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 …Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing. (Ezekiel 47:12)

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Healthy Holiday T

By Dr. Prinsez Teel November 27, 2022

At last, the end of the holidays season 2022 is here and before long, we’ll be ushering in a new year. My how quickly the years seem to come and go. I’d imagine for some of you, this Thanksgiving together with family and friends created new memories and reasons for celebration. Events like these where laughter, songs, favorite foods, family games, a winning team, an unexpected visitor home for the holidays, a new engagement announcement, or surprising news from newly expecting parents are many  of the reasons why some people are excited and filled with cheer. However, for others the holidays might bring about a different vibe and set of circumstances such as a sense of loneliness, depression, stress, tensions, heartache, and sorrow. And if they’re isolated or unable to talk with someone, sometimes the situation can be dire. As mentioned in my last post, Fahim (2017) argues that talking with others “releases stress, strengthens relationships, allows another perspective on an issue, and allows you to be given support.” That’s why it’s so important during the holidays to promote healthy Ts that mends, strengthens, renews broken connections, or creates new ones.

Speaking of health, did you know that there are benefits not only in good talks, but also in drinking good tea? According to research, people “have been drinking tea for thousands of centuries, and for good reason.” A Penn Medicine (2019) study reveals that “a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.” The following provides a summary of teas and how they benefit your health according to the Penn Medicine study.

White Tea Benefits: It’s effective in fighting various forms of cancer thanks to its high level of antioxidants; and may also be good for your teeth since it contains a high source of fluoride, catechins and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make more resistant to acid and sugar. Offers the least amount of caffeine for those who want to avoid or limit their caffeine consumption.

Herbal Tea Benefits: Contains a blend of herbs, spices, fruits, or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which is why they’re known for their calming properties.

Chamomile tea - Helps to reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep and relaxation, and reduces stress.

Rooibos - Improves blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol, keeps hair strong and skin healthy, and provides relief from allergies.

Peppermint - Contains menthol, which can soothe an upset stomach and serve as a cure for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. This tea variety also offers pain relief from tension headaches and migraines.

Ginger - Helps to fight against morning sickness, can be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis

Hibiscus - Lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, can starve off cravings for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent the formation of kidney stones

Green Tea Benefits: Exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. Studies show this type of tea can also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Other research has found that green tea has a possible impact on liver, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. It’s shown to be an anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing.

In recent years, matcha – a form of green tea – has grown in popularity. Matcha is a very fine, high-quality green tea powder made from the entire leaves of tea bushes grown in the shade. Since it is the only form of tea in which the leaves are ingested, matcha contains even more antioxidants than regular green tea. In fact, some have suggested that one cup of matcha is the equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea.

Black Tea Benefits: Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor your intake. When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function. However, you don’t have to merely drink black tea to benefit from its healthy properties. It can be steamed, cooled, and then pressed on minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises to relieve pain and reduce swelling. A black tea bath can also ease inflammation caused by skin rashes and conditions such as poison ivy.

Oolong Tea Benefits:  It is partially oxidized, and is notable for containing l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention. Scientists have found that l-theanine can help prevent cognitive diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, which are linked to lowering inflammation, preventing the growth of cancers, and decreasing type 2 diabetes risk.

Just like healthy talks, you must be mindful of which ones to avoid. The whole idea is to enjoy the benefits it has to offer but some teas does more harm than good. According to Penn Medicine’s study, the following are the “Teas To Avoid.”

Steer clear of these varieties:

Detox teas: These are made for fad diets that suggest you will quickly lose weight. They often come laced with laxatives that can be harmful to your health.

Fancy tea lattes and drinks: While some of these drinks, such as a green tea latte, may appear healthy, they are loaded with sugar.

Trendy bubble teas: These may also be loaded with sugar, calories, and carbs, and have little to no nutritional value.

Herbal teas that may potentially trigger allergies: Many herbal teas contain different types of fruits, herbs, spices, and flowers that some people are allergic to. If you have allergies, always read the ingredients on the package before you consume a new herbal tea.

The bottom line, healthy talks and teas can prove beneficial in those who carefully indulge. Sip up!

References:

Author Unknown (2019). Retrieved Nov 06, 2022, from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/ health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea

Fahim, A. (2017). Why Talking Is Important - The Student Pocket Guide. Retrieved Nov 06, 2022, from: https://www.thestudentpocketguide.com