Hot tea (Photo/Adobe Stock)
January is National Hot Tea Month in the United States and Canada, and January 12 marks the fourth annual National Hot Tea Day.
The United States remains the third largest tea importer in the world, according to International Tea Committee statistics. Russia and Pakistan are first and second. It is appropriate that the U.S. celebrates this beverage that has grown in popularity from millennials to baby boomers.
Furthermore, regular tea consumption supports wellness when combined with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. “The many bioactive compounds in tea appear to impact virtually every cell in the body to help improve health outcomes, which is why the consensus … is that drinking at least a cup of green, black, white or oolong tea a day can contribute significantly to the promotion of public health,” Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, told the Tea Association of The USA.
National Hot Tea Month and Hot Tea Day are perfect opportunities to celebrate the health benefits of tea, which was initially used in China for medicinal purposes.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of regular tea consumption, according to the Tea Association of the USA:
- Studies show that due to the presence of the compounds L-theanine and caffeine, tea consumption produces cognitive benefits, such as mental clarity and attention control.
- Other studies show tea can counteract tiredness and benefit work performance.
- Research also suggests drinking tea supports cardiovascular health.
- A new study found that black tea can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
- Studies also suggest tea flavonoids may help increase metabolism.
- Research has shown daily green tea consumption can reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.
Here are five ways to celebrate this versatile ancient beverage on National Hot Tea Day.
- Host an afternoon tea party or go out for afternoon tea at a local teahouse or tea room.
- Fill a travel bottle or tumbler with tea and take it on a nature hike. Here are a few teas that are meant for active people: Sportland Tea, Sport Tea, and FitTea.
- Attend a traditional Cha Dao tea ceremony.
- Incorporate tea into cooking by adding it to sauces, using it as an herb, adding a little matcha to flour, or adding tea to soup.
- Share a cup of tea with a coffee drinker to introduce him/her to the benefits and flavors of tea.