By Ruchel Louis Coetzee
Tea has held a prominent place in our history, playing roles in trade routes, ceremonies, mating rituals, and more than one political movement. Now, a new revolution in tea has hit the marketplace, zeroing on the drink’s health benefits. Over the last decade, gourmet tea sales have tripled to $15 billion as consumers shift their focus to this “hot” new alternative.
Red is the New Green
Red Bush tea (“rooibos”) is a now-iconic South African tea, the health benefits of which go far beyond your expectations. The key antioxidant in rooibos—Aspalathus linearis—is found nowhere else in nature. Scientific research documents its role in delaying the effects of aging, boosting the immune system, and relieving ailments such as allergies, labored breathing, stomach cramps, and high blood pressure. Swap your calorie-infused chai latte for a red bush option today. Teavana’s exotic Tulsi Dosha Chai Rooibos—a spicy infusion of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon—is a healthy indulgence that will have you seeing red.
Smart Cookie
While the concept of “cookie dough” might cause a psychosomatic calorie heart attack, the David’s Teas Cookie Dough gourmet blend offers the holy grail of healthy treats, brimming with the aroma of chocolate, almonds, and caramel. This white tea blend not only protects skin from free radical damage, but is loaded with immune-boosting antioxidants to stave off colds and viruses. So, next time you find yourself craving the sweet flavor of cookie dough, reach for the kettle instead of the spoon.
Wine Not
The Chinese oolong tea Naked Chardonnay, based on a 400-year-old recipe, keeps weight in check by controlling how your body metabolizes fat. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, this semi-green tea promotes dental health by preventing plaque build up. Oolong Chardonnay from Vintage TeaWorks is inspired by wine: Full-bodied, with luscious hints of papaya, citrus, and vanilla balanced with a touch of cinnamon spice. We’ll raise a glass to that.
Sundae Best
For those who’ve been praying to the Venti Mocha Frappuccino gods and can’t do without a morning dose, discover a new route to taste satisfaction, without the worrisome 470 calories. The calorie-free Caramel Sundae Escape from Talbott Teas is a coffee addict’s path to a more slimming and healthful—yet rich and flavorful—beverage. The metabolism boosting caffeine shot found in this black tea blend is chock-full of disease-fighting polyphenols, which is a decidedly better way to start your day. Latin Lover South America’s challenger to green tea, mate, is said to contain five times the antioxidant strength of its rival, with the ability to stimulate the central nervous system and boost the metabolism. While its benefits are clear, don’t overindulge in this potent elixir. Like any strong stimulant, mate, as found in Mate Carnival—a rhythmic blend of tea, sunflower seeds, and blue flowers from Mahamosa—should be consumed in moderation.
