Tea Time
Not only does tea taste good, it’s good for you…
True tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis tea bush. Depending on how the tea is produced, it falls into one of these six classifications: green, white, yellow, oolong, and He Cha [ dark black ]. There are also dozens of teas within those classes, depending on where they’re grown.
Not all tea beverages are made from tea. Herbal teas are brewed from the roots, bark, stems, flowers, seeds or fruit of any other plants, and would be classified as herbal infusions. Instant powdered teas and ready to drink bottled teas aren’t true teas either.
While these fruit and sugar laden bottled teas may be pleasing to our taste buds, they don’t offer the health benefits of true tea. Teas promote health through their flavonoids and other compounds. Each of the tea classes mentioned above have different types and amounts of flavonoids but all are healthful choices.
Promising research of tea’s healthful effects on bones, teeth, blood sugar control, mood, aging and over-all health, but the strongest evidence is for heart health. Black and green teas, in bulk, or tea bags have been linked to lowering bad LDL cholesterol, and reducing blood pressure.
How much should you drink to make a difference? As little as two cups daily might yield some health benefits. Changing our eating habits, walking, bike riding, and reducing our consumption of sugary treats will also benefit our over-all health as well.
Recipe for Moroccan Mint Tea:
Bring four cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 3 tablespoons of loose green or black tea leaves. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Steep for 3 minutes, and add 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves. You can use orange mint, spearmint or lemon mint. Strain and serve. Add a bit of honey or Stevia to sweeten.
Links to Healing Herbal Teas from the Archives.
http://www.mysticalmagicalherbs.com/2014/01/16/healing-herbal-teas
http://www.mysticalmagicalherbs.com/2012/03/13/grow-yourself-a-nice-cup-of-tea
Blessed Be, sweet ones
~ Meadow Walker
Mystical Magical Herbs 
I love Moroccan Mint tea. Thanks for the recipe
Reblogged this on From Ch'kara's Kitchen Cauldron.
Thank you, Ch’kara for reblogging this post. It’s very nice of you to include our articles at your site. I love Moroccan Mint tea as well. I also like oolong tea and dried lemon basil together. The lemon basil has a spicy lemon flavor that compliments the smooth taste of the oolong. 1/2 tablespoon of the lemon basil and 1/2 tablespoon of the oolong. Ten ounces of boiling water.Let it steep about 5 minutes, strain and enjoy.
Meadow xxx