Packed to the brim with antioxidants, matcha green tea can benefit you in countless of ways. Green tea can come in many forms, but to get the full benefits of the green tea, drink it freshly brewed from tea leaves.

Green tea is great at any time of the day. In the morning, it is a refreshing boost to start off your day and in the afternoon or evening, it can be a nice perk-me-up.

Here are 5 reasons why drinking matcha green tea regularly is good for you.

#1 IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

Caffeine is one of the main components of any tea. While some might argue that too much caffeine is bad for you, caffeine in moderation can actually help with brain function. Caffeine increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters to provide better functioning of your brain cells, memory, reaction time and your mood. Caffeine is essentially a stimulant that can improve both your physical and mental activities of the day.

#2 INCREASES METABOLISM

Many studies have shown that drinking matcha on a regular basis can reduce body fat. While it might not be true for all body types, we do know that green tea does increase your metabolism and possibly and eventually, aid in weight loss. Other studies have also shown that green tea is most effective in decreasing abdominal fat in the long run.

#3 LOWERS RISKS OF CANCER

Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and that is extremely beneficial to your body. Some studies have shown that people who drink green tea regularly have a significantly lower chance of being diagnosed with cancer. A good point to note is to skip milk in your tea as milk can reduce the natural antioxidants swimming around in your warm cup of green tea.

#4 IMPROVES DENTAL HEALTH

Dental health? Yes, studies have shown that matcha contains catechins that can kill off the bacteria in your mouth. It can also inhibit viruses and hence, possibly reducing the risk of infections. Also, since green tea is extremely fragrant, it can combat bad breath.

#5 REDUCES CHOLESTEROL

Having high blood cholesterol can put you in the risk of many potential health issues. By drinking green tea, you can decrease the bad cholesterol in your blood, thus increasing the amount of good cholesterol instead. Green tea improves your overall health if you consume it regularly in moderation.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Tea has long been recognised for its healing properties and a wide range of health benefits. Whether it’s an upset stomach, a cold or even a headache, here are 7 ways you can heal with tea.

#1 If you… are stressed out or have trouble sleeping

Take: Chamomile tea or black tea (during the day)

This delicate herbal tea acts as a mild sedative and has anti-anxiety properties. Even it’s soothing fragrance will bring a sense of calm. In a British study, avid drinkers of black tea (four cups a day) were found to be able to calm down more quickly in high-stress situations. This is because the cuppa contains theanine, an amino acid that relaxes the brain and body.

#2 If you… have an upset stomach (bloating, pain, indigestion)

Take: Peppermint, chamomile or ginger tea

Ease your discomfort by sipping on some peppermint tea. The herb contains menthol, a volatile substance that reduces spasms in the digestive tract, and gets rid of bloating. Ginger is another popular remedy. It’s carminative, which means it prevents the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Besides that, it’s super effective against nausea and vomiting. Chamomile is possibly the most effective of all since it’s antispasmodic, carminative and anti-inflammatory – a good option especially if you prefer something that doesn’t feel “warm” in your tummy (an effect that peppermint and ginger can have).

#3 If you… have a headache

Take: Rosemary tea or black tea

Rosemary contains carvacrol, a substance with anti-inflammatory properties – it acts like a panadol would. Alternatively, try black tea, which contains caffeine. Tension headaches are caused by dilated blood vessels around the skull, caffeine constricts them, and that’s what provides the relief.

#4 If you… want to burn more fat

Take: Green tea

Research has shown that drinking green tea regularly will help you be twice as likely to lose weight as a non-drinker. Catechins and caffeine are the two chemicals that make green tea a superb metabolism booster, which in turn helps you blitz fat quicker. You will need to be drinking something like four cups a day to be seeing the effects, but it’s easy. Just throw three to four bags into a big jug and drink out of that throughout the entire day. You’ll even be reaping extra antioxidant benefits with the extended steeping time.

#5 If you… need an energy boost

Take: Guarana tea

Guarana is often used by athletes to give their performance an energy boost. It contains a high amount of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, heart and muscles. On top of that, it contains theophylline and theobromine (also in chocolate!), which are chemicals similar to caffeine. Think of this as a natural version of Red Bull (and similarly, you shouldn’t be chugging too much of it!).

#6 If you… have a cold

Take: Echinacea tea or rosehip tea

Echinacea contains active substances that give your immune system the extra pow-wow it needs to help fight infections quicker. Its antiviral properties have been shown to shorten the duration in which you’re feeling lousy from the symptoms of a cold (like sniffling and coughing). Some clinical trials have shown that taking echinacea as soon as you feel sick reduces the severity of the cold and results in less symptoms. Couple that with some rosehip tea, a vitamin C powerhouse that can help strengthen your immunity too.

#7 If you… have bad breath

Take: Green tea

The polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in the tea destroy a good number of compounds in the mouth that can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. It is also the most effective temporary treatment for halitosis. A 2008 study done in Japan found that chewing gum and mints had no effect on the stinky sulphur compounds in the mouth. Toothpaste is also effective, but getting up to brush your teeth several times a day is a bit of a hassle, so just sip on good ol’ green tea instead!

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought.

Words and photographs by Alexa Michelle.

Many would know or have heard of the health benefits to drinking tea as compared to drinking coffee. For those whose body system rejects caffeine, it is quite common you would order yourselves a cup of tea when having dessert or perhaps a drink over a short meeting.

Perhaps the other reason to tea drinking could be for those who enjoy the aromatic fragrance of the tealeaves before taking a sip of warm indulgence. The action is a little similar to how we drink wine.

Below we have included three tea recommendations and their health benefits.

The first tea on this list would be the chamoile tea – one that is found in most restaurants or cafes. Chamomile tea is known for its medicinal benefits such as remedy for migraines, stomach cramps and also to help improve sleep. Apart from placing a hot towel or facial mask over your face before heading to bed, try making yourself a small cup of chamomile tea the next time!

The second tea is the rose bud tea. It is said that the rose bud tea helps in the wellness of women, for good complexion and also to ease stomach bloatedness. Simply infuse the rose buds in hot water for about 3 minutes in the first and second brewing before serving.

Last but not least, for the ones with a sweet tooth, the third tea would be the Strawberry Cream fruit infusion tea. After infusing it in hot water for 6 – 8 minutes, the scent of strawberries will be filled in the air. This tea would make a great party choice for your guests.

And since it’s still the summer season, let the tea cool to room temperature, freeze it up with ice cubes and serve it chilled to compliment the hot weather! Though strawberries and cream might not be diabetic-friendly due to its natural sugar content, simply remember to drink in moderation or make it for special occasions to spice up a party!

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.