and cardamom, have been used as sleep aids and to promote a sense of tranquility. While herbal teas are not actually teas at all (they are a blend of herbs, spices, and other botanicals), they have been shown to be very effective in treating emotional disorders such as depression and reducing stress levels.
Catechins, a powerful type of antioxidant, are the secret behind the extraordinary health benefits of tea. Essentially, the longer you let your tea bag steep, the more antioxidants you will obtain. Try to let your tea steep for three to five minutes before indulging. So the next time you get the urge to guzzle a cup of coffee or bottle of soda, reach for a cup of tea instead. Your body and soul will thank you!
Try visiting your local health food store or natural food market to see if they have the organic loose tea.