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A few columns ago, we discussed green, black (regular), Oolong and white tea. (See Prevention May’ 07) This time, I will tell you about flavoured black teas.
Tea has been around for hundreds, nay, thousands of years and people in different parts of the world have given it their own special touch. Today, that wide variety can be available under one roof.
Black tea with fruit flavours like peach, lemon, passion fruit; or with herbs like tulsi, mint; or spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger or chai masala; homegrown or exotic! The list of flavoured teas goes on.
The most popular of all flavoured black teas is the scented blend Earl Grey. The blend has healing properties and is also anti-depressant and anti-spasmodic. Have it black or with milk. Simple yet effective, with oil extract of bergamot (a citrus fruit) added to fine premium tea, its aroma and taste are wonderful and leave your senses tickled. No wonder it is a favourite among so many fictional characters as well—from James Bond and Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek to Bertie Wooster and Frasier Crane. My favourite too!
Note All teas have anti-oxidants in varying degrees, depending on how processed it is. White tea is least processed and rich in anti-oxidants, good for our immune system. Three to four cups of tea a day are OK for health (minus sugar!).
Some studies say the anti-oxidants are lost when you add milk—owing to a chemical change (European Heart Journal, 2007). Chinese tea, green tea, as well as black tea when had without milk are known to help you lose weight too. Tea had in this way gives you benefits as a diuretic and helps you get rid of water retention.
That is not all. Researchers from the National Centre for Toxicological Research, US, demonstrated that the flavanols and polyphenols in tea inhibited the growth of pancreatic and prostate tumour cells that cause cancer. Tea lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It contains fluorides that are good for dental health and improving bone density too. It is stress relieving and rejuvenating as we all know. Can we ask for more?
The best way to discover a tea to suit your taste and needs is to go to a chai bar. The chain of Oxford Book Stores have nice chai bars attached and a great selection of teas. Or, get together with your friends and go tea shopping, each buy a few so that you all get to taste and try many different types afterwards.
So, get ready to sail the ocean of tempting teas and stop at a port of your choice and sip— for that wonderful, warm feeling that sends you on a lifelong journey of finding the best cuppa!
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