Better Balance + Flow

With the days drawing in and the mornings cooling down making it ever more difficult to leave the warmth of our duvets behind, we’re kicking our day off right with some comforting teas.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, with each country adapting it to their cultures and customs. In China and Japan, tea has been consumed to improve health for centuries, a trend that has been catching on recently in the West. From tea ceremonies in Japan to milky chai blends in India, and of course, high tea in London, tea has been transformed in numerous ways to get to the many flavours we find on our grocery shelves today.

Why are we so fascinated with tea and where did it come from?

Tea, which includes green, white, black, oolong and pu’erh, is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinesis plant. All of these teas are made using the same leaves and flavoured during processing to produce different aromas and strength of caffeine. White tea is the least processed (and by processed, we mean oxidized), followed by Green, Oolong, Black and Pu’erh. White and Green teas have also typically been considered healthier due to their high levels of antioxidants. 

White tea is made from younger leaves with minimal oxidation when it is picked and left out to dry. Green teas are picked, withered, rolled and either steamed or roasted, which heats the leaves and locks in the green colour, preventing oxidation. Oolong undergoes a longer process, though is allowed to oxidize between 8%-80%. Their process of oxidation requires repeated rolling and heating, sometimes for day, in order to produce a specific aroma. Black tea is usually made in a day, being allowed to oxidize the longest. This allows for stronger flavours and more astringency. And finally, Pu’erh is the unique one in the bunch, as it’s processing requires true fermentation before it is dried, sometimes for months or years, the reward of which is an earthy, woodsy aroma and smooth taste. Matcha is a powdered version of green tea and has a slightly different process which you can read more about here.

Herbal tea on the other hand is the infusion of different leaves, herbs, roots and fruits, and contains no true tea leaves at all. In fact, it is more accurately categorized as a Tisane, along with Rooibos and Yerba Mate. These teas are caffeine free and are best consumed in the hours before bedtime.

The benefits of a warm cup of tea:

• Boosts energy. Tea contains lower levels of caffeine than coffee but will still give you a little pick me up, which is longer lasting.
• May aid weight loss. Green tea specifically may aid weight loss as it signals the body to burn stored fats
• Protects heart health. Tea contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help to minimize the risk of inflammation in the arteries that can restrict blood circulation and can cause clotting
• Supports mental health. This doesn’t only refer to the ceremonial slowing down of drinking tea, but also the antioxidants in teas such as green tea eliminate free radicals that can cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to dementia and depression.
• Aids digestion. Ginger tea has been used In China and across Asia for centuries to settle an upset stomach. Mint tea is also widely used in the evening to help with digestion due to the menthol and antioxidants it contains.
• May regulate blood sugar. Studies have shown that black tea reduces blood sugar levels after a meal. This is attributed to the polyphenols in tea which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers.

We’ve gathered together our favourite teas from the Sipology Fall/Winter catalogue for you to try:

White Tea

• Lemoncello has hints of orange and lime, making it a great option for infusions or for making simple syrup

Green Tea

• Creamy Root Beer proves that you don’t need tons of sugar to enjoy a nice treat

Oolong

• Raspberry Oolong is my personal favourite for it’s creamy taste and strong berry scent

Black Tea

• Cinnamon Chai is a must have for any chai latte, with ginger, clove and cardamom notes.

Pu’erh

• French Chocolate tastes just like the name and is sure to satisfy any chocoholic cravings (trust me!)

To view the catalogue and check out Sipology’s line of all natural Heal-Thyself boosters, which you can add to your morning yoghurt or smoothie for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, follow the link HERE!