One of the best teas for good health is the hearty Earl Grey, a mainstay of the British that has become beloved all across the world. This famous black tea has a very citrusy flavor and aroma of oranges, which is perfect to have with a touch of honey, sugar, milk and drink with pastries or cookies. Besides, due to medicinal properties, Earl Grey tea benefits make it a favorite among those who want to stave off or cure a wide range of illnesses.
Earl Grey Tea Benefits
Contrary to popular belief, Earl Grey tea does not contain China tea. Rather, it is made up of tea leaves from India and Sri Lanka, including famous teas like Darjeeling and Assam. The leaves go through a fermentation process that blackens them, thus the bold flavor. The leaves are then blended with the oil of the bergamot orange, which is grown in the Calabria region of Italy. Earl Grey tea has proven to have many health benefits. The following are just a few of the great things that this delightful tea can do for your health:
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Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|
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Antioxidant |
Black tea is a natural and powerful antioxidant, one that has been used for centuries to help promote good health. One cup per day fights off free radicals in the body, which then help stave off things like infection or cancer. |
|
Anti-Depressant |
Feeling down? Bergamot is often used to treat depression, and it is a key ingredient of Earl Grey tea. In addition, the warmth of the tea can be soothing, so you get a double-whammy of depression-fighting goodness with every sip. |
|
Fever Reducer |
The power of bergamot is also proven to reduce fever, as well as help with things like stomach upset and the flu. Having a cup of this tea when you are feeling under the weather can help. |
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Relaxant |
Sometimes the simple act of drinking tea can be relaxing. Fortunately, the caffeine content of Earl Grey is minimal, so it won’t keep you up or make you feel jittery. Some types of Earl Grey have lavender added, and that is known to promote relaxation and serenity. |
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Disinfectant |
Bergamot oil is a natural disinfectant, one that can help fight mild infections. This is especially true if you have some sort of infection in your mouth or throat. |
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Oral Health Improvement |
The antiseptic properties in Earl Grey tea can help freshen your breath and keep your gums healthy. Though drinks from black tea leaves can sometimes stain your teeth, taking good care to brush thoroughly after drinking it can help eliminate that side effect. |
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Healthy Coffee Alternative |
Those who love their coffee but don’t like the thought of what that coffee might do to their body can find Earl Grey as a healthy alternative. It’s all-natural, and better yet, it has about half the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. So you get the jolt without the jitters. |
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Digestive Aid |
Earl Grey tea has long been believed to improve digestion. In fact, it has been used often as a way to relieve indigestion, nausea and colic. If you have any intestinal problems, Earl Grey might help. It can even fight urinary tract infections. |
Possible Side Effects of Earl Grey Tea
In addition to Earl Grey tea benefits, there are some possible side effects. As with any healthy beverage, there can be benefits as well as some side effects.
- For instance, if you don’t need too much caffeine, keep in mind that Earl Grey does have some. Too much caffeine can make you jittery and anxious. If you drink a lot of it, you might become dependent upon the caffeine, and stopping suddenly could lead to caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
- Other possible side effects include loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeats. Keep in mind that this is true of drinking any large quantities of tea, so a good rule of thumb is to drink no more than six cups per day of any black tea.
- If you experience any discomfort after drinking Earl Grey tea, see a doctor to determine what might not agree with you. You can stay quite healthy by drinking things like Earl Grey tea in moderation. Pay attention to the potential side effects, but know that they are rare – the benefits are much more likely!