IMPORTANCE OF WATER FOR TEA BREWING

 A cup of tea contains 99% of water. Good table water is a great asset for tea brewing and it should be odorless, tasteless, colorless, and should be free from chemical and biological contamination. water for brewing tea should be in the PH of 6.5-8.5.

 Studies have shown that the type of water used for brewing tea, especially those from the plant Camellia sinensis (green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea)  affects greatly the sensory properties of green tea and also mildly for black tea when using tap water for brewing tea. Also, when tea was brewed with deionized water it results in greater extraction of bitter catechins and double Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in tea.

Water can affect the color, taste, flavor, and overall quality of tea during brewing. Tea leaves have gone through much intensive labor during production and can be ruined by improper brewing caused by bad water due to its delicate nature.

Chlorinated water, desalinated water, or water that has been severally boiled are not good enough for brewing tea and should not be used.  A contaminated teapot can affect your enjoyment of good tea as much as using bad water. Water for brewing tea should be free from calcium and magnesium, these minerals cause TEA CREAM and TEA SCUM.

Tea cream is a reaction between caffeine and tea flavanols that results in precipitate matters which occurs when the tea cools down. Tea scum is a film that is composed of calcium, hydrogen carbonates, and other organic materials that form on the surface of the tea.

Tea drinkers who drink tea for its health benefits should source for a more purified water source such as spring water, bottled or deionized water for brewing tea.

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BEST 10 HERBAL TEAS TO STOP STOMACH BLOATING AND AID DIGESTION.

Digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and indigestion can cause several illnesses such as colorectal, stomach, and esophageal cancers. the risk of reducing the effects of these digestive problems can be alleviated by some herbal teas because of their nutrition and chemical composition. Some of these teas are green tea, ginger tea, peppermint, black tea, chamomile tea, chai tea, Pu Erh tea, dandelion root tea, senna tea, turmeric tea and  purple basil tea

Peppermint tea: peppermint contains antiseptic properties and it is considered a stimulant.it is effective in treating digestive pains caused by gas colic, gallstones, gingivitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. it may also increase the flow of bile from the bladder. Peppermint is also known to have an effect on the salivary, gastric, and pancreatic secretion and the terminal digestive enzyme present in the mucosa of the small intestine. due to its inflammatory properties, it can calm stomach pain and aid digestion.
Ginger tea: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a herbaceous tropical perennial plant, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. due to its composition of phenolic compounds such as gingerol, paradol, shoal, zingerone, and zerumbone. it has medicinal properties of being antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor. It contains vitamins and minerals such as protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, thiamine, niacin, ascorbic acids, potassium, and riboflavin. studies have shown that regular intake of ginger increases gastrointestinal movement and also accelerates gastric emptying and reduces dyspepsia.

Dandelion tea: Dandelion is a plant from the family of Asteraceae and Genius taraxacum. it contains different chemical compositions on its leaves, flowers, stems, and roots. The root is found to contain carbohydrates (inulin) carotenoids (lutein), fatty acids, minerals, and sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) it is found to be rich in Vitamin A, D, E, B, and C. an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial plant which helps to improve digestion and acts as a diuretic and laxative herb.

Green tea: green tea contains a polyphenolic compound with catechins(EGCG) which gives it the ability to help the gastrointestinal tract to function properly. Research has shown that regular consumption of about 2-3 cups of green tea daily is associated with a reduction in the risk of colorectal, stomach, and esophageal cancers.

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BEST TEAS TO SUIT YOUR MOOD

The mood is a feeling or a person's state of mind at any particular time, one can be in a mood at any given time. whatever mood you find yourself be it tense-nervous, irritated-annoyed, excited-lively, cheerful-happy, bored-weary,gloomy-sad, relaxed-carefree, and calm -serene mood, there's a tea for you.

Teas are meant to suit your mood and elevate you from your worst mood to a better mood. Teas have the ability to give you the best mood that is good for your health.

when you find yourself bored and weary teas like Chamomile, Lavender, Passionflower, Valerian, Green tea, Chai, Oolong, Black, and Yerba mate tea will help to relax and energize you to give a refreshing mood.

when you find yourself gloomy/sad teas like Chamomile, Ginseng, Lemon balm, Peppermint, Lavender, Saffron, Turmeric, and Roobios will alleviate your depressive mood and give you an exciting, happy and relaxed mood.

when you want to be in Adventurous mood teas like Earl Grey, Black tea with Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, and Rose tea will take you to adventure.

when you want to be refreshed and rejuvenated teas like Black tea, Earl Grey, Blood orange eucalyptus, and Pure Darjeeling tea will help out.

when you want to calm your nerves teas like Moroccan mint, Green tea, decaffeinated Black tea, Chamomile, Green tea with Jasmine, and Pure Peppermint tea leaves will give you that serene mood you need.

when you are lack focus teas like Black tea, Ginko Biloba tea, and Peppermint tea will give you a concentrated mind.

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BEST HERBAL TEAS THAT WILL MAINTAIN YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE .

Blood pressure is the force exerted on the large blood vessels of the circulatory system, it can be systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heartbeats and the muscles are contracting and pumping oxygen-rich blood ) and diastolic blood pressure( pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscles relax). blood pressure can be altered by some risk factors like diabetes, obesity, due to unhealthy lifestyles like physical inactivity, too much alcohol, and an unhealthy diet. This can result in low or high blood pressure. Both extremes are not good for health and have led to death. normal blood pressure is  120-80mmhg. 

High blood pressure has different stages stage 1: SBP(Systolic blood Pressure ) 130-139 mmHg DBP(Diastolic blood pressure )80-89mmHg  while stage 2: SBP ≥ 140mmHg DBP ≥90mmHg

High blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney failure, and dementia.

 To regulate and maintain adequate /normal blood pressure of systolic under 130mmhg and diastolic under 90mmhg. it is essential to maintain your body with proper nutritious herbal teas like Hibiscus teas, Chamomile tea, Cardamon tea, Black tea, Cinnamon tea, Ginseng tea, Ginger tea, Burdock, Black cumin tea, Black plum, Moringa tea, Oolong tea, and Green tea. daily drinking of these teas will help to maintain normal blood pressure.

 

GREEN TEA: Green tea (Camellia Sinensis) contains amino acids such as theanine,5-N-ethylglutamine, glutamic acid, tryptophan, glycine, serine, aspartic acid, tyrosine, valine, leucine, threonine, arginine, and lysines .carbohydrate such as cellulose, pectins, glucose, fructose, sucrose, minerals and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, cobalt, strontium, nickel, potassium, aluminum and also it contains trace amount of lipids(linoleic acid) sterols(stigmasterols), vitamins (B, C, E)Xanthic bases (caffeine and theophylline) pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids)and volatile compounds (aldehydes, alcohol, ester, lactones, hydrocarbon). the most important component of green tea that enables it to balance the blood pressure lies in its polyphenols which include flavanols. these flavanols contain catechins; epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), Epicatechin 3-gallate (EGC), and epicatechin (EC). Studies have shown that daily dietary consumption delays atherosclerotic plaque development. Also, flavonoids can reduce endothelial dysfunction. Research studies on the effect of green tea on blood pressure show that there is a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.

NB: green tea must be taken in moderation. A high intake of green tea can increase caffeine levels.

CARDAMON TEA: Cardamon (Eletturia cardamomum .M) is a food additive and flavoring agent which is found to possess antioxidant, antihypertensive, gastroprotective, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiplatelet aggregation, and anticancer properties. Research studies have shown that cardamom powder3g administered to individuals with hypertension stage 1 (SBP 130-139mmHg DBP 80-89mmHg) for 3 months shown a reduction in the blood pressure enhances the fibrinolysis and improves the antioxidant status without altering the blood lipids and fibrinogen levels in the individuals. Cardamon blocks the calcium ion channels and increases the urine flow in the body. It enhances sodium and potassium excretion in the body and increases urine flow.

BLACK PLUM TEA: Plum is a drupe that belongs in the subgenus prunus from the family of Rosaceae.it contains dietary fiber, carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, and polyphenolic compounds. it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial properties.it is found to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body.

Research studies have shown that participants who receive a single dose of plum juice on an empty stomach in the morning showed a significant reduction in their cholesterol levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

 Click here to watch how to prepare the black plum tea.

CINNAMON TEA: Cinnamon is a spice that can be taken as a tea, originating in Sri Lanka and India. The result of a research study on the effect of cinnamon on blood pressure has shown that there is a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the group of people with uncontrolled blood pressure who have consumed 2 grams of grown home cinnamon powder for 30 days.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON TEA

 

Cinnamon is from the plant of the laurel species which has two species Cinnamon zeylanicum and Cinnamon cassia. It is a middle size evergreen tree about 10-15m tall which originates from south India and Srilanka and can be found in China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

Cinnamon has been consumed as spices and tea for thousands of years. Its bark also termed as stick possesses catechins, procyanidins, trans–cinnamaldehyde, and essential oil.  It is a good source of iron, Carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A and C. Due to its nutritional and chemical composition, it is found to be an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, and can lower cholesterol and protect the cardiovascular system of the body.

Some of the health benefits of Cinnamon include but are not limited to

·         It can help relieve ingestion pain and toothache.

·         It can help the digestive system to function properly.

·         It can ease muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatism.

·         Cinnamon may help to stop bleeding hence it is a coagulant

·         It helps in blood circulation and helps to renew tissue and relax the uterus.

·         The essential oil of cinnamon is found to be used as insecticides, antimycotic, mosquito larvacides, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer.

·         It helps to lower the blood pressure hence decreasing the sodium, water, and adipose tissue in the circulatory system.

·         It is also found to
improve and positively affect insulin and has a significant reduction in blood sugar.

·         Cinnamon can improve the health of the colon, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Cinnamon teas can be combined with other teas such as green tea, black tea, or other herbal teas.  

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HEALTHY TEAS TO REGULATE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR

Some teas have good effects on blood sugar, they lower blood glucose, increase the serum triglycerides levels, and normalize the LDL cholesterol, these teas include Green tea, Bitter leaf tea, Tumeric teas, Black teas, Sage tea, Ginseng tea, Aloe vera tea, Cinnamon tea, Moringa tea. they contain micronutrients called polyphenols which increase insulin activity.

GREEN TEAS: Derived from camellia Sinesis, it contains polysaccharides that can regulate blood sugar as insulin. green teas contain an adequate amount of catechin polyphenols especially epigallocatechin gallate(ECGC). The polyphenols present in green teas reduce the amount of amylase produced in the body leading to the reduction of the level of sugar in the blood.

BITTER LEAF TEAS: Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)is grown mainly in West Africa and Asia. V.amygdalina is a wooded shrub of about 2to 10m in height with a percolated leaf shape that tastes bitter. it can regenerate rapidly. it's known for its medicinal properties .its bitter taste is due to the presence of saponin, alkaloids, tannins, and glycosides.it contains different bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, terpenes, steroidal glycosides, triterpenoids, and other types of sesquiterpene lactones. These bioactive compounds of the bitter leaf made it possess pharmacology properties like antimicrobial, antithrombotic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, laxative, hypoglycemic, antihelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifertility, antifungal, and cathartic. bitter leaf contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, iodine, hydrocyanic acid, oxalate,amino acid,thiamine,pyridoxine,ascorbic acid,glycine,cysteine,nicotinamide,vitamin A,E,calcium,magnesium,zinc,fibre and polyphenol.
studies have shown that aqueous extract from bitter leaf reduced blood glucose, increase serum glyceride levels increased LDL cholesterol, and normalized cholesterol concentration in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

GINGER TEAS: Ginger contains phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals that help in maintaining blood sugar. Studies have that regular intake of ginger reduces blood sugar.

CINNAMON TEAS: Cinnamon bark possesses catechins, procyanidins, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and essential oil.it  is found to improve and positively affect insulin  and has a considerable reduction in glycemic index hence reducing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients

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BEST TEAS FOR IMMUNE BOOSTING

 To build your immunity, especially during this period of Covid-19, various teas can respond to your immunity and help your body to achieve a high level of optimal immunity. your immune system is the powerhouse of your body. A weaker immune system exposes the body to different illnesses and diseases. Teas are the most consumed beverage in the world today. it is best to satisfy your thirst by drinking healthy teas which can build, repair and restore your body immunity.

Some of the teas which can boost your immunity include but are not limited to Green teas, Black teas, Oolong teas, Moringa teas, Lemon teas, Ginger tea, Turmeric tea, and Lemongrass teas. One common quality of these teas is that they contain bioactive substances that make them antioxidant,anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. These phytochemical substances include polyphenols, flavanols, vitamins, minerals, essential oils and enzymes. Herbal teas have the ability to block the body from acquiring diseases hence showing protective power and rebuilding the mind, body, and soul hence providing clear vision. regular drinking of these immune-boosting teas gives the sound mind, body, and soul

To maintain a constant immunity in this Covid era, there is an adequate need to equip yourself with the right teas. body immunity should be at an optimal level at any given time. drinking teas should also be a preventive measure against Covid-19 and not just social distancing, vaccination, self-isolation, and practicing good hygiene. To reduce the effects of any virus,  bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, we must also increase our consumption of healthy drinks.  Herbal tea drinking is healthy and must be put into consideration.

N.B  moderation  is essential in the consumption of herbal teas

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