Tea Nirvana
If anyone out there is feeling as congested as I am, and with the ten billionth (or so it seems) winter storm approaching, it is easy to understand why tea has become my own personal version of crack. Luckily, one of my good friends decided to purchase a full sampler of Starbucks Tazo Teas for me as a Christmas present. To say it will be put to good use is an understatement (I am surprised it has lasted this long).
My favorite from this assortment is the Passion tea, an herbal tea with hibiscus and rose hips. I drink it hot and iced, and it is perfect year round. However, I have switched over to the Refresh Mint tea in the mornings, and Chamomile or Zen tea at night.
Personally, I do not use sweeteners in my tea. I prefer to let the flavor of the tea speak for itself, but I know that not everyone drinks tea this way. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to sugars and sweeteners:
When I decide that something needs a little sweetness to take it to the next level, I try to use honey whenever possible. Honey is a natural way to sweeten things up, and it is packed with benefits that have been utilized since Ancient Rome. Honey is slightly acidic, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Honey has been known to help with acid reflux, allergies, infections, and can even be used topically for wounds or burns.
My mother taught me that putting a little honey, lemon, and fresh ginger into some hot water is a great trick for clearing up congestion or sore throat issues. I swear by this when I am not feeling my best.
If honey just is not your thing, I recommend trying to stay as natural as possible. Agave nectar, Molasses, date sugar and maple syrup are all natural sweeteners that can be used to replace table sugar.
Avoiding aspartame, sucralose and other artificial sweeteners is highly recommended. Brands such as Splenda and Equal can have potentially harmful effects on the body, and they do not offer the same unique flavors and benefits of natural sweeteners.
No matter what goes into your cup of tea (if anything), stay warm and healthy!
