Facts on Tea

1. Boost Your Health With Tea

Not only is tea yummy and satisfying, but it is also beneficial to your health. Studies show that tea is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, thiamine, Riboflavin, vitamin C and folic acid. Tea also contains caffeine which, when consumed in moderation, could benefit your metabolism and brain function.

2. All Teas Are Not Created Equal

Tea is one of the most common drinks worldwide, and there are many varieties. Many people think all teas are alike, but they're not. The most common are green, black, white and oolong, and these are not the same as herbal teas. Even though they are different types of tea, each of these four teas comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Workers harvest white tea before the leaves are fully opened; they allow black tea to oxidize, but they do not allow green tea to oxidize. Oolong tea gets oxidized, but only slightly.

3. Get to Know Your Herbal Teas

You can infuse almost any herb into a tea, as well as some fruits like peaches, mangoes and oranges. Some teas are medicinal, such as echinaecea, which many people use to boost their immune systems. Other herbal teas calm your system, such as chamomile. Since some herbs are toxic, such as foxglove and comfrey, never brew them for casual tea sipping.

4. Grow Your Own Tea

If you live in the Midwest or southern states, you're in the prime climate to grow Camellia sinensis. This is the same plant from which green, black, white and oolong teas come. This small shrub likes sandy, well-drained soil that is a little on the acidic side. You'll need to wait at least three years before you begin to harvest your tea leaves. You can even grow your own herbs for tea. If you don't have enough land for an herb garden, plant them in small containers.

5. Brew a Warm Pot

Use about one to two teaspoons of your chosen loose tea or herbal tea per each 8-ounce cup. You can always add a little more if you would like. Use an infuser or a tea ball so you don't have to drink the leaves. Allow your water to come to a boil and then cool before brewing your tea. You can enjoy at least two to three cups of tea using the same tea leaves. It is also acceptable to use tea bags in the same method.