For thousands of years the Eastern world has deemed tea a crucial part of their culture, believing that consuming tea would bring happiness, health and wisdom. Only recently though, has the West begun waking up to the great benefits of tea!
Recent studies have concluded that some teas may encourage weight loss and lower cholesterol, help prevent illnesses, such as some cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, and bring about improved mental alertness. However, for me, it is simply the relaxing benefits of a nightly cup of tea that is the real pleasure. The author Lin Yutang, of The Importance Of Living, concluded that “there is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life,” and the 19th century British Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone, once concluded something similar, saying that “If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.” So, due to these wonderful benefits I wanted to list 8 teas so exotic that you may not yet have heard of them.
1. Peach Cobbler Guayusa
It is available pure, or infused with a number of different flavor such as mint, chocolate or chai, however my favorite is Peach Cobbler. It has a scrumptious aroma of juicy peaches and spice. Guayusa tea contains 50% more anti-oxidants than green tea, and has been found to balance the bodies pH and blood sugar levels, improve the functioning of the kidneys, improve digestion and lower blood pressure. Many people find drinking Guayusa both relaxing and stimulating at the same time!
2. Black Forest Cake Pu-erh Tea
Enjoy the taste of Black Forest Cake without the guilt. Black Forest Cake tea, like Peach Cobbler, is a tea for those who like tea and dessert, and even won second place in its category at the 2013 North American Tea Championship! This tea however is a pu-erh based tea. Pu-erh tea comes from China and is from the same plant used in making green, oolong and black teas. It is considered a healthy beverage with benefits that include help in losing weight, preventing cancer and anti-aging benefits. In one study – albeit on laboratory animal – pu-erh tea was the only kind of tea that actually lowers the bad and raises the good level of cholesterol.3. Mate Teas
4. White Pearls White Tea
This white tea is comprised of 100% newly sprouted buds, hand-rolled into small pearls, that then gently unfurl when infused. White tea comes from a special strain of the tea plant and is harvested only a few days of the year and produced solely in China, mainly in the Fujian province. It is difficult to obtain as production is extremely limited and therefore it is a very expensive and rare tea.. Its health benefits include reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disorders, and it contains anti-aging properties which help in maintaining good health and healthy skin.
5. Insect Poop Tea
6. Matcha Tea
Matcha – literally meaning “powdered tea” – is getting a lot of attention in 2015! It is associated with Japanese tea drinking and the Zen movement and is a type of green tea. It is a richly flavorful drink, and drinking it gives many people a sense of well-being and it’s also well know for its high antioxidant content. One cup of matcha green tea actually has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular tea!7. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is an African tea made out of an herb that is fermented. It is a red tea that carries a malty and slightly grassy flavor. It has absolutely no caffeine and the health benefits of red rooibos tea includes its use as a cure for insomnia, asthma, headaches, eczema and hypertension.8. Yellow Gold Tea
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