January is National Hot Tea month! While I’m sure you’ve heard tea is good for the soul, it’s even better for your body. The type of tea you’re drinking can be a big wake-me-up or a warm drink to curl up and relax with. This is a guide to what teas would be best for you.
Although coffee may be your go-to cup in the morning, tea is by far a better option. You can enjoy tea without added sweeteners, cleaning a coffee pot, and the dehydration headache later on. Tea is a great energy boost with caffeine and won’t stain your teeth like coffee will. It has a lot of health benefits and you don’t need to add unhealthy cream or sugar. (If you need a little sweetness to your tea, add honey or agave!)
White tea
White tea is basically a super-tea. It contributes to lower cholesterol and stabilized blood pressure. With a high antioxidant content, it has healing properties and helps keep skin clear. This tea will relax your mind but also help you to concentrate.
Green tea
Green tea is great for boosting your metabolism! It can help with weight loss efforts, boost energy, and help keep healthy teeth as it prevents cavities and plaque. Green tea has also been found to fight cancer by suppressing the growth of cancer cells.
Oolong
Chock full of antioxidants, oolong is never the wrong choice. It can improve ailments related to the kidneys or spleen and is also known to boost metabolism and contribute to weight loss.
Black tea
If you’re looking for a spike in energy, black tea is a solid choice. It stimulates mental alertness while simultaneously reducing stress and nerves. It’s been helpful in relieving headaches and has anti-aging properties (look like you’re still in college long after graduation!). It can also help with bad breath by preventing the growth of bad breath bacteria and tooth decay. If you need to sit down and crank out a 12-page paper, a cup (or two) of black tea is not a bad start.
Mint tea
If you aren’t feeling too great, a cup of mint tea could help you a lot. It’s caffeine free and aids cramps, headaches, nausea, and digestion.
Chamomile
If you’re looking for a relaxing night, a cup of chamomile tea is sure to soothe you. It’s caffeine-free and can even make you feel sleepy. Chamomile relieves stomach problems and has been found to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Herbal
Herbal tea is perfect if you’re looking for a cup later in the day. Herbal tea is caffeine-free, but it still comes along with many benefits. It has been known to improve your mood, sense of well being, and provide vitamins.
Whether it’s for relaxation or a boost in energy, tea is the right way to go.