Health & Well-Being
Wellness in a cup of tea By CHRISTY LYNN Tea culture has been at the core of many civilizations around the world for thousands of years, and is still the most popular beverage in the world — after water. But did you know that in addition to being tasty and warming on a cool winter day, teas have many health benefits such as calming the stomach, improving digestion, and focusing the mind? The naturally relaxing and settling qualities of tea have helped to revive and maintain its popularity in Eastern and Western cultures, but additional health benefits that researchers have more recently discovered within tea have also added to its popularity. According to research found by Eating Well magazine last year, drinking black tea regularly can help improve heart health by lowering triglycerides as well as reducing blood glucose levels, which eases the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also boosts antibodies, which fight off free radicals and arm your body against illness. Drinking oolong tea can reduce the chances of stroke and lower blood pressure, while passionflower tea can help you achieve a better night’s sleep. Green tea has long been touted for its health benefits, which include reducing your risk of cancer and diabetes. But while all of these health benefits have become additional incentives to brew a pot of tea, John Wetzel, owner of the Stone Leaf Teahouse in Middlebury, suggests that it is the culture and attitude of tea that’s most attractive. “(Tea culture) brings an aspect that’s been missing in our (See Tea, Page 3)
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A Special publication of The Addison Independent Thursday, February 14, 2013