About
As of late, I have become quite the advocate for white licorice tea. Actually an advocate for white tea, licorice just happens to be my favorite. I find that the flavor of licorice tea to be substantial and bold enough to satisfy this long time coffee drinker.
I started drinking licorice tea because I wanted to lower my caffeine intake and get better sleep. I have always loved coffee but as I get older I’ve found it more and more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. I tried decaf coffee and never liked the taste. I’ve tried regular black teas and they are ok, but never had enough flavor and I would drift back to coffee. I then discovered licorice tea and was pleasantly surprised. I had found a beverage that would replace coffee in my life.
I have done a little research on licorice tea. I learned that it was white tea flavored with star anise or extract from licorice root. So, I looked into white tea. I found some amazing information. White tea has a higher content of anti oxidants that green tea. It comes from the same plant Camellia Sinensis, but it is plucked before the leaves have fully opened. Caffeine level builds as the leaves mature. So, white tea also has the lowest caffeine level of all the teas.
There has been much research on the health benefits of green tea. All of which are accredited to anti-oxidants and therefore white tea is even healthier than green tea. Research shows that anti oxidants and tea improve our health in many ways. Anti oxidants rid our bodies of “free radicals” and in doing so they are a cancer preventative and a cancer fighter. Tea drinking also stimulates the body’s production of interferon which fights viruses and aids the liver, decreasing inflammation.
Another benefit of tea consumption is that it improves the functioning of the arteries, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It is fantastic for people with circulatory issues. White tea is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It has been used to treat stomach ulcers, boils, diarrhea, sore throats, pneumonia and dental caries. Like my grandma used to say “It’s good for what ails you.”
I highly suggest that everyone incorporates white tea (or at least green tea) into their daily diet. I have and I feel better for it. On the sidebar is a link to a great source of quality teas. I am confident you’ll find one that you enjoy as much as I enjoy licorice tea.
