The benefits of tea are no small sip.
Tea can be warming, invigorating, soothing, and most importantly, health promoting. With thousands of varieties, tea is a versatile drink and great alternative to coffee or calorie-laden lattes. Many types of tea have outstanding health benefits so while it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the vast amount of tea to choose from, a little knowledge can set you on the right path.
Caffeine Content
Many black, maté and green teas contain caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and acts as a diuretic. It is important to make sure you avoid caffeinated teas in the evening (especially if you have problems falling asleep) and save them for the morning or afternoon. Remember that if you are having caffeinated tea, drink an equal amount of water to avoid dehydration.
How Much Tea Can I Drink?
If you are drinking herbal tea that contains little to no caffeine, you can drink an unlimited amount of it. Try to stick with 3 cups or less of black tea, or 5 cups or less of green tea as a rule of thumb, but everyone has a different tolerance to caffeine, so if you are feeling jittery, having problems sleeping or concentrating, then perhaps it’s time to experiment with caffeine-free varieties!
How Long Should I Brew My Tea?
Every variety of tea has a different brewing time, but to get the maximum nutritional benefit from each tea, steep yours for 3-6 minutes. Ideally you should first follow the directions on the box, or speak to someone in your local tea shop, as some oolong teas call for a 10 minute brewing time.
