Aside from its calming effect, did you know tea is actually good for us? Tea leaves are naturally high in antioxidant compounds that reduce inflammation, and may protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Tea is much lower in caffeine than coffee, and just like water, it hydrates our bodies.
Chai Tea Recipe
This style of tea originated in India and is best made from scratch rather than the powdered versions which often contain countless processed ingredients and a lot of sugar. If you really love your chai, the ceremony of making it can be a mindfulness exercise in itself.
Makes: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 heaped tablespoon of loose leaf tea
- 5 cm piece of cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 4 cardamom pods crushed with the side of a knife
- 1 Slice of ginger root the size and width of a 20c coin
- A pinch of fennel seeds (about 10)
- A pinch of pepper
- Small drizzle of honey (approx. ½ teaspoon)
Instructions:
- Add milk and spices to a saucepan, bring to a simmer and steep for up to 10 minutes
- The stronger the brew, and the longer it steeps, the more intense the flavour will be
- Strain into a mug and serve with a small drizzle of honey to taste
Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Tea Recipe
Makes: 4-5 cups
Ingredients
- 5 cups of water
- 4 tsp of black tea leaves or 4 tea bags
- 1 lemon – ½ sliced and ½ juiced
- 3 slices of ginger root the size and width of a 20c coin
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder or 1 stick of cinnamon
- Small drizzle of honey or maple syrup (approx. 1 – 2 teaspoons)
- Ice cubes
Method
- Add 5 cups of water to saucepan, with lemon juice (not slices), ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add the tea / tea bags, stir in the honey/maple syrup and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain into heatproof jug.
- Serve hot or place jug in the fridge and chill until cold. Serve with ice cubes for extra chill and slices of lemon.
Mistaking Thirst for Hunger.
Mistaking thirst for hunger is really quite common. If you find yourself often snacking between meals, it may be your body actually asking for hydration. Try drinking a large glass of water first, then after 10 minutes, decide if you are actually still hungry. To satisfy cravings between meals and avoid dehydration, tea makes for a wonderful replacement to eating sugar laden snacks. Explore the wide variety of teas available in supermarkets and specialty tea stores, or have a go at making your own iced or hot teas with fresh seasonal ingredients, herbs and spices.
