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My dad used to joke that my mom and I don’t have blood running through our veins but tea. Honestly, I don’t even think it’s that much of an exaggeration. Because honestly, what’s more comforting than a big warm mug of tea?
Thankfully for me, a cup of tea really does make everything better. Tea is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, called polyphenols and flavonoids. Drinking 3 cups of black tea per day reduces your risk of heart disease and improves your blood sugar levels. The slight caffeine buzz from tea also improves your alertness and focus.
Green tea contains even more health-boosting powers, thanks to its production process. Because the tea leaves are steamed and dried soon after harvest, green tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than black tea. One antioxidant in particular, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), seems to be responsible for the health benefits of green tea, like inhibiting tumor growth in animal studies and boosting your brain functions.
Whether you enjoy a cup of Earl Grey, jasmine green tea or herbal infusions, there’s a flavour for every taste and every occasion. What most of us don’t realize, is that tea can be used in more ways than just putting a tea bag in boiled water. Besides making iced tea, you can use ground matcha in lattes, a mix of chai in baked goods or make tea-smoked savory dishes.
So get the health benefits from tea with every meal with these 10 tasty tea recipes.
Jasmine Tea Infused Peach Smoothie from Mid-Life Croissant
Energizing Dandelion Latte from Hello Glow
Iced Watermelon Green Tea from Yummy Beet
Vegan Chai Breakfast Quinoa from Well and Full
Vegan (No-Bake) Matcha Tarts from The Farmer’s Daughter
Chinese Tea Eggs (w/ Soft and Hard Boiled Eggs) from Omnivore’s Cookbook
BBQ Oolong Tea Smoked Chicken from Healthy World Cuisine
Tea-Smoked Salmon with Zucchini Salad from Taste.com.au
Chai Butternut Squash Soup from Gimme Some Oven
Earl Grey Rhubarb Chia Pudding from Homegrown Provisions
Would you like to experiment with different flavors (and health benefits!) of tea? Plum Deluxe offers monthly subscriptions with new organic tea blends each time. Join their Tea Club and get surprised with delicious seasonal teas every month.
Do you ever cook with tea? What’s your favorite way to use tea blends in other drinks and dishes?
If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like Cozy in a Cup: 10 Health-Boosting Hot Drinks or 9 Coffee Alternatives to Try If You’re Cutting Back on Caffeine.
