Te Teas

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a cluster of bacteria that may develop in the human nose. This common strain of staph is occasionally referred to as a “Super Bug,” due to its resistance to antibiotics. It can result in fatal infections when coming into contact with open wounds. Like most bacterial illnesses, MRSA is spread by skin-to-skin contact and exposure to contaminated surfaces.

The latest estimates indicate that almost 2.5 million people show evidence of MRSA within their nasal cavities. But, new research published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Family Medicine bears good news for hot coffee and tea drinkers—the greater the consumption, the lower the risk for MRSA. In fact, people who drank hot tea and coffee were 50% less likely show signs of the dangerous bacteria. Yet another reason to brew up your favorite drink!

Tea has a rich history dating back to about 2700BC. Today, tea production is in access of 2.5 million tons globally. Tea is grown in subtropical areas of China, India, Japan, Indonesia and Asia. All tea is created from the tropical plant Camellia Senensis. There are several thousand different types of tea available on the market, but it can be broken down into four main categories: Black, Green, Oolong and White.

White tea is produced from the baby leaves of the Camellia Senensis plant. The tealeaves are harvested before they fully open, when the buds are covered by fine white hair. White tea is typically more expensive than other teas due to scarce availability. White tea is the least processed tea and possesses a high level of antioxidants. The caffeine content is very low, averaging about 15mg per serving.

• Prevents cancer cells from forming
• Lowers blood pressure
• Helps reduce cholesterol levels
• Improve bone density

If you are interested in sampling some white tea, I would suggest Teaposy and Te Teas White Silk Earl Grey.

Green tea is made from the top two leaves and buds from the Camellia Sinensis shrub. The leaves are dried after being plucked to prevent fermentation. The drying process stops the enzyme activity which causes oxidation. The green tea is then hand rolled into numerous shapes including: curly, twisted, pointed and round. The rolling process regulates the release of natural substances and flavor when steeped in the cup. Green tea contains on average 20mg of caffeine.

• Aids with digestion
• Helps keep a healthy complexion
• Has no calories
• Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

Whole Latte Love offers an assortment of green teas. I would suggest Te Tea Organic Forest Green and Organic South Pacific Green.

Black tea is the most processed of all teas made from the tea plant. The tea leaf is completely oxidized prior to being fired. The leaf is laid out to wilt and dry naturally which causes it to lose much of its weight and stiffness. The tea leaf is than rolled, and left out in the air to start the oxidization process. Black tea has the most caffeine of all the teas due to this process; it averages 40mg of caffeine per serving.

• Reduces heart disease
• Lower blood pressure
• Helps burns fat and speed up metabolism
• Helps delay the aging process

The following Te Teas are created with black tea: Black Velvet Chai Calming Lavender and Imperial Breakfast Blend.

The Oolong tea is created from buds at the top of the bushes that are matured to half the size of a fully grown leaf. The leaves are picked and left indoors to cool and dry. The leaves then go through the bruising process, which removes moisture and grassiness. When aroma substances have started to form, bruised leaves are pan-fried at high heat to kill the enzymes and stop the oxidation process.

• Promotes weight loss
• Treats skin disorders
• Prevents tooth decay
• Reduces high blood pressure

If you haven’t tried a Oolong tea, I would suggest: Te Tea Dream Goddess Oolong or Teaposy Concerto tea

Tea is a relaxing drink that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. It can be purchased in loose form, individual tea bags or capsules. All teas have good health benefits due to the antioxidants in the tea leaves. Next time you are looking for a healthy drink, treat yourself to one of these great tea varieties.