What is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea is a citrus flavored blend of Chinese teas that contains naturally biologically active compounds, such as bergamot, a small citrus fruit that grows in southern Asia. Bergamot contains a substantial amount of antioxidants that are beneficial to our health. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, these antioxidants contained in black teas can reduce fevers, fight infection, and can help prevent and aid in management of chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidants help boost the immune system in order to protect the body from damage inflicted by free radicals. Free radicals promote aging and damage the body, which are underlying causes to many chronic conditions. A study published in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” found that among 69,000 women, the ones that drank 3 cups of tea a day had a significantly lower risk of digestive system cancer. Another study published in “Community Dental Health,” found that children that consumed tea on a regular basis had fewer cavities and better dental hygiene. This suggests that Earl Grey tea can benefit our overall dental health.
Earl Grey tea has other health benefits such as: alleviating stress and enhancing mood. Earl Grey has also been shown to decrease anxiety and improve low to moderate cases of depression. Earl Grey tea has also been reported to help alleviate constipation, nausea and may reduce symptoms from acid reflux disease.
Earl Grey tea and other black teas can be very beneficial to the body but may result in a few side effects in certain people. People may experience mild gastric upset, nervousness due its caffeine content or slow uptake of iron from foods and supplements and should only be consumed in moderation. Drink a cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning or have an afternoon tea with family and friends!