Spill that tea sis
But only if its got lots of sugar! Better to feed the ants instead of your diabetes. As I always say, homemade is better, especially when it comes to food.
So much of the food on the shelves and from fast food establishments are packed with preservatives like sugar (either glucose, which could promote inflammation, including diabetes and hardening of your arteries) or sorbitol (good for diabetics but are bad for your gut micro biome) and salt (high blood pressure shouldn’t be on the menu).
Not to mention the added cost from human labor and supporting companies with questionable ethics.
When it comes to tea: an ancient and life-giving beverage that brings people together-it feels even worse to turn something so inherently healthy, unhealthy.
Hot VS cold tea
With summer behind us, and the arrival of fall, I find myself gravitating towards hot tea. Not only does the heat help with digestion, but it boosts morale after seeing 30+ patients a day. No one likes a cranky doctor, (unless you’re a malpractice lawyer).
Studies show little difference in nutritional content between drinking hot or cold tea. In terms of preparing tea, white tea seems to maintain its nutritional (antioxidant) content better when brewed in cold water. (Link)
If you are as busy as I am, your tea tends to get cold anyway. If you prefer hot, get a thermos. It’ll keep your tea warm and prevent spills. Helpful if you have 6+ cats like I do.
Green VS black tea
Thanks to the polyphenols in them, both teas have their respective anticancer benefits and are full of antioxidants. They can lower your LDL, a type of blood lipid (fat) often referred to as bad cholesterol. Black tea has more caffeine than green tea, so if you’re sensitive to caffeine this is worth considering. I like to blend them both for a tasty beverage!
Spices and herbs- health benefits
Money may make the world go round, but spices make life worth living. Not only do they make food taste better, but some spices are packed with health benefits.
Star anise
Protect your heart and anus (I meant anise!) with star-anise.The antioxidants could regulate blood pressure, control blood lipid levels, and lower the build-up of plaque in the hearts (of mice! But it’s a start). (add Link), Star anise also helps prevent bloating, gas, and other symptoms of indigestion. it infuses the tea with a sweet and spicy taste.
Cloves
Contains eugenol. Helps fight pain and infections. Adds a sweet, spicy and bitter flavor profile.
Fennel seeds
May have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects. It gives a sweet, licorice-like flavor profile.
Cardamom
From fighting cavities to aiding in digestion, the health benefits are many. The taste is hard to describe. The mix of green and black cardamom varieties adds a citrus-y, pine-like flavor profile.
Dr Kondal’s hot momma tea
You’ll feel younger, and perhaps even look it too. Who knows, they might even have to “card a mom” (if she’s at the club! See what I did there?!)
Ingredients/benefits
- Star anise 1-2
- Cloves 1-3
- Fennel seeds 5-10
- Black and green cardamom (1 each, bitten)
- May lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss
- Black/green tea- anti-cancer and antioxidants
The proof is in the pudding
Or tea in this case. If you still have doubts about the health-promoting effects of the hot momma tea, just watch how energetic and vibrant Dr Kondal looks (your results may vary).