Healthy Life: Pass the tea, please

Black, green, oolong, white and most herbal teas are calorie-free (until you add sweetener).
Black, green, oolong, white and most herbal teas are calorie-free (until you add sweetener).

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FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2011, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga takes a break during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, in Cincinnati. Maualuga was charged with assault on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, after police investigated allegations by an employee at a downtown Cincinnati bar that Maualuga punched him in the face early Sunday morning. (AP Photo/David Kohl, File)

Did you know tea is considered the most popular beverage consumed worldwide (next to water)? Tea is currently found in 80 percent of U.S. households. Offering a less-caffeinated beverage choice, tea is gaining popularity for drinking hot or cold. It is not surprising with the wide range of types and flavors available tea is becoming a healthier drink choice for the young and young at heart alike!

In recent years, the health benefits to drinking tea have become well documented. Both green and black teas contain less than half the caffeine found in a cup of coffee - decaffeinated tea even less! For a completely caffeine-free option, choose from herbal teas and tea blends. Relaxation benefits when enjoying a warm or iced tea makes choosing tea an easy choice, while reducing caffeine intakes for health reasons or just to avoid the nervous jitters.

If you go to the store or specialty shop, the wide array of tea options can be overwhelming. So what are the differences? Black, green, white and oolong teas are all from the "true tea" plant Camellia sinensis. The differences between the teas are due to processing differences.

Black, green, oolong, white and most herbal teas are calorie-free (until you add sweetener). There are about 47-90 milligrams of caffeine in a cup of tea compared to 150-200 milligrams in a cup of coffee. White tea contains the least caffeine (30 milligrams). Green and black tea contain 30-70 milligrams, and oolong 50-70 milligrams.

Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and not from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, these teas are the fruits, flowers, roots or twigs from a variety of plants. The name comes from the fact that you use the dried (or fresh) plant and steep it in water similar to making a cup of tea. Some caution should be used in choosing herbal tea blends. Blends offer a combination of plant materials. For people with plant allergies, it is important to check the all ingredients before purchasing. Likewise, some herbal teas can affect prescription medications.

Research is documenting health benefits for tea drinkers. Oolong (blend of green and black teas) has been shown to improve cardiovascular health including lowering cholesterol, lowering blood sugar in diabetics and aiding in weight management. Green tea has shown to contain the highest amount of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial to those suffering IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). It is also indicated in lowering risks for heart disease by lowering total cholesterol, raising HDL and lowering triglycerides.

Whether you enjoy the relaxation that accompanies a good cup (or glass) of tea or are making beverage changes to improve health, a wide variety of blends to tantalize the taste buds are available!

Dr. Dianna Richardson of the Health, Wellness & Nutrition Center in Jefferson City has served communities as a wellness practitioner for more than 20 years. Core to her practice has been the use of nutrition to enhance health and improve vitality.

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Masala Chai Tea

Makes one 8-ounce serving.

3/4 cup water

2-4 whole green cardamom pods, smashed

1-2 thin slices fresh ginger

1 1-inch cinnamon stick

1 piece star anise

3/4 cup milk (or milk substitute)

1 teaspoons loose black tea leaves

Sweetener, to taste (i.e., agave)

In a small saucepan, combine the water, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon stick and star anise. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant. Add the milk and tea leaves, and simmer for another minute then turn off the heat and let steep for two minutes. Pour into a cup through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the leaves and spices. Add sweetener, to taste.

For a deep, richer flavor combine spices (except ginger) and water and bring to a boil. Turn off and allow to sit overnight. In the morning, add ginger and bring to boil. Then add milk and tea and proceed as above.