Category Archive: Health Tea

May 29th, 2024

post by admin | | 0

The Hidden Dangers of Tea Bags: Why You Should Rethink Your Cup of Tea

Tea is often celebrated for its numerous health benefits, from its antioxidant properties to its calming effects. However, the convenience of tea bags comes with hidden risks that can compromise these benefits and pose health hazards. Understanding what tea bags are made of and how they can affect your health is crucial for making informed choices about your tea consumption.

What Are Tea Bags Made Of?

Traditionally, tea bags were made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, or paper. However, many modern tea bags are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene. These materials are used for their durability and heat resistance, ensuring that the bag doesn’t disintegrate in hot water. But, they come with significant downsides.

white translucent tea or infusion sachet on green color background

Health Risks Associated with Tea Bags

Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Studies have shown that when steeped in hot water, plastic tea bags release billions of microplastics and nanoplastics into your cup. These tiny plastic particles can be ingested and accumulate in the body, potentially leading to adverse health effects such as inflammation, cellular damage, and even hormonal disruptions.
Toxic Chemicals: Tea bags, especially those made from bleached paper, can contain toxic chemicals like epichlorohydrin and dioxins. Epichlorohydrin is a substance used to prevent the paper from breaking down in water and is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Dioxins, which are byproducts of the bleaching process, are known to be highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones, and also cause cancer.
Pesticides and Heavy Metals: The tea leaves themselves can also be a source of concern. Non-organic tea leaves can be contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals like lead, aluminum, and fluoride. When brewed, these harmful substances can leach into your tea, posing health risks over time.

How Bad Are Tea Bags?

The extent of harm caused by tea bags depends on various factors, including the type of material used, the temperature of the water, and the duration of steeping. While occasional consumption of tea from bags may not pose a significant risk, regular intake can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances in the body, increasing the potential for health issues.

Alternatives to Tea Bags

To continue enjoying the health benefits of tea without the risks associated with tea bags, consider the following alternatives:

Loose Leaf Tea: Switching to loose leaf tea is one of the best ways to avoid the hazards of tea bags. Loose leaf tea is generally of higher quality and offers a richer flavor. You can use a tea infuser, tea strainer, or teapot with a built-in filter to brew your tea.
Organic Tea: Opt for organic loose leaf tea to reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Organic tea is grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making it a healthier choice.
Biodegradable Tea Bags: If you prefer the convenience of tea bags, look for brands that use biodegradable, compostable materials such as unbleached paper or plant-based fibers. These options are less likely to release harmful chemicals into your tea.
Reusable Tea Bags: Consider using reusable tea bags made from natural materials like cotton or hemp. These can be filled with your favorite loose leaf tea and washed after each use, offering a sustainable and safe alternative.
Discard the Tea Bag: Cut the tea bag and pour out the tea leaves into a tea infuser, tea strainer, or teapot with a built-in filter to brew your tea.

Conclusion

While tea bags offer convenience, their potential health risks cannot be overlooked. By understanding what tea bags are made of and the dangers they pose, you can make informed choices to protect your health. Embrace alternatives like loose leaf tea or biodegradable tea bags to enjoy your favorite beverage safely. Making these small changes can help you continue to reap the numerous health benefits of tea without compromising on safety or quality.

Here’s to healthier, safer tea drinking!

Health Issues, Health Tea

February 21st, 2020

post by admin | | 0

Matcha Green Tea To Prevent Influenza

With the Covid-19 Coronavirus epidemic turning into a global emergency, causing fear and panic in almost everyone in countries affected by this invisible killer, people are taking precautionary measures and boosting up their immune system to fight this menace. From face mask to hand sanitizer to vitamins and eating healthy foods, everyone surrounding me from the young to the old have suddenly turned health and hygiene conscious, which is a good thing. Not only have I been stocking up more frequently on fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes and herbs but also on matcha green tea powder.

Boosting your immunity could be as simple as drinking matcha and green tea daily. Matcha contains a class of antioxidants called catechins. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. Studies have linked green tea to a variety of health benefits, like prevention of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and even encouraging weight loss.

According to a meta-analysis published in Molecules (from US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), green tea may be an immune booster, helping fight both cold and influenza viruses. Researchers found that not only does drinking tea on a regular basis help you recover from a cold but may also make you less likely to get one in the first place and could help prevent recurring or new infections. Gargling with green tea may also help, a practice that is common in Japan.

Green tea is a powerful antioxidant, which is believed to protect against a variety of diseases including cancer. Because of it’s ability to eliminate free radicals, it inhibits the flu virus from replicating. Therefore, it will not only help prevent the flu virus from entering your system, but if you do catch the flu, it could greatly lessen the duration of the flu. Drinking green tea is also a great way of ensuring that you are taking in enough fluids.

Amongst its many health benefits, matcha:
~ is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
~ boosts metabolism and burns calories
~ detoxifies naturally
~ is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
~ helps increase focus and calmness. The L-Theanine in green tea is known to help stimulate alpha brain waves which in turn helps with focus, concentration and calmness.
~ provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
prevents disease
~ lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

The consumption of tea extracts including catechins and theanine has also been reported to enhance systemic immunity and prevent the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infection and influenza symptoms in healthy adults.

Matcha Spoons Obubu Kyoto Tea Farms

Do choose matcha powder (ground green tea leaves) over green tea bags or brewed green tea leaves. When you drink matcha, you ingest the entire leaf and receive 100% of the nutrients of the leaf. Matcha green tea has approximately 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. This type of green tea contains over 60x the antioxidants of spinach and 7x the antioxidants of high quality dark chocolate.

One cup of matcha = 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea in terms of nutritional content.

The influenza virus is a cause of serious illness and even death, so it is imperative to take preventive measures to stay healthy. These are some simple things that you can do to prevent getting the flu:

Keep it clean. To help prevent contracting or spreading the flu, be sure to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with tissue paper or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, and get a flu shot. Where possible, avoid people who have the flu or going to work if you have flu. While these measures aren’t 100% guaranteed, they go a long way toward lowering the risk of respiratory illness and flu.

Lead a healthy lifestyle. Living a balanced life that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep, and indulge in stress-reducing activities to boost your immunity. Stay committed to these activities to improve and maintain good health.

Talk with a doctor. Visit your doctor to discuss ways to prevent the flu and whether or not a flu shot is appropriate for you.

Note: The majority of researches on green tea assume that we are drinking at least 3-5 cups per day. So, if you only have one cup of green tea a day, you may not reap all of the benefits. But don’t let that stop you from drinking this wonderful beverage whenever you can.

Health Tea

March 8th, 2017

post by admin | | 0

Ginger Health Benefits

Ginger is among the healthiest and most aromatic spices on the planet. But you either like the taste or hate it. As a child, I never liked ginger. During confinement after the birth of my three babies, I started to develop a liking to ginger because whether I liked it or not, I had to eat loads of ginger (every meal was cooked with ginger!), drink ginger tonic and even bathe in hot ginger water! Ginger is a very important ingredient used in confinement food. It keeps the body warm and expels gas.

Ginger is actually part of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, which may explain why the health benefits of ginger are so extraordinary.

The Chinese and Indians have used ginger tonics to treat ailments for over 4,700 years, and it was a priceless commodity during the Roman Empire trade around the coming of Christ because of its medicinal properties.

Why is ginger so beneficial for our health? In one word: Gingerol.

Of the 115 different chemical components found in ginger root, the therapeutic benefits come from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. These bioactive ingredients, especially gingerol, have been thoroughly evaluated clinically, and the research backs up why you should use ginger on a regular basis.

It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

Health benefits of ginger:

Relieve nausea
Drinking a cup of ginger tea before travelling can help prevent the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. You can also drink a cuppa at the first sign of nausea to relieve the symptom.

Improve stomach performance
Useful in improving digestion and increasing absorption of food, ginger tea can bloating after eating too much.

Reduce inflammation
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal home remedy for muscle and joint problems. In addition to drinking ginger tea, you can also use it to soak inflamed joints.

Fight respiratory problems
Ginger tea can help relieve congestion associated with the common cold. Try a cup of ginger tea for the respiratory symptoms associated with environmental allergies.

Improve blood circulation
The vitamins, minerals and amino acids in ginger tea can help restore and improve blood circulation that may help decrease the chance of cardiovascular problems. Ginger may prevent fat from depositing in the arteries helping to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Relieve menstrual discomfort
This one is for all women suffering from menstrual cramps. Try soaking a towel in warm ginger tea and apply it to your lower abdomen. It may help relieve the pain and relax the muscles. At the same time, drink a cup of ginger tea with honey.

Below – Pure Bentong ginger powder and organic ginger brown sugar that I have recently started to add to my diet. I add 1 teaspoon of ginger powder with 1/2 cube of ginger brown sugar to 300 ml of warm water and drink it on most days. If I have painful periods, I drink this concoction twice a day. It provides relief from the cramps that I get.

Image may contain: food

Strengthen immunity
Ginger tea can help strengthen your immunity due to the high levels of antioxidants in ginger.

Relieve stress
Ginger tea has calming properties that may help lower your stress and tension. This is thought to be due to a combination of the strong aroma and healing properties.

Health Tea, Nutritional Information On Food

August 30th, 2016

post by admin | | 0

Lemon Myrtle Health Benefits

I recently found my new love and it’s in lemon myrtle. Several months ago, I bought a bottle of Australia made organic lemon myrtle body wash and I got hooked on the scent of lemon myrtle.

A few days ago, I bought a box of lemon myrtle tea and now I am totally hooked on it, so much that I have to have a cup or two of lemon myrtle tea every day!

About Lemon Myrtle

The botanical name of lemon myrtle is backhousia citriodora. Indigenous to Queensland, it is a rainforest tree that grows to heights of up to 8 metres. Young lemon myrtles, if regularly pruned, can be used as decorative bushes and are very commonly found in Brisbane suburbs and other parts of Queensland, where they are cultivated for their lovely white flowers and delicate lemon scent. They are also grown commercially for their high citral (lemon oil) content, which is extracted by a steam distillation process. The oil is used in a variety of cleaning and other products.

Lemon myrtle has a scent very, very similar to Lemongrass and its cousin, Citronella. Lemon myrtle is considered to have a ‘cleaner, sweeter and stronger’ aroma than comparable sources of citral–lemongrass.

Lemon Myrtle flowers, Byron Bay, NSW

Health Benefits of Lemon Myrtle Tea

The key ingredient in lemon myrtle is the high concentration of citral in its leaves. Citral comprises 90-98% of the essential oils in lemon myrtle, as opposed to less than 10% in lemons and limes. Some of the characteristics of citral include:

Citral is an anti-fungal agent.

Citral is non-acidic

Citral is high in anti-oxidants.

The list of reputed health benefits of lemon myrtle tea is voluminous. Just some of the disorders it is said to be able to relieve include muscle cramps and spasms, rheumatism, headaches and fevers. Scientific studies have indicated that citral can inhibit the growth of the pathogen which is one of the causes of many gastro-duodenal diseases, including ulcers. It is also said to aid in the reduction of cellulite and the anti-oxidants in citral help boost the immune system. A pleasant tasting tea, it is used alone or in combination with green tea as a caffeine free replacement for coffee and black tea.

Uses

Due to the high concentration of citral found in lemon myrtle oil, lemon myrtle has a wide variety of applications in medicine. According to the “Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,” lemon myrtle can help treat sinus infections, bronchitis, fatigue, depression, common cold, influenza, raw throat, indigestion and irritable gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, dental infections, itching, athletes foot, acne and headaches.

The leaves and flowers of lemon myrtle are used in tea blends and beverages, biscuits, breads, confectionery, pasta, syrups, liqueurs, flavored oils, packaged fish (salmon), and dipping and simmer sauces.

The leaf paste, essential oil, and hydrosols have antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Candida albicans , methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Aspergillus niger , Klebsiella pneumonia , and Propionibacterium acnes .

Clinical research, however, does not support the use of lemon myrtle to treat the above medical conditions. You should, therefore, speak with a medical professional before using lemon myrtle as a health supplement to treat a specific medical condition.

Health Tea

August 13th, 2016

post by admin | | 0

Tea is Richer in Vitamins than You Ever Thought

Vitamins in tea aren’t the flashiest topic for budding nutritional researchers. Magazine articles and news reports ramble on about L-theanine levels and ECGC content in a cup of tea, but they seldom ever mention the vitamin content of everyone’s favorite hot beverage. This is a shame because each variety of tea actually offers a completely different vitamin concentration. Getting some extra vitamins from a beloved tea blend is never a bad thing.

Vitamins in Green and Black Tea

Riboflavin is one of the most common vitamins. Bakeries are required to put extra amounts in flour. Nevertheless, it’s likely that many people still don’t get enough of this necessary vitamin. It plays a major role in regulating metabolism, and riboflavin is necessary for countless cellular processes. That’s why it’s good news that green tea can give you an extra boost in the riboflavin department. Those who are looking for another major vitamin B constitute, folate, might want to pay close attention to black tea. Each cup can add around 12 mcg of folic acid to your diet.

Manganese is a mineral that the popular health media seems to forget about, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Both black and green tea is a respectable source of manganese. This is especially good news when you consider the fact that it’s hard to get enough of this mineral from the foods that you eat.

Black tea is a better source of potassium than once thought. If you’re drinking a quality blend of black tea, then you’ll get around 88 mg for every full serving that you drink. Potassium can help lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. It may play a role in regulating blood pressure as well. This is good news for the countless tea drinkers who also suffer from cardiovascular problems.

A Word About Ashitaba

Ashitaba is the highest grade of Japanese ceremonial tea according to writers from Urbol, which is perhaps the only Western boutique that sells this highly sought-after blend. The kanji used to spell the word in Japanese can be translated as tomorrow’s leaf. If a leaf from the Ashitaba plant is harvested at dawn, then a new sprout generally grows in overnight. Most farmers notice new growths by the next morning. This regenerative property has long produced numerous stories about how the tea can regenerate diseased individuals.

Many of these stories have now turned out to be quite true. Many treatments from Japanese folk medicine are enjoying support from the scientific community today. A 20th century botanist by the name of Koizumi Gen’ichi preformed a great deal of research on the Ashitaba plant. Koizumi-sensei was fascinated by the long lifespan enjoyed by residents of the islands where this crop is cultivated. He believed there was a connection between the health of these farmers and the high levels of vitamin B12 found in cups of tea brewed from the plant’s leaves.

When he measured the pH level of the tea, he found that micronutrients called chalconoids were abundant in the finished beverage. His findings enjoyed so much support that the term koidzumi is sometimes used to describe cultivars of the plant in his honor. Tea made from this plant features some of the highest vitamin levels of any type of tea.

530ccf6bdbfa3f6a0d004943._w.540_s.fit_

Pine Needle Tea’s Unique Benefits and Flavor

Some people might not consider pine needle tea to be a legitimate hot beverage. It’s not technically tea, but it’s still an infusion of plant material into hot water. The high concentrations of vitamin C in a finished cup deserve a second look anyway.

Pine Needle Tea

Most nutritional experts talk about citrus fruit as a source of vitamin C, though there are many other sources including vegetables like potatoes. The vast majority of people never seem to get enough in their diet. A single cup of pine needle tea has more vitamin C than even the most active people need. While some tea drinkers with allergies will sometimes recommend it as a decongestant, pine needle tea is perfect for those with an illness based on the vitamin C content alone since it features five times more of this necessary immune-boosting vitamin than a ripe lemon does. A fresh cup also includes a significant amount of vitamin A, which means that it’s best not to overindulge on this unique beverage.

Tea Shouldn’t be Your Only Source

No one is suggesting that tea should be your only source of vitamins. You should be eating a balanced diet that gives you a proper mix of vitamins and minerals every day. Getting extra micronutrients from your tea is an added bonus that shouldn’t be ignored, however, so you should feel free to enjoy that extra cup of an exotic new blend while still feeling good about it.

Health Tea, MFLV

April 16th, 2015

post by admin | | 5

Cuppatea Teatox For Healthy Weight Loss

Someone sent me these healthy tea for weight loss! And I am so happy as I have been wanting to shed off the last 1kg that I gained after the birth of Cass 7 years ago!

Cuppatea is the ideal detox teatox for those wishing to detox and shed off those unwanted fat.

Cuppatea is a UK based company that promotes healthy living and natural beauty. Their range of teatox consist of 100% natural ingredients and aids weight loss through balanced diet and regular exercise regime.

All the ingredients in Cuppatea Teatox are 100% natural, contains no chemical or preservatives and are bacteria- free. All these natural ingredients have health and well-being purposes and are brought together in Cuppatea to maximise its benefit for you.

Cuppatea ‘s teatox come in Morningtime detox and Bedtime Cleanse.

Ingredients:

Morningtime detox:

Mate leaves, Chinese oolong tea, Ginger root, Lotus leaves, Lemongrass, Ginseng root, Dandelion leaf, Gotu kola leaves, Nettle leaves.

Note: The Morningtime detox does not produce a laxative effect but contains a small amount of caffeine.

Bedtime Cleanse:

Senna leaves, Burdock root, Liquorice root, Hawthorn leaves, Fenugreek seeds, Peppermint leaves, Chamomile, Psyllium seeds.

Note: The Bedtime Cleanse produces a laxative effect to naturally cleanse and detoxify your body, approximately 8 hours after usage

Here’s a brief description on how Cuppatea’s teatox tastes like (based on my own opinion) – tastes like a cross between ginseng tea and Chinese tea. Taste is mild and refreshing. I have been drinking it daily and I did not experience any nasty after-effect like nausea, giddiness, heart palpitation, stomach cramp or diarrhea.

How can Cuppatea benefit you?

Burns fat and prevents fat storage
Transformation of energy to burn calories
Improves skin health
Improve ssleep quality
Purification detox

Always remember that weight loss should not involve diet or starvation. Beauty and weight loss could be achieved by living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Check out Cuppatea’s eating plan to start a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Health and Fitness, Health Tea, Healthy Living Products

November 6th, 2009

post by admin | | 0

My Favorite Fruit and Flower Tea

My mil brought back a tin of blueberry tea during her recent trip back from Hong Kong. The tea consists of blueberries, elderberries, strawberries, raspberries, passion fruit, kiwi, hibiscus, apple pieces, sunflower blossom, rose petals and cornflower blossoms.

It’s one of the best fruit and flower teas I have ever tasted. This infusion is so aromatic and flavorful, perfect for berries and flowers lovers. iLike it and am enthralled with this tea!

Now, I am hooked on this tea and gotta have a cuppa everyday, along with my daily cuppa green tea and occasional cup of Milkmaid (fenugreek) tea (to boost my milk supply. Yes, I am still Baby’s moo moo up until now and she’s 19 months in a few days).

Food For Thought:

Blueberries are not only a low calorie snack; they are also a great source of nutrients. New research suggests blueberries are a great way to naturally lower risk factors for cancers, enhance your memory, and achieve the optimal health we should all be striving for.

Antioxidant rich
A low calorie fruit which does wonders for you health is just what your body needs. With their high antioxidant capability, blueberries rank at the top beca with their ability to destroy free radicals. Red wine gets much recognition for being high in anthocyanins, but researches have found blueberries to be 38% more affective at fighting free radicals.

Helps fight cancer
Blueberries contain pterostilbene, an antioxidant that cuts precancerous colon lesions by 57% a recent study shows and kaempferol, a flavonoid which may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 40%.

Boosts brain cells
Eating blueberries can also be food for the mind. Blueberries boost enzymes that grow new nerve cells in the brain so you don’t lose your marbles as you age. Diets rich in blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress and Alzheimer’s or dementia. Blueberries have been proven to reverse memory loss.

Strong bones
Blueberries can also fight against osteoporosis in women by slowing the breakdown of the bone which occurs after menopause in much the same way estrogen does in building bone.

Aids in elimination
A great aid for diarrhea and constipation, blueberries contain tannins which are astringents to the digestive system and reduce inflammation. Blueberries also promote urinary tract support and contain the same compound found in cranberries which aids in urinary infections.

Blueberries can help:
* Reduce risk of cancers
* Promote urinary tract health
* Boost memory function
* Improved vision
* Reverse age-related illnesses
* Help weight management
* Protect against disease
* strengthen blood vessels

Health Tea

October 22nd, 2009

post by admin | | 21

Chrysanthemum Tea

I boiled a pot of chrysanthemum tea for everyone today since everyone has been having chesty cough. Plus, we have been gorging on durians for the past 2 days, Baby inclusive! My 3 girls love durians and it’s in their blood coz their daddy, mummy and grandparents all love durians! And yes, the durian season is back again!

My pot of chrysanthemum tea boiled with ‘kam choa’ (Chinese licorice). Chinese licorice tonifies the spleen and benefits Qi, moistens the lungs and stops coughing and therefore it is good in treating upper respiratory ailments. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect. It reduces the toxicity of many substances including nicotine and caffeine.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a handful of ‘keiji’ (goji berries or wolfberries) into my pot of chrysanthemum tea. Goji berry is another super food and I’ll write another post on it soon.

Health Benefits Of Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea is known by the Chinese to be cooling and good for expelling ‘heatiness’ and toxic materials from the body. This is recommended whenever we have had too much fried, baked and barbequed foods. It is also good for relieving dizziness, migraines, gummy eyes, painful gums, slight toothache and headaches. Chrysanthemum tea can aid in digestion when the tea is taken along with meals.

Drinking Chrysanthemum tea can also help reduce shortness of breath and strengthen the lungs. The cooling effect of the tea can also treat heat-related illnesses such as fever, flu and sore throat. Regular consumption aids in the removal of toxins trapped in the lungs as well as breakdown of mucous formation. Chrysanthemum flowers also make a great rinse for red, swollen and irritated eyes.

I prefer to buy this type of chrysanthemum flowers, which are small compressed flowers, than the bigger flowers.