WARM UP TO TEAS AND HONEYS FOR HEART HEALTH
Warm Up to Tea(s) for Heart Health
By Cal Orey, M.A.
Sip a Cup of Heart Wellness – February isAmerican Heart Month
Did you know? Black tea—the most popular tea in America—istouted for its heart-healthy perks? Stacks of studies show black tea can beyour heart’s best friend.
Yep, black tea—the type likely inside yourpantry--is worth brewing. Go ahead—savor a cuppa black flavored tea, such asspicy Constant Comment or Earl Grey with its sweet floral and citrus notes andenjoy its amazing powers.
Onetop antioxidant wizard told me (I was writing a book on tea) black tea cameinto play when studying atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats on your arterywalls, which can up your risk of artery disease)—and it was discovered bothgreen tea and black tea were equally beneficial.
Medical experts will tellyou drinking black tea may lower the risk of developing bad cholesterol (thestuff that clogs your arteries, which can lead to heart attack) and high bloodpressure, improve blood vessel function, reduce inflammation, and lessen therisk of blood clotting. Also, it’s thecombination of heart-healthy antioxidants in black tea and a healthy lifestylethat may protect you against heart disease.
Here three heart-healthyteas for you to sip to help keep heart disease at bay.
* Green. Past research ina noteworthy Ohsaki study published in the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation found that men and women in Japan who drank about two cups of greentea each day reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by a whopping 22 to33 percent. The findings show green tea plays a role in staying heart healthy.Give credit to its flavonoid content.
*Rooibos, pronounced(roy-boss), is a red tea grown in South Africa. Researchers have pinpointed ofpolyphenols in red tea. These compounds act as disease fighters that arecapable of destroying free radicals in the body. This depletes the immunesystem and makes it more prone to diseases, including inflammatory conditionssuch as heart disease. And rooibos may help your body fight back.
* White. This tea is anexcellent heart-healthy tea because of its catechins (the good guys that canhelp lower cholesterol levels). Potassium in white tea helps lessen heartproblems, including high blood pressure. And it does contain less caffeine thanblack tea.
These days, after an upclose and personal cardiac event, I know too well how in the 21stcentury, heart disease affects our health, well-being, and lifespan. There isno cure, but you can lower your risk of developing this disease (and stayhealthier and happier if you already have heart woes) with diet andlifestyle—and that’s where the healing powers of tea comes into play.
STRESS-RELIEVING TEAS
Common stressors from workand financial woes to major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved onecan take a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. Constant stress without a teabreak, however, can weaken your immune system and may cause poor lifestylechoices, leaving your body vulnerable to colds, infections, and even heartdisease.
According to researchers, anamino acid called L-theanine compound found in black tea, in combination withcaffeine, might lessen hormones such as cortisol, which can help induce acalmer feeling and increase mood.
What Tea Rx to Use: One8-ounce cup of English Breakfast tea (popular in England), a black tea that mayhelp you chill. Add a slice of lemon and/or a bit of raw honey to intensity thecalming antidote. A Bonus Tip: Some popular calming herbal teas include chamomileand lavender.
*This article is based onThe Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide To Nature’s Special by Cal Orey andpublished by Kensington.
CAL OREY, M.A., is abestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventures, history,romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree inEnglish (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books includethe Healing Powers series, and the new Soulmates with Paws trilogy. She is aSouth Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com
