Tea-rrific Benefits

It probably comes as no surprise that drinking tea has many wonderful health benefits. People have long been touting green tea for all of its healthy properties, and rightly so. However, there is more than just green tea out there. If you're like me and wanting to know what you're getting out of the tea you're putting in, this list will serve as your tea field guide. In addition to the individual benefits listed for each type of tea (note, this is a full list but does not list every single type of tea, that would be more like a book) the beverage is delicious hot or iced, it has no calories and it serves as a wonderful alternative to sugary sodas. Read on and drink to your health!

Hibiscus Tea

- High levels of vitamin C

- Proven to lower blood pressure

- Lowers cholesterol

- Stimulates detoxification

Oolong Tea

- Stimulates fat burning

- Helps metabolic rate

- Excellent for skin and complexion

- Naturally increases antioxidant levels

Rooibos Tea 

- Helps control allergies and fight off colds

- High in vitamin C and minerals

- Natural remedy for stress and insomnia

- Helps maintain a healthy heart

- Anti-aging properties

- Improves bone strength

Mate Tea

- Stimulant similar to coffee but without the jittery side effects some people get from caffeine

- Natural appetite suppressant

- Proven energizer

- Great source of vitamins and minerals

Ginger Tea

- Supports immune system (best tea for cold and flu*)

- Helps control chronic pain

- Supports better digestive functions

- Reduces allergy symptoms

- Invigorating for the entire body

Green Tea

- Excellent source of antioxidants

- Helps burn fat and increase energy

- Lowers stress and boosts brain power

- Reduces high blood pressure

- Helps preserve and build bone

- Boosts immunity

- Helps protect liver from alcohol

- Helps clear up acne

- Lowers blood sugar 

White Tea

- High source of antioxidants

- Promotes healthy skin and improves complexion

- Promotes detoxification

- Hydrates the body

- Has antibacterial and antiviral properties

Chamomile Tea

- Reduces diabetic complications and hyperglycemia

- Improves liver function

- Reduces inflammation

- Boosts immune system

- Relieves muscle spasms and menstrual cramps

- Helps promote restful sleep

Mint Tea

- Aids digestion

- Helps relieve bloating

- Natural cure for nausea and vomiting

- Natural appetite suppressant

Black Tea

- Energizes

- Can help lower blood pressure

- Can help prevent heart disease

- Reduces risk of stroke

- Reduces diabetes 

Sip, smile, stay awhile

Bye, Bye Store-Bought Creamer

For those of you who like a little cream in your coffee, or maybe just want to add a hint of sweet or subtle flavor, you no longer have to go to the store to find it! When you start out with a delicious, quality cup of coffee why not maintain the quality of the cup by controlling what you add? Yes, there are seemingly endless possibilities of coffee creamer flavors out there now but what's really in that sugar-free, low-fat white chocolate mocha flavored creamer? I'm not claiming that all of the following recipes are sugar-free, or low-fat, but at least your saving yourself from chemical additives. Plus, using your good sense to make your own creamer, can help put some extra dollars back into your budget! So if you're curious, tempted, or just looking for an easy DIY, try some of the recipes below and see just how easy it is! My current favorite is the homemade vanilla cinnamon creamer... what will be yours?

Simple DIY Coffee Creamer Base: 

(Start with this one)

• 1 14 oz. can sweetened-condensed milk (you can use regular or fat-free) 
• 1 1/2 cups milk (recipe works with rice and soy as well as dairy) 

Mix the ingredients together well, thoroughly whisking so that the ingredients are blended. The mixture will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator! 

Now, if you'd like to add a little flavor... 

Vanilla Cinnamon (uncooked) Creamer:

(Add to the base) 

• 1 tbsp. Vanilla extract 
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon 

Simply add ingredients to your base, mix thoroughly and enjoy! 

Salted Chocolate Coffee Creamer: 

(Add to the base)

• 1/2 tsp. Salt 
• 1 tbsp. Unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1 tbsp. Agave nectar or Honey 
• 1 tsp. Water 

In a small pot mix together ingredients, slowly stirring over low-medium heat. Once all of the ingredients are incorporated slowly add to your base, stirring again to ensure that all the ingredients are well blended. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator! 

French Vanilla Coffee Creamer: 

(Add to the base) 

• 2 tsp. Vanilla extract (or syrup if you want a stronger taste) 
• Dash of cinnamon 

Simply mix, shake and serve! You can adjust the vanilla flavor by simply adjusting how much extract or syrup you use. *Also try almond extract, either alone or mixed with the vanilla for a delicious mix. 

Sip, smile, stay awhile