It’s Teatime Somewhere

Health & Exercise

By Denisse Rauda | bio | contact

The benefits of tea far exceed those you’ll find in an average cup of morning coffee. The power of teas is apparent by the way people throughout the world are using them. They’re popping up in new and interesting ways and they are almost always listed alongside a bevy of health benefits. They’re even found in some of the most effective beauty products!

When brewing the optimal cup of tea, attention must be paid to temperature, steeping time, proportion, and form. “The temperature is very important when brewing tea and varies for each type of tea,” says Kinley Pon, owner of Kinley’s Coffee House said. To achieve the full-range of flavors in a more natural state, Pon prefers whole leaf teas, which is what Kinley’s serves. Stick to organic brands, if possible, to avoid added chemicals and pesticides.

Teahouses are catching onto the tea craze and to the many benefits that teas have to offer consumers. Check your local grocer’s aisle for teas that have been blended and engineered for your specific needs.

cups The benefits of tea far exceed those you’ll find in an average cup of morning coffee. The power of teas is apparent by the way people throughout the world are using them. They’re popping up in new and interesting ways and they are almost always listed alongside a bevy of health benefits. They’re even found in some of the most effective beauty products!

Green Tea

Green Tea is likely the most popular of the mainstream teas. It’s clear or yellow tint is produced by allowing leaves to dry without oxidation. Rich in antioxidants, green tea is shown to trigger detoxification, relieve stress, jumpstart metabolism and promote healthy digestion. For green tea, the optimal brewing temperature is between 160-165 F.

Try This: Matcha Green Tea drinks, China Green Teas

Kinley’s Coffee House suggests: Jasmine Green Tea

White Tea

The youngest and lightest of the teas, white tea is made from young tea leaves plucked before blossoming. Commonly infused with fruit flavors such as blueberry or raspberry, white tea has been shown to prevent pneumonia and strep throat and to trigger detoxification. A study out of Oregon State University found that white and green teas share a detoxifying quality that helps the body rid itself of carcinogens. For white tea, the optimal brewing temperature is 180 F.

Try This: Berry-infused White Teas, Cucumber White Tea

Kinley’s Coffee House suggests: Shou Mei Tea

Herbal Tea

Also known as Tisanes, herbal teas do not necessarily come from tea plants. Instead, they are usually made with herbs, dried fruit pieces, and edible grasses. Herbal teas are used for their healing, calming and soothing properties. Chamomile tea, for instance, is commonly used in Hispanic households to calm anxieties and stomach aches and is made of brewed chamomile flowers. If you’re having circulation or digestive issues, try Cinnamon Herbal tea. Looking for caffeine effect without the caffeine, Pon suggests trying a ginseng-infused tea like Ginger Ginseng. For herbal teas, the optimal brewing temperature is between 150-155 F.

Try This: Cinnamon Tea, Spearmint Tea, Ginger-Ginseng Tea, Chamomile Tea

Kinley’s Coffee House suggests: Peppermint Rose Tea

Oolong Tea

The tea world’s very own hybrid, Oolong tea, crosses the drying and oxidation processes of both black and green teas. With a sweet, fruity flavor, this tea is currently undergoing trials to test its effects on weight loss and metabolism. Oolong tea is also often used to help ease the symptoms of hypertension. For oolong tea, the optimal brewing temperature is between 180-190 F.

Try This: Ginger Peach Oolong Tea, Jasmine Oolong Tea

Kinley’s Coffee House suggests: Wulong Tea

Black Tea

Black tea is the most traditional of the teas. Shown to reduce strokes and cortisol [stress-triggered body fat] levels, this amber-colored tea is produced through fermentation and drying leaves until oxidation occurs. If you’re suffering from indigestion, Pon recommends China Black Tea. For black tea, the optimal brewing temperature is between 195-205 F.

Try This: English Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey

Kinley’s Coffee House suggests: China Black Tea

Sweetener

The sweetener you add can also have an effect on the tea and its benefits. If possible, avoid adding sugar, as this will bump up the calories. Try alternative sweeteners like Splenda, Stevia, or honey. Despite its popularity, the addition of milk to tea has shown to cause a reduction in the tea’s antioxidants. Honey and lemon are good options because they add vitamins rather than take them away.