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Is green tea healthier than black tea?
How many cups of tea a day should I drink?
Will I get the same health benefits from iced-tea?
Is there a difference between tea and herbal tea?
Should I add milk or sugar to tea?
When I make tea, should I add the leaves or the water first?
I am sensitive to caffeine. Which tea is best for me?
How long does tea last?
Which is healthier? Loose-leaf tea or teabags?
I drink water everyday for a healthier lifestyle. Can I replace some of this water with tea?
I prefer to brew loose-leaf tea in a teapot. How do I do this away from from home?
What makes tea so healthy?
What is Red Tea/Rooibos?
What is the Chamomile herb used for?
What exactly does ‘organic’ mean?
Is green tea healthier than black tea?
At Octavia Tea, we select each tea with both flavor and health benefits in mind. We encourage customers to select teas based on taste. After all, the tea that is healthiest for you is the one you will drink the most!
White, Green and Red teas are reported to have the highest antioxidant levels while Greens, Oolongs and Mates may be best for weight loss. However, all of the teas in the Octavia Tea line are rich in health-promoting properties. Different types of tea contain different types of antioxidants, so, just as you wouldn't eat only one kind of vegetable, drinking a variety of teas may provide an increased spectrum of healthy benefits.
Please see the Tea and Health section of this website for more detailed information.
How many cups of tea a day should I drink?
The more tea you drink, the better. For example, in one study, men who drank one cup of black tea a day lowered their cholesterol levels but men who drank five cups of tea a day lowered their cholesterol even more. Another study revealed that drinking one or two cups of black tea a day lowered study subjects’ risk of severe coronary artery disease by 46 percent and drinking four or more cups a day lowered risk by 69 percent.
Even one cup a day may be enough to improve health. For example, a study conducted by Harvard University researchers found that participants who consumed one cup of black tea a day lowered their risk of heart attack by as much as 44 percent compared with non-tea drinkers.
Some health benefits may happen immediately. According to one study at Boston University, blood vessels of patients with heart disease functioned better within two hours of drinking tea, and the effects were maintained after 4 weeks.
Although most research revealing health benefits requires at least one cup of tea a day, everyone is different and results will vary. Please also remember that, while drinking tea has shown incredible results in scientific studies around the world, there is no substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is best to incorporate regular tea drinking into an already healthy, daily routine.
Will I get the same health benefits from iced-tea?
As gourmet tea becomes increasingly popular, many high-quality bottled iced teas have emerged in the marketplace. However, many pre-bottled ice-teas or powdered mixes contain little, if any, antioxidants and health-promoting properties. Some powdered tea mixes are only flavorings and contain no tea at all so it is best to avoid these completely. If drinking pre-bottled tea, be sure to read the label so you are aware of any unwanted ingredients such as chemicals and sugar.
If you are drinking tea for the health benefits, it is best to make iced-tea at home and drink it immediately. The antioxidants in tea tend to break down quickly, so iced tea left in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours may loose some of its benefits. When made fresh, tea served hot or over ice will provide the same level of antioxidants and health-promoting properties.
Please see our Tea Brewing Guide section on this website for detailed instructions on how to make iced-tea.
Is there a difference between tea and herbal tea?
True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Any leaf that comes from a different plant is not real tea. For example, Chamomile, Rooibos, and some fruit blends are NOT from the tea plant. They are generally referred to as ‘herbal teas’ for convenience, but this name can be misleading since they are not really tea at all. Technically, herbs infused in water are called tisanes.
It is important to distinguish between tea and herbal tea since the health benefits and nutritional characteristics vary from plant to plant. Rooibos and Chamomile have their own unique and impressive list of health benefits, but some herbal teas do not have much nutritional value at all.
Should I add milk or sugar to tea?
Strong black tea, with the exception of Darjeeling, is the only tea that warrants the use of milk & sugar. Our Organic English Breakfast and Chai Tea take beautifully to these additional ingredients. In fact, Chai Tea is traditionally brewed in hot milk.
Although people occasionally add honey to green tea to soothe sore throats, most green and white teas are meant to be enjoyed on their own. The light, fresh, floral flavors characteristic of green and white tea can be masked by strong ingredients such as milk, sugar, honey or lemon.
When I make tea, should I add the leaves or the water first?
Pour the water over the leaves and not vice versa. The action of running water over and through the tea leaves will yield better tasting brew and release more of the compounds responsible for tea’s flavor and health benefits. When you add the leaves after the water, they will likely float on top. If the whole surface of the leaf is not infused, the brew will be inferior.
I am sensitive to caffeine. Which of Octavia’s teas should I drink if I wish to avoid caffeine?
All types of tea have less caffeine than coffee, and green and white tea have less caffeine than black tea. You can also ‘decaffeinate’ your tea at home. Because caffeine is highly soluble, tea leaves release the majority of their caffeine content in the first 30 seconds of steeping. Therefore, “pre-brewing” tea for 30 seconds, discarding the water, and then brewing the used tea leaves will significantly lower the level of caffeine in your cup. However, this method does not remove all of the caffeine and may also wash away some of the beneficial antioxidants found in tea.
All tea—even decaffeinated tea—contains a small amount of caffeine. If you wish to avoid caffeine completely, it is best to choose one of our completely caffeine-free herbal alternatives, such as Rooibos and Roses or Calming Chamomile.
Please see Tea & Caffeine.
How long does tea last?
We recommend drinking tea within a year of purchase. After that, the leaves will begin to loose their flavor. Tea should be stored in an air-tight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Because tea readily absorbs scents of objects near by, tea should not be stored next to foods with strong odors such as bananas or fruits. We recommend storing your tea in their original tins as they provide excellent protection and will keep your tea fresh.
Which is healthier? Loose-leaf tea or teabags?
All tea, whether loose or in bags, contains antioxidant in varying levels. The quality of tea used in tea bags is generally poor and consists of broken bits of leaves which usually go stale before they reach the grocery store shelves. Therefore, higher quality, fresh tea coming from younger, more nutrient-dense leaves on the tea plant will have higher levels of antioxidants and health-promoting properties.
At Octavia Tea, we sampled over 500 types and varieties of tea to bring you the best from around the world. The teas that made the cut are exceptional not only in quality and taste, but also in the potential health benefits they bring to each cup.
I have been drinking more water everyday to fit in with a healthier lifestyle. Can I replace some of this water with tea?
Yes. The main ingredient in tea is water—which is yet another healthy aspect of drinking tea. Even mild dehydration will slow down the body’s metabolism. In fact, lack of water is the most common trigger of daytime fatigue. Most Americans are not in the habit of drinking enough water, and many people often mistake thirst for hunger. Drinking tea is a great way to re-hydrate your body and add more water to your daily routine.
I prefer to brew loose-leaf tea in a teapot. However, this can be difficult to do away from home. What are my alternatives?
Although the best way to brew loose-leaf tea is with a teapot, we understand that this is not always an option. For your convenience, we offer many alternative methods of brewing our tea. An infuser, tea-ball, or tea-wand are small enough to carry with you and will brew tea quickly and easily—right in your cup. We also sell empty, non-bleached tea bags. When you don’t have a tea pot handy, any of these alternative methods will work.
What makes tea so healthy?
What makes tea so healthy? Researchers are working around the globe trying to answer this very question! Although we do not have all the answers, we do know that tea contains potent antioxidants that are more than 10 times stronger than antioxidant-powerhouses vitamins C and E. In fact, tea appears to contain some of the most potent disease-fighting substances found in food. Tea is also the only source for a remarkable amino acid called L-Theanine, which is known to reduce anxiety, improve mood and lower blood pressure.
Of course, tea is also health for what it does NOT contain. . . which is no fat, sodium, and virtually no calories (around 2 calories per cup). Tea contains several B vitamins that are water soluble and quickly release into the cup as well as riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, manganese, fluoride, carotene, vitamin C, iron, zinc, chlorophyll, and calcium. Drinking 2 cups of tea per day is said to provide the same bone health benefits as 2-3 servings of dairy.
POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS
Tea contains high levels of specific organic compounds known as polyphenols, which are very potent antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining health by preventing free radicals (unstable molecules) from causing damage to cells which can lead to disease, aging, and cancer. Similar to the way oxidation causes cars to rust, oxidative stress on a cellular level can damage DNA and has been linked to the onset of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants prevent free radicals, the unstable molecules that result from oxidation, from damaging cells.
TEA & STRESS RELIEF
You may have noticed that drinking a cup of tea feels nurturing and comforting. This is not your imagination! Scientists have discovered that Theanine, a rare amino acid found exclusively in high-quality tea, has beneficial effects on the body. Theanine is known to promote mental and physical relaxation, improve mood and reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness. This important amino acid directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. It also positively affects neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, in the brain. Scientists believe that Theanine may also increase concentration and memory, combat PMS, and regulate blood pressure.
Please read the Tea & Health section of this website to learn more.
What is Red Tea/Rooibos?
Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss) is also called Red Tea because of its vibrant, ruby-red color. Rooibos consists of tiny, flat leaves and has a sweet, full-bodied flavor without a trace of bitterness. Rich in antioxidants and health-promoting properties, Rooibos has many of the same health-promoting properties as Green Tea, but is 100% caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for evening or for people with caffeine-sensitivities.
Although scientific studies on this herb have just begun, the results have been amazing. In fact, scientific studies suggest that Rooibos contains some of the highest known levels of anti-aging properties of any plant on earth! Like Green Tea, the potent antioxidants in Rooibos are believed to fight aging, cancer and heart disease, support the imune system and improve overall health. Rooibos is also recommended for allergies, headaches, anxiety or insomnia.
What is the Chamomile herb used for?
Chamomile is an aromatic perennial flower, producing feathery leaves and white, daisy-like flower heads with yellow centers. With a bright, clean golden-colored infusion Chamomile has a fragrance reminiscent of honey, fruit blossoms and apples and is often taken with honey and lemon.
Chamomile has been prized for thousands of years for its therapeutic effects. In fact, Chamomile was dedicated to the ancient Egyptian gods for its ability to calm the mind and comfort the senses. Hieroglyphic records show that Egyptian noblewomen drank chamomile and used preparations of crushed Chamomile petals on their skin. Today, Chamomile is used as a nurturing herbal tea ideal for countering PMS, easing stress & anxiety, relieving headaches or enhancing a peaceful night's sleep. Chamomile is also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties as well as acting as a digestive stimulant, muscle relaxant and sedative. Chamomile may be a beneficial treatment for arthritis and is even used in lotions and cosmetics for its soothing, anti-allergic properties on the skin.
TIP: chamomile tea is not just for sipping!
To sooth skin irritations, mild rashes, menstrual pains, or sunburn, draw a relaxing, fragrant, chamomile bath. Simmer 4 tablespoons of chamomile in 2 cups of water for 20-30 minutes and add to directly to bathwater. Or make a cold chamomile compress by simmering 2 tablespoons of chamomile in 1 cup of water for 20-30 minutes. Refrigerate. When cool, soak a cloth in the brew and apply to affected area.
CAUTION!
Natural herbs can be very powerful and medicinal substances. Our society has a tendency to overlook natural herbs, instead relying on chemical medications and pills. Consequently, we often undermine the effects—both good and bad—that herbs can have on our body.
What exactly does ‘organic’ mean?
Organic is a term given to food that is produced with no antibiotics, growth hormones, chemical pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Basically, it is food grown naturally without any type of man-made chemical. Organic farmers emphasize the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
The quality of life on organic tea plantations is much higher than on regular plantations. In fact, the infant mortality rate is lower at organic tea plantations than among even the wealthiest segments of society. Increasing the quality of life for farmers in 3rd world countries is reason enough to buy organic. However, the health benefits of buying organic will also extend to you. How’s that for Karma!
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