Tea is So Much More Than a Delicious Drink…
From the variety of tastes and infusions available to the simple joys they engender, teas, tisanes, and herbal blends are truly remarkable beverages. As your favourite blends steep and infuse with the hot water, they are not only imparting their unique, complex flavours, they are also imparting their bountiful nutritional benefits.
Simply put, teas and blends are nutritional powerhouses. Loaded with vitamins, nutrients and natural compounds such as polyphenols, these drinks (combined with a balanced diet) can help to support your immune system and your body’s overall health. And with cold and flu season around the corner, why not learn about some super-healthy, super-delicious teas that help support the immune system? Here are five great options to consider!
1. Black Teas and Green Teas
Both black teas and green teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Whereas green tea leaves are steamed and pan-fired for an earthier flavour and green infusion, black tea leaves are oxidized and fermented for a darker infusion and a richer taste. Despite their many differences, the complex, earthy, and astringent flavour profiles of these two teas are due to the tannins in the Camellia sinensis leaves.
Tannins are plant compounds that, aside from imparting flavour, belong to a larger class of organic compounds called polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Among their benefits (heart health, cell health, and defense against chronic conditions), antioxidants such as polyphenols are thought to promote proper immune function. This is why these are considered teas that help support the immune system. Black and green teas are also high in other types of polyphenols called flavonoids, which are studied for their ability to improve the immune system’s defenses against respiratory tract infections.
Though the complete, definitive health benefits of teas made from Camellia sinensis are still being studied, there is no denying the powerful level of antioxidants present in these very popular beverages (especially green tea). This makes them an ideal addition to any nutritious, balanced, immune-conscious diet!
2. Matcha Tea
Matcha is another type of tea produced from the Camellia sinensis plant. Though it is a type of green tea, drinking matcha delivers a completely different experience than traditional green tea, thanks to its unique cultivation and production processes (which you can read all about here!). In a nutshell:
- Unlike green tea, matcha is shade-grown which may enhance the presence of biologically active compounds such as chlorophyll and polyphenols such as catechins. In other words, there is a higher nutritional value!
- The preparation of matcha involves grinding the leaves into a powder and consuming them whole instead of drying and steeping them in water. This means that you’re getting the most out of the nutrients compared to when the leaves steep in water for a short amount of time.
- In fact, concentrations of catechins in matcha may be up to 137 times higher than in other green teas!
3. Blueberry and Fruit Tisanes
Delicious, vibrant, and absolutely packed with nutrients, blueberries are an excellent part of an immune-conscious diet. In fact, any berries — from blackberries and raspberries to elderberries, cherries, and cranberries —are great sources of many essential nutrients. Specifically, blueberries are loaded with flavonoids and other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and manganese.
While you should definitely consider adding more berries to your diet in a variety of ways (smoothies, whole, in yogurt, etc), tisanes present another exciting way to enjoy the wonderful flavours and nutritional benefits that these foods have to offer.
4. Ginger Tea
Bold, spicy, and complex, ginger is a wonderful ingredient that makes for exciting, intense herbal infusions. It also happens to be one of the more nutritious and beneficial foods around if consumed properly. Loaded with antioxidants and studied for its potential antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits, ginger can be an excellent addition to a healthy, immune-conscious diet.
That said, it’s important to note that too much consumption of ginger may cause digestive problems and it is not recommended prior to surgeries. Always consult your health practitioner for more information on interactions with ginger!
5. Echinacea Blends
Echinacea is a type of coneflower found in various places in North America. It’s highly popular in herbal supplements, and for good reason: the flowers of the plant contain a high level of antioxidants such as flavonoids, cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid which can help support the immune system and promote overall health.
Though it is commonly used for cold symptoms, it’s worth noting that there is no definitive evidence that echinacea is an effective cold remedy as of yet. However, it still makes for a nutrient-rich, soothing infusion, especially when combined with the antioxidants present in green tea.
From Healthy Blends to Classic Flavours, My Cup of Tea has it all!
Regardless of whether you’re looking for teas that help support the immune system or classic flavours, we have plenty of premium loose leaf tea for you to choose from. We are always happy to lend a hand and answer any questions you may have about your selections so that you can find the perfect tea for you, a friend, or a loved one.