Tea… it’s one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Growing up in a traditional Taiwanese home, my family and I would often be seen drinking hot tea throughout the day. We drank green tea, chamomile tea, Oolong tea…. you name it, we’ve tried it.  When I was in Taipei last year, one my favorite places to drink tea was in the Maokong Mountains. If you ever need a relaxing spot to sip your cup of tea and just stare into the luscious green mountain side, this would be the place. Or if you are one a business trip in Taipei, some of those tea houses have wifi so you can whip out your laptop and enjoy the picture perfect environment as your new temporary office space.

Not only is drinking tea is a refreshing break from coffee or any other energy drink, but there are so many other benefits as well. Here are some listed below:

1. Virtually calorie free… ok maybe 2 calories a cup as long as you drink it by itself.*

2. May prevent cancers, heart disease, and body inflammation because it contains antioxidants and active compounds. *

3. May increase your alertness because some teas such as green contains L-Theanine (amino acid) and about 30-40 mg of caffeine; this amount may less likely give you the jitters compared to coffee, which has around 135 mg of caffeine. *

4. May help you relax and reduce stress when you drink Peppermint tea contains menthol, which helps to relax the muscles.

What’s your favorite tea? Let me know in the comments section below.

 

 

Sources:

http://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/tea-green

http://www.today.com/health/top-10-health-benefits-drinking-tea-2D12052713

http://www.webmd.com/diet/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits?page=2

http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/5-health-benefits-drinking-peppermint-tea/