Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : January 6, 2015 6:08 PM IST
After water, the most widely consumed beverage all over the world is tea. However, tea can do more than just be your morning cuppa, help you stay up long hours or soothe your senses. It is a wonderful beverage with potential health benefits. Although all teas -- black, green and white contain disease-fighting antioxidants, green tea contains higher amounts of a potent antioxidant called catechin. It also has strong medicinal properties and has been used as a health tonic for thousands of years in Asia and in other parts of the world. This type of tea is not fermented during its process of production and therefore is very high in antioxidants. You may also want to read 10 ways green tea keeps you healthy and fit. Here are a few of its benefits.
Benefits of green tea
Green tea is simple and quick to prepare and has a mild taste. However, some flavour and spice can always be added to it to enhance its taste and to multiply its benefits. The traditional Indian chai is also typically blended with spices such as ginger, cardamom and clove to keep calm and peace of mind. Here are some healthy green tea blends you can try.
Green tea and honey to relieve cold
If you cannot have your tea without a hint of sweetness in it, then adding honey to green tea is a good option for you. This combination can also relieve cold. Besides, both tea and honey are known to contain antioxidant compounds that can protect body cells from free radical damage caused by the sun. Read how to get instant relief from cold.
Preparation:
Fill a pan with warm water and allow it to boil. Pour the boiling water in a mug and steep green tea bag for 2-3 minutes. Now remove the tea bag from the mug and add 1 tsp honey. Let your tea cool down for some time and enjoy your perfect cup of tea.
Green tea with lemon to repair body tissues
The health benefits of green tea can be boosted with the addition of nutrient-packed lemon. Being rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant, lemon is vital for the repair of body tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, teeth and bones. Combining green tea with the citrus juice of lemon makes the antioxidants more readily available to your body.
Preparation:
Steep a bag of green tea in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the bag and squeeze half a lemon into your cup. You can drink a cup of this tea in the morning or before your meals.
Green tea and ginger to ease nausea and dizziness
The greatest benefit of adding ginger to green tea is that ginger can ease nausea and dizziness. The combination of ginger and green tea is very effective in the treatment of arthritis. In order to receive the optimal benefits of ginger and green tea, you must drink two to three cups in a day.
Preparation:
Peel the ginger and slice it in thin small pieces. Now boil water in a pan and add the sliced ginger pieces and green tea leaves to it. Simmer it for 15-20 minutes. Now strain the tea into a mug and add your desired sweeteners if you want.
Green tea and cardamom to eliminate toxins
Cardamom tea is a herbal remedy for eliminating worms from your intestine. Drinking green tea with cardamom will aid in flushing out toxins from your body too. It can also be used to get relief from a congested chest and sinus. Besides, the aromatic properties in cardamom can also help you do away with bad breath. You may also want to read the health benefits of elaichi or cardamom.
Preparation:
Boil water in a pan and add green tea leaves and cardamom. Simmer it for a few minutes and strain. Your aromatic green tea is ready. You can drink this tea in the winter months to get some warmth in your body.
Green tea and black pepper to boost immunity
You can also add black pepper to your tea blend. Black pepper contains carotene and other essential minerals that a healthy body needs. This spiced tea contains a high amount of antioxidants that strengthen your body s immune system. It also contains a compound capsaicin which can relieve pain and inflammation caused in diseases such as arthritis.
Preparation
Boil water in a pan and then add tea leaves to the water. Allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes. Now grind peppercorns in a mortar and pestle and add it to the tea. Boil it for some time and strain the tea into a mug. This concoction needs to be drunk warm for best results.
Green tea and clove to reduce fever
Clove tea is high in magnesium and is a rich source of vitamin E and Vitamin K. This spice has anti-inflammatory properties and is frequently used to relieve gum pain and sore throat. This spiced tea also contains antioxidants that may help reduce fever.
Preparation:
Grind 1tsp of whole cloves with a mortar and pestle. Make sure that the clove is not completely in powdered form but is ground down to small pieces so that it can be strained. Bring a cup of water to boil and add the ground cloves. Now add the green tea leaves and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea to filter the cloves. Your clove tea is ready. Also read green tea or masala chai- which is healthier.
Image source: Getty Images
For more articles on diet & fitness, visit our diet & fitness section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
