Whether it is to revive flagging spirits or cheer you up the British like nothing better than a good cup of tea. New research is proving that it can positively benefit your health but some teas are better than others.

 

Green tea: Green tea is a rich source of vitamin C – one large cup has the same amount as a glass of orange juice.  It also contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties to help fight gingivitis, gum disease, bad breath and flu.

 

Green tea is high in antioxidants to help ward off cancer and to protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. One study of 512 patients in Fukuoka City, Japan, showed that green tea could prevent hardening of the arteries. Another study of Japanese workers found that those who drank one cup of green tea daily saw a significant drop in cholesterol. And if all that wasn’t enough researchers have also found that green tea may also help boost a woman’s chances of conceiving and be a weight loss aid because it can help boost metabolism (fat burning).  (The NutriPlus supplement I use as part of the ‘Lose Your Belly’ programme contains green tea extract).

 

Tea tip: Infuse loose leaves in a pot to get the fullest flavour.

  

White tea: More research needs to be done on this rare and often expensive tea but it contains exceptionally high levels of cancer fighting antioxidants.

 

Tea tip: Try brewing in a glass or china pot for the best flavour.

 

Red bush tea or Rooibos: Red bush tea has anticancer, antiviral, anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Studies at Okayama University, Japan, showed that extracts of Rooibos increased the number of antibodies boosting the immune system. Rooibos is also caffeine free and tannin free and rich in vitamin C, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Rooibos also contains anti ageing antioxidants.

 

Tea tip: The perfect brew at bedtime – brew for three minutes or longer for the fullest taste.

 

Black tea: Black tea, the most popular tea in the UK, has lower antioxidant levels than green tea but it can still help to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. It also has anti cancer properties. But be careful of this tea as it contains more caffeine than green tea and can cause restlessness and irritability.

 

If you are drinking black tea then to reduce caffeine, throw away the first cup from the pot within the first 30 seconds of brewing. The following cups will contain less caffeine but have all the antioxidants. The tannin in tea can also block the uptake of minerals including iron so always drink black tea away from food and do not take with food supplements especially iron supplements.

 

Tea tips: Try iced tea – brew, then allow to cool and drink with ice, lemon and sprigs of mint.

Q: I always get migraine and want to know if there are any natural therapies that can help ease the frequency and severity of attacks?

A: There are many causes and triggers for migraines and these include dehydration, food intolerance, low blood sugar levels, stress and tension and hormonal changes. On top of that there is the added muscular tension that is created by stress so stress management and relaxation techniques are advised when life goes crazy.

 

It is also possible that the hormonal changes that occur around menstruation can aggravate changes in vaso-dilation. This is also a time when you are more likely to feel stressed, tensed and have blood sugar swings and sugar cravings.

 

To ease the frequency and severity of attacks avoid all dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee, alcohol and chocolate and make sure you drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day – more if you exercise.

 

Avoid sugar and refined foods to help keep your blood sugar levels stable and eat little and often leaving no more than 3 hours between meals and snacks. Aim for a good whole food diet rich in whole grains and raise your levels of B vitamins found in eggs, bananas, nuts, seeds, which support the nervous system during times of stress and levels of magnesium, found in green vegetables which are often depleted during times of stress.

 

Anti-spasmodic herbs can also help tension headaches and migraines – try wild yam, fever few and cramp bark. Butterbur contains compounds that prevent blood vessel inflammation, a possible migraine trigger. If these simple methods don’t work get tested for any food intolerances and see a osteopath to see if your posture is a contributory factor. If all this still doesn’t help make an appointment with your doctor.

Lemons have alkalising properties and a calming effect on the nervous system. They also contain citric acid which is great for cleanings and eliminating toxins. Blend together two mangos, I handful of berries, half a lemon and 100 ml of organic, fresh pressed apple juice. Put your feet up and enjoy.