Tea Drinker Me : Herbal Teas, Low Carb Lemon Cake and More !

Well as regular readers of this blog know I just love my cup of tea, and my go to choice is always a cup of ordinary breakfast tea ... I can enjoy this anytime of the day - or night! I do have a favourite blend, but that would be telling! LOL! Many friends, and readers, keep a variety of herbal teas in their kitchen cupboards and there really is a wide array to choose from. If you'd like to know more about these, you may find the next few paragraphs of interest.

"Herbal teas have been around for centuries. Yet, despite their name, herbal teas are not true teas at all. True teas, including green tea, black tea and oolong tea, are brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. On the other hand, herbal teas are made from dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs. This means herbal teas can come in a wide range of tastes and flavours and make a tempting alternative to sugary beverages or water. In addition to being delicious, some herbal teas have health-promoting properties. In fact, herbal teas have been used as natural remedies for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. Interestingly, modern science has begun to find evidence supporting some of the traditional uses of herbal teas, as well as some new ones.

Here is a list of 10 healthy herbal teas you may want to try:

1. Chamomile Tea - is well known for its calming properties, and preliminary evidence supports this. It may also help relieve premenstrual symptoms and high blood lipid, blood sugar and insulin levels.

2. Peppermint Tea - is traditionally used to relieve discomfort of the digestive tract. Studies have found that peppermint oil can help relieve nausea, cramping, spasms and stomach pain.

3. Ginger Tea - is best known as a remedy for nausea, and studies have repeatedly found it to be effective for this use. However, several studies have also found that ginger can help relieve period pain, and it may offer benefits for people with diabetes.

4. Hibiscus Tea - may help lower high blood pressure and fight oxidative stress. However, it shouldn’t be taken with a certain diuretic medication or at the same time as aspirin.

5. Echinacea Tea - is commonly used to prevent or shorten the duration of the common cold. While several studies have found it to be effective for this use, the evidence on the matter is conflicting. However, at the very least, this warm herbal drink may help soothe your sore throat or clear up your stuffy nose if you do feel a cold coming!

6. Rooibos Tea - has just recently begun to be studied by scientists. Preliminary evidence suggests that rooibos tea may help improve bone health and reduce heart disease risk, but more studies are needed.

7. Sage Tea - is well known for its medicinal properties, and scientific research has begun to support several of its health benefits, especially for brain health. Several studies have found that sage improves cognitive function and memory. It may also benefit colon and heart health.

8. Lemon Balm Tea - has a light, lemony flavour and seems to have health-promoting properties. Preliminary studies have found that lemon balm tea may improve antioxidant levels, heart and skin health and even aid in relieving anxiety.

9. Rose Hip Tea - is made from the fruit of the rose plant. This tea is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Studies have also found rose hips effective at fighting aging of the skin and reducing stomach fat.

10. Passionflower Tea - the leaves, stems and flowers of the passionflower plant are used to make passionflower tea. This tea is traditionally used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep, and studies have begun to support these uses.

Herbal teas come in a variety of delicious flavours and are naturally free of sugar and calories. Many herbal teas also offer health-promoting effects, and modern science has begun to validate some of their traditional uses. Whether you’re a tea lover or novice, don’t be afraid to give these 10 herbal teas a try."

These words taken from a recent article by Taylor Jones RD and her full article with all relevant research and other links can be seen here

and since tea-making is an art form, here's a guide to making the perfect cup

how about a slice of low carb lemon cake to go with it

 find the recipe details here

Make time today for a cup of tea (or coffee!)

All the best Jan