Exploring the benefits of alternative tea additions
A day without tea? That’s relatively uncommon. We’re drinking even more of it now. Tea is renowned for its warming properties. The most popular addition is lemon, but it’s also worth considering other additions that might bring more health benefits.
7 November 2024 16:39
For good reason, black tea is one of the most popular beverages. It’s certainly worth drinking. It’s rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Regular tea consumption can help lower levels of bad cholesterol. It also contains caffeine, which aids concentration. However, during this time of year, it's also important to us that tea quickly warms us up.
Tea with lemon?
This is the addition we most frequently reach for. A citrus-flavoured beverage tastes wonderful on cold days, and we count on vitamin C. Occasionally, there are reports about the potential harm of drinking tea with lemon, but doctors refute these claims. Such a drink is certainly not hazardous to health. Just remember, it doesn't provide many nutritional benefits. Always make sure to scald and wash the lemon thoroughly, and it's best to peel it as well.
Citrus fruits are sprayed with fungicidal and preservative substances, which might harm us. Lemon isn't the only addition to tea. It's worth varying them; many other additions work better than this fruit. There is also nothing to stop you from combining them freely. This gives the brew unique properties and taste.
The best tea additions
Honey. This is a natural antibiotic that contains valuable bioactive bactericidal and fungicidal ingredients. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, positively impacts mucous membranes, and helps combat coughs. It also has a beneficial effect on the circulatory and digestive systems. Warm tea with honey also calms and soothes nerves, making it easier to fall asleep. Such a drink strengthens immunity. It's essential to add honey when the tea has cooled down.
Ginger. You probably have powdered ginger in your kitchen cabinet, but at this time of year, it's better to use fresh ginger. Its health properties are stronger. It contains potent anti-inflammatory substances supporting the immune and digestive systems. It also has pain-relieving effects, which can be significant when an infection occurs. A small amount of grated ginger is enough to add to brewed tea.
Quince. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea with quince has a positive impact on immunity. Most often, quince juices are used for tea. However, they often contain a lot of sugar. It's better to use quince like lemon. Just cut a small piece of the fruit and add it to the drink. You can also sprinkle a slice of quince with sugar, let it sit for 15 minutes to release the juice, and then add it to the tea.
Spices: cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom. These have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Cloves can additionally soothe a sore throat. Cinnamon positively impacts digestion. Turmeric and cardamom have antiviral properties.