Like someone once said, “If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are heated, tea will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you.”

Tea is an amazing stimulant. With only a little grain of caffeine in a cup of tea – about a third of the caffeine found in a cup of coffee – the stimulating effects are gentle on one’s nervous system, being released slowly rather than giving a “kick” to the system.

Theophylline, another important component of tea, has similar effects but actually relaxes the muscles, balances the fluids in your body, and helps the circulation system. It also prevents blood and cholestrol from clotting the arteries; a major contributor to heart disease. Tea is as good for your heart, as it is for your soul. Try sipping on a flavourful cup of black Darjeeling tea, relaxing at home by the window on a cold day, watching the rain drops fall. Ahhhhh…. serenity!

Tea is packed with antioxidants – probably the most well known fact of tea – which protects your body from the negative effects of aging and increasing pollution. Thanks to polyphenols (the antioxidants found in tea) a few cups of good tea a day can help protect against cancer, as some studies show. Tea boosts your immunity, strengthens your bones, and unsweetened tea can keep plaque away, giving your teeth a nice white glow due to its fluoride element.

Although coffee has always been my first morning drink, I am getting more and more fond of tea to help me wake up. The numerous health benefits and extensive variety of kinds of tea with their beautiful flavours, unique characters and luscious aromas, give me a sort of emotional, physical rejuvenation I cannot resist. These days, I make it a point to have the English Breakfast or an Earl Grey while I get ready for my day. Both are paired so well with any breakfast,  and are still on the stronger side, while lacking that bold kick coupled with an after-buzz that I get from drinking coffee, something I appreciate. One more thing, tea, like water, is helping to increase my metabolism… another truly motivating characteristic; especially just after the wonderful-but-indulgent Christmas season! ;-)

Yours truly, Sallie