TEA

TEA
Tea is awesome for your health. Tea is derived from the plant (CAMELLIA SINENSIS).  Camellia sinensis is an evergreen plant that grows mainly in tropical and sub-tropical climate.     Tea is an aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over the leaves and leaf buds of tea plant (camellia sinensis). Tea can be hot or cold.
There are different types of tea which have cooling, slightly bitter and astringent flavor.
Have you ever heard that tea has so many varieties?
Tea is generally divided in to four categories based on how it is processed. The leaves goes through different stages like withering, rolling, fermentation and drying.

It has four varieties- Green, White, Oolong and Black Tea. All have a specific aroma,taste,color and benefits of its own.

GREEN TEA

HIGHLIGHTS

• Green tea is unprocessed, unoxidized and unfermented.
• Green tea is most anti-oxidant rich because its leaves are processed in a way to prevent too much oxidation.
• Green tea has tremendous anti-oxidants and lots of theanine which gives many health benefits.
• Green tea or any other tea is negative calorie food that it can cause you to lose nutrition because it is known to block absorption of protein, fat and iron. But taking it at right time can prevent this effect of tea.

HOW TO MAKE GREEN TEA
Brewing is the process of making tea from the leaves and hot water.
Green tea is available in different forms like:

• Tea bags
• Loose leaf
• Instant powder
• Green tea supplements in the form of capsule. 

METHOD -  If you don't prepare the tea correctly, it will not provide any health benefit and will end up tasting bitter.

• Take the leaves, steep them in hot water that's not too hot. Too much hot water will make the tea bitter.
• Take 1 tsp. of leaves per cup.
• Now take the tea leaves in the washed strainer.
• Boil the water in a pan and let it cool for few seconds.
• Place the strainer over the cup.
• Then pour the hot water in to the cup and let the tea steep for 3 minutes.  Take out the sieve and your tea is ready. You can add spoon of honey too.

MAKE TEA WITH TEA BAGS
Heat the water in the pan till 80-85 degrees of temperature.  Put the tea bag in to the cup and pour the water over it and let the bag steep for 3 minutes. Remove the bag and your sip is ready.
 REMEMBER IT that always use filter or tap water instead of distill or hard water as both may spoil the quality of the tea.
BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA

• Scientists have found that the catechins (antioxidants) present in the green tea increases the body's ability to burn fat,improving metabolism ,thus helps in losing weight and also results in better muscle strength and endurance.
• Green Tea might also help protect against cardiovascular diseases.
• Green Tea is hydrating to the body.
• Green Tea rejuvenates and cleanse your body.
• Green Tea acts as sun screen because it provide protection from ultraviolet rays.
• Green Tea improves bone mineral density and bone mass which makes our bones stronger.

According to the lab researches Tea may be beneficial but just not in excessive amounts. It may react or affect differently to the human body to that in lab. Therefore excess of everything is not good. Do consult your doctor if you are caffeine reactant.
RIGHT TIME TO DRINK GREEN TEA- It is advisable to drink green tea 2 hours before the meal or 2 hours after the meal for its best results and benefits.

WHITE TEA

HIGHLIGHTS

• White tea is minimally processed,  unoxidized and  unfermented.
• White tea is made from the buds and immature tea leaves which are picked before they are fully opened and are dried in natural sun. It is prevented from the process of oxidation ,as a result it gives light flavor to the sip.
•  It is rich in anti-oxidants and very good for you.
• White tea is rich in polyphenols mainly flavanoids, phytonutrients, and tannins.
•  White tea is a mild, sweet and fresh tea.
• It has slightly yellow or very pale yellow color.

HOT WHITE TEA

COLD WHITE TEA

White tea can be brought as loose leaves or as tea bags.
HOW TO PREPARE WHITE TEA

• Always buy the most recent harvest as to get the benefits of its freshness.
• Keep it in air tight container. Keep it cool, dry and separate so as to avoid the mixing of fragrance and taste. Don't keep it for longer as it doesn't have a long shelf life as black tea.
• Choose good quality of water to prepare the tea because hard water and unfiltered water may ruin the delicate flavors of the tea. Avoid distill water.Take filtered, tap or spring water that has not been previously boiled.

BREW METHOD-

• Boil the water in the kettle, then let it cool for five to eight minutes. Water should not be more than 70 to 75 degrees in temperature. If the water is too hot, the tea will turn bitter instead you can prefer a longer steeping time at a cooler temperature. 
• Then pour a small amount of boiling water in to the cup to pre-warm the cup. Then pour out the water.
• Take 2 teaspoons of tea if using buds and 2 tablespoons if using loose leaves per cup.
• Place the tea buds/ leaves in the pot or cup, either directly or in an infuser.
• Pour the water over the tea buds/leaves.
• Place the lid on the pot.
• Steep the tea for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the variety and the size of the leaves.
• As soon as the tea is ready, remove the buds/ leaves by lifting out the infuser or straining the infusion.
• When brewed, it can give pale yellow to light orange depending on the time taken for steeping.

BENEFITS OF WHITE TEA

• White tea protects against certain diseases and reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
• White tea provides natural anti bacterial properties because of tannins present in it.
• White tea helps in weight loss and lowers bad cholesterol.
• White tea is rich in antioxidants which help to repair and maintain your skin and protect your skin against UV effects.
• White tea slows down ageing process thus keeping you young and maintaining your vitality for long.
• White tea have been proven beneficial for diabetic patients as it decreases the plasma glucose levels and increases insulin secretion.

OOLONG TEA

HIGHLIGHTS

• Oolong tea is semi processed,  partially oxidized and semi fermented.
• It falls between green and black tea.
• It is allowed to oxidize for a short period before being exposed to heat. It has high polyphenol content.
• It can be sweet and fruity with honey aromas.
• It has a lighter flavor to that of black tea.

METHOD OF BREWING
1. Heat the water in a tea kettle to 70 to 80 degrees temperature.
2.Take 2 teaspoon of Oolong leaves.
3.Place the tea leaves in a cup or an infuser.
4.Pour the water over the leaves.
5.Cover the cup with a small lid or a saucer to steep the tea.
6.Depending up on the variety of the leaves, the steep time may vary between 1 to 5 minutes.
7. As soon as the tea is ready, remove the leaves by lifting out the infuser or straining the tea leaves from the cup through sieve. Now the sip is ready.
IMPORTANT- You can use Oolong tea leaves multiple times, producing different flavors and tastes after each steeping. You can use it 2 to 3 times.
REMEMBER IT that always use filter or tap water instead of distill or hard water as both may spoil the quality of the tea.
Keep it in air tight container. Keep it cool, dry and separate so as to avoid the mixing of fragrance and taste.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

• Oolong tea contains flavanoids, caffeine, fluoride, theanine and catechins.
• It contains various minerals like calcium, manganese, copper, carotene, potassium and vitamins A,B,C,E and K.
• Due to its semi fermented nature it contains numerous polyphenolic compounds which proves very beneficial for health.

BENEFITS OF Oolong TEA
1.As it contains catechins, it is effective in preventing heart diseases, cancer mainly ovarian cancer in women, obesity and diabetes.
2.oolong tea is rich in antioxidants like poly phenols which help in weight loss and fight obesity.
3.oolong tea improves skin health.
4. The caffeine present in it improves metabolism.
5.The caffeine in tea releases nor epinephrine and dopamine- two brain chemicals that improves mood and stress buster.
6. Theanine relieves anxiety.
7. oolong tea acts as a energy booster.

BLACK TEA

HIGHLIGHTS

• Black tea is maximum processed, fully oxidized and fully fermented.
• The leaves turn darker after picking because the chlorophyll of the leaves break down and the tannins are released due to oxidation process. The best constituent of tea is Caffeine which gives the tea its stimulating character. The most important chemical in tea is Tannin which gives tea its astringency.
• Black tea is generally stronger in flavor than the other less oxidized teas.

Black tea is available in the loose tea form and tea bags.
HOW TO MAKE BLACK TEA
1. Boil water up to 100 degrees  temperature.
2.Take loose tea leaves or a tea bag in a cup.
3.Pour boiled water in to the cup over the leaves or bag.
4. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes. For stronger cup you can steep a longer.
5. Stir it once and strain or remove the tea bag.
6. Now your tea is ready.
REMEMBER IT that always use filter or tap water instead of distill or hard water as both may spoil the quality of the tea.
Keep it in air tight container. Keep it cool, dry and separate so as to avoid the mixing of fragrance and taste.
BENEFITS OF BLACK TEA

• Black Tea gives us energy.
• The phytochemicals present in the black tea makes our bones stronger. The people drinking  black tea have stronger bones.
• Black Tea has fluoride and tannins which prevent the plaque deposition on our teeth. This in result keep our teeth protected.
• Black Tea has less calories and it helps in weight loss because after sipping it the person feels less hungry.
• The black tea reduces the risk of  heart attack up to 70% comparable to the person who doesn't drink tea. So it is advisable to take 2-3 cups of black tea daily.

 But don't rely solely on tea to keep yourself healthy- tea is advisable but it is not a miracle.
Another one we have

 HERBAL TEA

It is an infusion of a different plant and it is not technically tea. It is not made from the leaves of camellia sinensis but infusions of fruits, leaves, seeds,or other parts of different aromatic and  medicinal plants. Some are mentioned below.

HERE ARE SOME TYPES OF HEALTHY  HERBAL TEA -

• MINT TEA
• TULSI TEA
• CINNAMON TEA
• CUMIN TEA
• BLACK PEPPER TEA
• AJWAIN TEA
• GINGER TEA
• GINGER LEMON TEA

MINT TEA/ PUDINA CHAI
BOTANICAL NAME- MENTHA

MINT a herb is believed to have number of health benefits. Mint contains an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid.
It is also called "pudina chai" in India. It is light , aromatic, refreshing and have a cooling and soothing effect. It can be prepared with fresh organic leaves of mint which you can grow in your kitchen garden or you can use dried mint leaves available in the market.
Few years back my mother prepared this tea for me when i fell ill. I had some digestion problems, then my mother prepared this for me.
HOW TO PREPARE MINT TEA
Fresh mint tea is easy to make at home.
Boil some fresh leaves of mint in water at least for 10 minutes at low flame. Then let it cool for few seconds and then sieve it and take the infusion.
                                                                      OR
Bring the water to boil and pour over the fresh leaves in a bowl. Let the leaves steep for at least 5 to 10 minutes.Cover the bowl. Then strain the infusion and sip it hot.
You can take cold mint tea also and can add honey in it to add taste.
Fresh mint tea works wonderfully when taken hot or even cold infusion.
It is better to consult your doctor before taking it especially if you are on any kind of medications.
BENEFITS OF MINT TEA

• Mint tea increases bile secretion and helps in easy digestion. It may calm your belly and helps in curing bloating because of its soothing property.
• Rosmarinic acid present in mint helps in relieving seasonal allergy.
• MENTHOL is present in mint. Menthol has a cooling effect so it cures sore throat and it also bring relief from the respiratory disorders like cough, phlegm and mucus.

TULSI TEA
BOTANICAL NAME- OCIMUM SANCTUM

• Tulsi is a herb called holy basil plant. It has spiritual as well as medicinal properties.
• Tulsi has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tulsi is served as a tea and infusion. The fresh tulsi leaves are best to be used from your garden.
• Different parts of the plant like leaves, seeds, stems and flowers are used to make infusion to cure several diseases.
• Tulsi  plant contains phytonutrients, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and many other phytochemicals.

HOW TO PREPARE
Tulsi tea is made by brewing the fresh Tulsi leaves in water. Boil the water and add some fresh leaves in the pot. Cover the pot and let it stay for few minutes. Strain the infusion and it is ready to take.
You can add Tulsi leaves to the tea prepared by using the leaves of Camellia sinensis and milk.
Why tulsi tea is considered so beneficial?
BENEFITS OF TULSI TEA

• Tulsi tea helps in treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
• Tulsi tea can calm you down, work as an anti- depressant and reduces anxiety and stress. It helps in insomnia.
• Tulsi tea acts as anti-ageing.
• Tulsi tea acts as an antibiotic, boost immunity, anti-inflammatory.
• Tulsi tea helps in promoting stamina.
• Tulsi tea is primarily used to treat any kind of respiratory problem- such as cold,cough, bronchitis and inflammation.
• Tulsi tea is most commonly used in treating malaria.

It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking it in any way, particularly if you are on any medication. Do not take tulsi tea if you are pregnant, breast feeding or you are in gestation period.
CINNAMON TEA/ DALCHINI CHAI
BOTANICAL NAME- CINNAMOMUM VERUM

• Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of the plant belonging to the genus CINNAMOMUM.
• Cinnamon is an aromatic spice and is used as a flavouring agent in foods, sweets,traditional cuisines, bread and especially tea.
• Cinnamon tea is a healthy beverage prepared with cinnamon sticks. It is very simple to prepare.
• Cinnamon have cinnamic acid, linalool, catechins and other powerful substances that can be accessed through a cup of  tea.
• Cinnamon has antiviral, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.
• Cinnamon acts as an  anti-inflammatory because of  antioxidants present in it.

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON TEA

• Take a piece of cinnamon stick or bark or can be taken in powdered form.
• Boil the water and add cinnamon to it. Let it boil for 5-6 minutes.
• Turn off the burner.
• After this, allow the cinnamon stick to steep in the water for another 5 minutes.
• Sieve it and drink the sweet beverage. No need to add the sugar, as cinnamon has a natural sweet flavor.

BENEFITS OF CINNAMON TEA
1. Cinnamon tea helps in weight loss.
2.Cinnamon tea regulates blood sugar.
3. Cinnamon tea lowers bad cholesterol levels.
4.Cinnamon tea improves digestion.
5. Cinnamon tea strengthen the immune system.
6. Cinnamon tea reduces menstrual cramps.
7.Cinnamon tea reduces inflammation in the body.
CUMIN TEA/JEERA TEA
BOTANICAL NAME- CUMINUM CYMINUM

• Cumin seeds are used as a spice for flavor and aroma in the foods. It can be used ground or as a whole.
• In some states 'jira water' is made by boiling cumin seeds in the water which aids digestion.
• Cumin treats sore throat, colds, arthritis and act as natural detoxifier.
• Cumin has got antiseptic properties.
• Vitamin A, C and E are present in cumin seeds. 
• Cumin has abundant iron.

HOW TO MAKE CUMIN TEA

• Take a vessel and add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to it.
• Heat or roast the seeds on low flame for few seconds.
• Then pour 250 ml. of water in the vessel and let it boil.
• After boiling, cover the vessel with the lid for 5 minutes. Let it cool.
• Strain the infusion in to the cup and enjoy it warm.
• You can add honey to it or a pinch of salt to it... 

BENEFITS OF CUMIN TEA

• Cumin tea relieves digestive problems like acid reflux, bowel problems, indigestion and flatulence.
• Cumin tea acts as an antiseptic as well as antioxidant which helps in decreasing fevers,treating common colds, curing respiratory disorders.
• Cumin tea helps in detoxification of liver and kidney.
• Cumin tea stimulates labor in pregnant women.
• Cumin tea along with ginger is used to cure sore throats.
• Cumin tea deals with urinary tract infection.
• Cumin tea helps in weight loss.
• Cumin tea cures arthritis.

BLACK PEPPER TEA/KALI MIRCH CHAI
BOTANICAL NAME- PIPER NIGRUM

• Black pepper is a fruit of the plant of the Piperaceae  family. The fruit is called peppercorn. It is also known as KALI MIRCH.
• Fruit  is usually dried and grind. Black pepper in powdered form is used as a spice and seasoning in different foods in different ways. 
• Black pepper is a main ingredient of garam masala  prepared in India.
•  Black pepper is of three types- green pepper, black pepper, white pepper. 
• Dried ground pepper has been in use since ancient times in the preparation of medicines.
• Black peppercorns are usually used to prepare herbal infusion or decoction also called tea to get its maximum benefits.
• The spiciness  is due to the chemical piperine.
• Pepper loses its flavor and aroma through evaporation if not stored in air tight. Once ground it should be stored in air tight container and prevent from light exposure so to prevent from aroma evaporation.
• it is recommended to grind the peppers freshly at the time of use.
• Pepper contain vitamin A which is important for eye health.
• Pepper contain vitamin C which prevents from cold.
• Potassium present in pepper improves digestion and promotes intestine health.
• It is carminative and hence anti flatulence.

HOW TO MAKE BLACK PEPPER TEA

• Black pepper tea is a herbal infusion or herbal decoction made with black peppercorn.
• Boil the water in a saucepan.
• Add 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and turn off the heat after simmering for 2 minutes.
• Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes.
• Strain in to the cup and drink it piping hot to get the maximum benefits.

IMPORTANT- You can add 1 teaspoon honey or 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or a piece of ginger  to the infusion according to your taste.
If you want a stronger tea, you can steep the ingredients for few minutes more. 
HEALTH  BENEFITS OF BLACK PEPPER TEA

• Pepper is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
• Piperine makes it anti-inflammatory which reduces pain and inflammation in the body.
• Tea cures cold and cough because of its anti bacterial and antioxidant property. Sipping hot tea clears throat, clears stuffy nose and the cough accumulated in the chest.
• Sore throat- It brings relief from the throat pain.
• Drinking hot black tea with a pinch of black pepper powder helps in providing relief from the congestion due to sinus.
• It helps in preventing various types of cancer. The piperine present in it helps neutralize the harmful radicals that harm the body and this prevents you from getting affected with cancer causing elements.
• Add a pinch of powder to your tea and see the magic. It acts as an anti depressant. It enhances the reasoning and thinking ability.

AJWAIN TEA/CAROM SEEDS
BOTANICAL NAME- TRACHYSPERMUM AMMI

AJWAIN WATER

AJWAIN TEA

• Ajwain or carom seeds needs no introduction. This spice is very common in each kitchen and is used in number of ways to enhance flavor and nutrition of our food and dishes. It is used as a whole.It has number of health benefits. The seeds are beneficial when consumed during summers.
• Ajwain is pungent, bitter, germicidal, antiseptic, expectorant and digestive.
•  Ajwain has a strong odor like Thyme.
• Ajwain is rich in calcium, thiamine, riboflavin,phosphorous, iron, minerals, fibre,carbohydrates and moisture.
• Ajwain can be consumed as a tea also. It is a non-caffeinated herbal drink easy to make.
• Ajwain is best known to cure digestion related problems, acidity and acid reflux problem. It is anti flatulent when taken raw with warm water.
• Ajwain cures kidney stones.
• Drink ajwain water for curing intestinal pain and infections.
• Ajwain cure cold and blocked nose.
• Ajwain is used in curing skin problems like itching, eczema and boils.

HOW TO MAKE AJWAIN WATER

• Roast the ajwain seeds at low flame till the aroma start coming.
• Heat water in a pan.
• Add roasted seeds to the water and let it simmer for few minutes till it turns light brown in color.
• Strain the mixture and it is ready to use.

HOW TO MAKE AJWAIN TEA

• Ajwain tea is best to be taken after heavy meals.
• Heat water and add seeds to it.
• Then add tea leaves and a pinch of cinnamon powder.
• Simmer for 1 minute.
• Add sugar, milk and stir it.
• Allow to boil and simmer till the desired color is obtained.
• Stand cover for 1 minute, let it brew.
• Strain and serve piping hot.

BENEFITS OF AJWAIN TEA

• Ajwain tea is soothing and refreshing. It is taken especially in summers.
• Ajwain tea rejuvenates the system and aids digestion.
• Ajwain tea stimulates metabolism and helps in reducing excess fat and hence becoming fat to fit.
• Ajwain tea cures cold and cough.
• Ajwain water acts as anti gastritis and reduces acidity.
• Ajwain water lowers menstrual cramps.

GINGER TEA/ADRAK KI CHAI
BOTANICAL NAME- ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

Ginger Tea

Ginger Lemon Tea

• Zingiber officinale is a flowering plant whose root is used as a spice. It is used in fresh form in various foods to give flavor and aroma to the food. 
• Ginger can be used in dried form called 'saunth' which is available in powdered form. Saunth is used in various pickles, flavoring for cookies, ginger breads and cakes.
• Ginger is used as seasoning in Indian dishes.
• Ginger can be steeped in hot water to make ginger herb tea, to which honey can be added.
• Ginger has a significant role in ayurvedic medicine.
• Ginger is an ingredient in various hot or cold Indian drinks.
• Ginger contains Gingerol which gives all the flavor and fragrance. It has anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore it fights osteoarthritis.
• Ginger is used to fight the flu, common cold, helps digestion and reduces nausea.
• Ginger reduces exercise induced muscle pain. 
• Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol which has anti cancerous properties.

There are many more reasons for which ginger is relished in Indian kitchens.
HOW TO MAKE GINGER TEA

• Ginger tea is warming, energy booster, caffeine-free beverage which is the best alternative to black tea or coffee.
• Take 1 cup of  water and 1 tea spoon of grated or finely chopped fresh ginger.
• 1 tablespoon of honey and few drops of lime juice are optional.
• Boil the grated ginger in the water in a pan at least for 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat  and cover it.
• Let it steep for 1-2 minutes and your piping hot sip is ready.
•  Add lime juice and honey to the tea according to your taste. You can sip the tea now.

BENEFITS OF GINGER TEA

• Drinking a cup of ginger tea before travelling can help prevent travel nausea, vomiting and travel sickness.
• Ginger tea helps in improving digestion and increases absorption of food. It is anti flatulent and gives relief from bloating.
• Ginger tea is ideal remedy for muscle and joint pains, it relieves inflamed joints because of its anti inflammatory property.
• Ginger tea  cures cold and cough and congestion problems. It gives relief in winters keeping you warm.
• The vitamins, minerals and amino acids in ginger tea improves blood circulation. It prevents fat from depositing in arteries and hence prevent heart attack.
• Ginger tea improves immunity due to the antioxidants present in it.