From delivering antioxidants to aiding digestion and helping you stay hydrated, tea has some amazing health benefits. But did you know there are simple ways to make your tea habit even healthier? In this post, we share 5 tips that will change the way you drink tea.
1. Always choose organic
The quality of tea matters. When you drink tea, you’re literally drinking water that’s been infused by plants. If those plants have been sprayed with pesticides, you’re consuming toxic chemicals. You may as well be drinking a cocktail, rather than a healthy cuppa!
To ensure the quality of your tea, always choose organic – or as close as you can get. Over 80% of Tea Tonic teas are Australian Certified Organic and 100% are chemical free. Achieving organic certification is incredibly hard, and companies must meet stringent requirements. When you choose organic tea, you’re guaranteed a safe sip made from natural ingredients.
Read more about organic here: Why choose organic?
2. Avoid caffeinated tea during and after meals
Did you know that drinking caffeine during and after meals can decrease iron absorption? Consuming caffeine with an iron source, like animal protein, leafy greens or tofu, can reduce absorption by up to 80%. It can also inhibit the uptake of minerals like magnesium, calcium and zinc.
Caffeine should be separated from foods or supplements containing iron by at least one hour. If you love a cuppa with your meal, try herbal tea (which is caffeine free) – or wait it out.
3. Add lemon for an iron boost
Want to naturally increase iron absorption? Add a slice of lemon to your tea. Lemon not only counteracts the negative effect of caffeine, it enhances iron absorption. One cup of Tea Tonic’s Complexion Tea or Wellbeing Tea contains around 10% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron – even more when you add lemon. Drink a few cups each day and you’ll be well on your way to the RDI.
4. Try decaffeinating tea naturally
If you love the taste of black tea, but want to reduce your caffeine intake, try DIY decaf. Rather than drinking commercial decaf teas, which have gone through harsh chemical processes, decaf naturally using the ‘splash, swirl and hurl’ method.
Simply ‘splash’ your tea with hot water, ‘swirl’ the leaves around thoroughly, and ‘hurl’ out the used water. Then you’re ready to brew as usual. This process can remove up to 90% of caffeine, while still retaining antioxidants and flavour. It also works for green and white teas.
5. Research ingredients and shop for your needs
Tired skin? Stressed out? Struggling with sleep? Feeling forgetful? Whatever your wellbeing needs, there’s a Tea Tonic tea that can help. For example, Coconut Tea is hydrating and will put you in a happy, lively mood – minus the crash. Hemp Harmony Tea is balancing and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. G.L.E.W Tea soothes the stomach and is brilliant for boosting immunity. Take the time to research ingredients and shop for teas that suit your needs.