A steaming cup, a scent that goes up to the nostrils and incredible benefits for the heart, brain, mood and even the immune system. Today we are talking about health teas, prepared with leaves and flowers that nature offers us to take care of us and our well-being. For each infusion different properties, let's see which ones on the basis of scientific research.
Kombucha, the tea that strengthens the defenses and fights obesity
Kombucha tea is a delicious, slightly sparkling drink made from black, green or rooibosh tea, which is fermented by bacteria and yeasts. The result is a drink that combines prebiotic and probiotic properties, excellent for supporting and protecting the health of the intestinal microbiota with benefits for the whole organism. In fact, kombucha provides valuable antioxidants, useful against aging processes, strengthens the immune system, counteracts overweight and contributes to reducing blood pressure (Gaggia et al, Nutrients, 2019). Not only that, kombucha protects the proper functioning of the liver and gastrointestinal tract (Mousavi et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2020). The preparation of kombucha is very delicate and if not done correctly it can make the drink toxic, therefore, it is always better to buy ready-made kombucha in specialized stores. In addition, this drink should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, not only, in predisposed people some kombucha-based products could cause nausea and allergic reactions (Mousavi et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2020).
The purifying herbal tea that counteracts abdominal swelling and poor digestion
Fennel seeds have antispasmodic properties and are useful in combating conditions such as flatulence, stomach pain and digestive problems. Not only that, these seeds are also purifying (Badgujar et al, Biomed Res Int., 2014). Ginger also helps improve digestion, is carminative, prevents fermentation and counteracts abdominal cramps and nausea (Bodagh et al, Food Sci Nutr, 2019). Finally, another valuable ally for digestion is lemon balm, which is also antispasmodic (Valussi et al, Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2012). Pour a glass of water into a saucepan, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds and 1 centimeter of peeled fresh ginger. Close with the lid and bring everything to a boil. Remove from heat and add a teaspoon of lemon balm, leave to infuse for ten minutes, then filter and drink.
Blue tea that nourishes the brain
Drinking a blue tea makes you dream, this happens with the fantastic tea obtained from the petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant, called butterfly pea flower tea. But this tea is also a powerful source of brain-protective antioxidants. In fact, the infusion is rich in anthocyanins, which give the blue color, so special and fascinating. These substances counteract the aging processes and inflammation (Oguis et al, Front Plant Sci, 2019). The butterfly pea flower tea is considered, on the basis of scientific studies, nootropic, this means capable of increasing cognitive function and memory (Oguis et al, Front Plant Sci, 2019). But the properties of butterfly pea flower tea do not end there. In fact, this infusion also protects the heart by helping to keep blood pressure under control, it reduces cholesterol and blood sugar (Maneesai et al, Antioxidants, 2021). Not only that, this tea counteracts weight gain, since it attenuates adipogenesis, which is the process by which adipose tissue is formed, and helps prevent and combat obesity (Chayaratanasin et al, Molecules, 2019). Prepare 4 grams of butterfly pea flower leaves, you can find it in herbal medicine and specialized stores. Bring a cup of water to a boil, remove from heat and wait 1 minute, so that the temperature of the water drops slightly and does not damage the properties of the tea. Then add the dried petals and leave to infuse for 6-8 minutes.
Teas that counteract stress and stabilize mood
Several teas show anti-stress action. For example, one of these is matcha tea, a very special green tea whose leaves, finely chopped, are not filtered but dissolve in water and are then drunk. The anti-stress properties of matcha tea are due to its theanine content, which counteracts the action of caffeine and leads to a state of relaxation (Unno et al, Nutrients, 2018). And there is also a very yummy piece of news. Matcha tea preserves its anti-stress action even when it is included in the preparation ... of biscuits! In fact, the daily consumption of biscuits containing 4.5 grams of matcha powder has been shown, in two weeks, to reduce stress indicators such as salivary alpha amylase, an enzyme found in saliva and which increases under stressful conditions. (Unno et al, Heliyon, 2019). Another tea with a calming and anti-stress action is the infusion of lavender, also capable of counteracting anxiety and depression and stabilizing mood (Bazrafshan et al, Complement Ther Med, 2020). Bring a cup of water to a boil, remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons of dried lavender. Let it brew for ten minutes, then filter and drink.
