Tea, a beverage that is second only to water in popular consumption around the world, also has a centuries-old reputation for its ability to maintain or improve our health. But are you getting all the health benefits?
Well + Good spoke with Heidi Kothe-Levie, a licensed acupuncturist certified in Oriental medicine and former senior tea specialist for Ito-En. “A lot of research has shown benefits for cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, and cognitive health,” Kother Levie told Well + Good. “But if you’re drinking tea for overall disease risk reduction, it all comes down to how frequently you’re drinking it, how you’re brewing it, and what kind it is.” She gave four tips for getting the most health benefits from your tea:
1. Ask when the tea was plucked.
2. If you’re buying tea in person, smell it!
3. Follow brewing instructions.
4. Drink almost as much tea as water.
In addition to the tips above, understanding which tea leaves to choose, how to prepare and how often to drink tea will bring you closer to realizing the maximum benefits from tea.
Heidi Kothe-Levie will tell you more at 92nd Street Y on February 7.
Related: 4 Things You Can Do Right Now To Prolong Your Life.
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