Green Tea with Lemongrass

Have you tried Green Tea with Lemongrass? I have and was pleasantly surprised. It gives it a different unique flavor that is a welcome break from the everyday flavor of basic Green Tea. And for those unfamiliar, it is nothing like lemon, thankfully. I can't stand lemon in my tea - hot, cold or anyway. I know that's odd as it seems that 99% of people who drink tea like it with lemon. If it wasn't so popular, Lipton :( would probably go out of business.

Good Earth has a version in tea bags that isn't bad. In fact I use it at work because of the ease. Although, I would kind of like to see if I can find just some lemongrass somewhere so I can infuse it with my regular Green Tea. If anyone knows where I can get lemongrass, let me know. In the mean time, try the Green Tea with Lemongrass by Good Earth. It's worthwhile.

And don't forget to check in and see what's new at TeaInYourLife.com website.

Where Tea Came From

I just found out something rather interesting - if it's true. According to a blog post I found at www.skincare-news.com, tea as a beverage, was discovered, or rather invented by accident.

As it turns out, back in 2737 B.C., a Chinese Emperor by the name of Shen-Nunb, was trying to boil some water underneath a terrace or plant covered structure, when some wind happened to blow some loose leaves from a nearby tea plant into the hot water. He then tasted the resulting brew and discovered that it was good. It wasn't long before the special liquid drink would spread throughout China and the Far East.

It would be another 4300 years before tea was introduced to the Western World when Dutch traders brought it back from trading with the east. About the same time the British started bringing Black Tea back from the Orient which quickly became their hot drink of choice. But by now tea and its production had evolved greatly from that first happen chance cup of tea so long ago, which by the way, would have been a cup of Green Tea, given that the leaves went from the plant directly to the water. It took a while to discover that fermenting the leaves would create and completely different kind of brewed tea.

I guess it doesn't really matter whether it's true or not since it happened so long ago, but it's amazing how so many of man's inventions come out of pure chance or accident.

We have many more Fun Facts like this at www.TeaInYourLife.com where we are always trying to find new ways to get more Tea In Your Life.

Tea Guy Speaks: Tea Blog List

Tea Guy Speaks: Tea Blog List

More On Theanine

In an earlier post I mentioned that you might be able to Cure Insomnia With Tea. I also promised to bring you more on Theanine. Well this is what I found.

Theanine, which is a chemical found in tea, apparently does a good job of reducing stress. In an earlier post, I wrote about how a little Tea in Your Life could help to cure your insomnia. I am finding out more about this mystery chemical.

As L-theanine is digested in your small intestine, it stimulates the production of alpha waves in your brain. Alpha waves will make you feel relaxed and alert but not drowsy. L-theanine also helps you stay relaxed by stimulating your body to produce other calming amino acids, such as dopamine, GABA, and tryptophan. You've heard of tryptophan. Everyone talks about it around Thanksgiving and how it will knock out an entire gathering after a hefty meal of turkey.

The Japanese have been studying L-theanine and in 1998 did a study involving some Japenese college students. They gave the students increasing amounts of L-theanine mixed in water over several weeks. As the dosage of the L-theanine increased, so did the alpha waves produced by their brains. Also, they all reported being less stressed.

Apparently you can buy Theanine capsules at health food stores on the net. Frankly, I prefer the old way of injesting it by brewing a good cup of tea. I mean it works for me. Just another reason to get more Tea In Your Life.

Green Tea’s Metabolic Influences

Posted by Green Tea Man on February 26th, 2008

One of the primary reasons green tea is effective at aiding in weight loss is due to it’s metabolic influences. Green tea possesses Catechins which influence metabolism by decreasing fat absorption, increasing fat excretion, suppressing appetite, inhibiting intestinal lipases along with several other functions. Catechins are present in high quantities in green tea, upto 30% of the tea by weight. This makes green tea an ideal source of concentrated Catechins.The relationship between Catechins and weight loss has been well researched.

Cure Insomnia With Tea

At first glance, this idea may seem somewhat counter intuitive. After all, tea contains caffeine. And doesn’t, caffeine tend to keep you awake. Well yes – But… This is largely anecdotal, but I have found a correlation to drinking tea and sleeping very well at night.

While I was doing research for some of the articles on my website TeaInYourLife.com and most specifically “Caffeine In Tea”, I came across a fact that I had not previously known. That is that while tea definitely contains caffeine, it also contains a chemical or substance called Theanine. And Theanine apparently has a calming effect such that it will help to keep your mind from racing at night. A racing mind is what is usually happening to me when I can't sleep.

I didn't think much of it at the time, but I do remember that I was experiencing terrible sleepless nights or going to bed and not being able to get to sleep as my mind reviewed every thing I had done, was going to do, needed to do, and problems in my life. I would lay there sleepless for hours. In the morning after I had finally gone to sleep and then woke up in the morning, I was not rested. I started taking pills to assist me. I didn’t like that though as it was making me groggy in the morning.

Then I started drinking more tea. It wasn't because I was trying to do something about my insomnia, but I just decided to get back to drinking more tea like I did years before, in part due to my love for it and my decision to do this blog and website on the subject. Now a few months later, I have noticed that I am sleeping like a baby, and I don’t fear going to bed and not being able to get to sleep any more. I remembered that article I wrote that mentioned the Theanine. It must work. I'm even going to bed earlier, unafraid of laying there in the dark solving the problems of the world (and my own).

I am now drinking two or more cups of Green Tea a day and occasionally have a cup of something else like Cocoa Chai Tea (mmmm) or Oolong tea. Now that I have linked drinking tea to a restful night’s sleep, combine that with all of the other benefits of drinking Green Tea, I think I will continue drinking the stuff. After all, it can’t hurt. I may even do some more research on it and post the findings here. So tune in next week.

For more about Tea In Your Life, visit out website.

For more information on Tea In Your Life visit our website at www.teainyourlife.com

Green Tea Flavonoids Protect Smokers from Lung Cancer

Yet another scientific study has found out another benefit of drinking tea whether it is Green Tea or Black Tea. UCLA Cancer Researchers have found that smokers who drink and consume the flavonoids that are present in Green Tea and Black Tea, had a lower risk for lung cancer. Although, the same flavonoids that exist in Tea are also present in fruits and vegetables.

This first of its kind study at UCLA was published in the June edition of Cancer Journal, stated that smokers who consumed three or more servings a day of foods rich in flavonoids such as fruits, vegetables and drink Green Tea or Black Tea, may be protecting themselves from lung cancer.

Many of us know or have heard of people who have been heavy smokers for most of there lives and never seemed to suffer from the ill effects of lung cancer, while many others are killed by smoking related lung cancer. In fact ninety percent of all lung cancer is caused from smoking. But a much smaller percentage of smokers actually develop lung cancer. I wonder; could it be that these people, who don’t develop the deadly disease, are the ones who have been eating more healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and drinking tea?

As I stated in an earlier blog, we are frequently seeing some new report or research that finds that drinking tea can benefit your health. You don’t have to convince me, but maybe now you can see that it is time to get more tea in your life.

For more on this important research study on Tea and Lung Cancer visit www.teainyourlife.com

Cocoa Chai Tea Is A Winner

I wrote in an earlier article about Cocoa Tea which really isn't a tea as it is made with a cocoa stick, a bay leaf, cinnamon, vanilla, corn starch a usually a sweetener such as sugar or honey. But I also mentioned in that article a new flavor that Good Earth has come out with. That flavor is their "Cocoa Chai Tea". Now this is a real tea as it is made with black tea.

Chai tea is made with black tea and usually has a few spices thrown in. This tea is no different. The first thing that your nose will notice is the distinct aroma of the cocoa. This becomes more pronounced when you infuse the tea bag. But it does not end there. Your first sip will obviously detect the cocoa, but then the clove and other spices including nutmeg and cardamom become immediately evident. Each sip detects another nuance. And with all of these wonderful flavors there is still a beautiful flavor of the black tea in the background.

I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I did find though that I prefer this tea sweetened. Maybe it is because of the cocoa. After all of those cups of hot cocoa growing up, it's hard to take your cocoa unsweetened, although this tea is certainly palatable that way. It's just my preference. And don't get me wrong here, it is nothing like a cup of cocoa; it's tea with a cocoa flavor to it.

After all is said and done, adding this flavor to your kitchen is a delicious way to get more tea in your life. I still haven't found this tea in the stores but I understand it is available there. You may just have to look. Or you can buy it online at www.GoodEarthTeas.com. And for more information on your favorite teas, visit Tea In Your Life.com

UN Says We Need To Drink More Tea

Could it be that we are not drinking enough tea. The UN is recommending that we, the tea drinkers of the world, need to drink more tea to keep the price up. According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, “Boosting demand for tea is crucial to ensure price stability and returns to developing country producers”.

Well I am all for drinking more tea but I don’t know about having the price go up as a result. It seems that every time I turn around prices are going up for just about every thing because of the increasing oil cost. On the other hand, if growers and producers can’t make enough for their product, then they will stop producing and the price will go up as a result of that. It’s that “Catch 22” thing again.

Apparently, global production of tea increased 3% in 2006, due to record crops in China, Viet Nam and India. But demand did not keep step as it increased only about 1% during the same period, which actually is a decrease in the rate of increasing demand or growth rate (if that makes sense). The growth rate of tea demand actually fell by 2.7% in the past decade.

So, OK, I’ll have an additional cup tomorrow morning. You don’t have to ask me twice. Sounds like you too need more tea in your life. For more info visit www.teainyourlife.com.

Green Tea Protects The Brain

I am amazed that every time I turn around there is some more evidence that Green Tea is nothing short of a miracle drug. Now it looks like green tea isn't just good for the heart but it can also protect the brain. They are saying that green tea is good for people who have Sleep Apnea. A new study suggests that compounds found in Green Tea can help ward off neurological damage that comes with the breathing disorder; Sleep Apnea.

Researchers found that when they added green tea oxidants to rat's drinking water, it shielded the animals brain during oxygen deprivation mimicking sleep apnea. People who have sleep apnea stop and start breathing throughout the night. Sleep apnea has been shown to be a potential life threatening condition because the brain is actually deprived of oxygen during these periods when people stop breathing. It has also been know to cause death in some cases.

So drink your Green Tea every day. For more information on Green Tea and its benefits visit Tea In Your Life.com

Good Earth Teas changed their Look

I've been a tea drinker for years and when I started getting into Green Tea , I came across Good Earth's Green Tea blend with Lemongrass. Well, as it turned out, I liked it. I know its not as 'highbrow' as some other green teas out there but like I said, I liked it.

Well the other day I was looking for it in the store and didn't see it. A little worried and concerned, I asked a grocer about it who took me back to the tea section and pointed it out to me. There it was in new packaging; rather attractive at that. My fears relieved, I proceeded to the checkout with my tea in hand, secure in the knowledge something else I enjoy has not been "discontinued".

For more on "discontinued" see my earlier blog on Lipton Tea. For more on Tea in general, please visit www.teainyourlife.com

Brew a Good Cup of Tea

Most people think that all you need to get a cup of tea in your life is boil some water and drop a tea bag in a cup and add the boiling water. Well sure, that will get you a cup of tea but, is it the best way to fix it. For one thing, if your water is too hot it can actually give your tea a bitter taste. Similarly, if you leave the leaves (or tea bag) in too long, it can become bitter. So what is the best way to get a good cup of tea. It is still not that hard, but there a few things you should consider.

Water:
Your water is important because if your water doesn't taste good, your tea won't either. Try not to use hard water. Many times tap water can be hard water with dissolved solids and minerals in it that detract from the taste. Try to use spring water if it is available. Most bottled or distilled water will work fine. If you don't have that, the faucet purifier will be better than plain tap water.

Temperature:
As stated above the wrong temperature of your water can be detrimental to a good cup of tea. Black Tea, which is strong and bold, can be brewed in boiling or close to boiling water - 210 degrees. Similarly Red Tea should have hot water although slightly cooler than that for black tea - about 195 - 205 degrees. Oolong Tea prefers water around 185 - 200 degrees. White tea should be brewed in 180 - 190 degree water, and Green Tea should have water that is 160 - 170 degrees. With the White and Green teas, if they are brewed in water that is warmer than that specified, it is possible to obtain a bitter taste in your tea.

Steeping Time:
The length of time you allow your tea to steep should be considered also. If you overdo the steeping duration, you can end up with unsatisfactory results. Black tea however, can take a good long time in its hot water; about 5 - 6 minutes. Red and Oolong teas can go about 3 - 4 minutes. But the more delicate green and white teas should be about 2 - 3 minutes, or risk a bitter taste.

Many people throw their tea bag in the cup of hot water and leave it there throughout the duration. Many also will reuse a tea bag. If they are enjoying their tea using these techniques, imagine how much better it might be for them if they simply employ a little more care.

Enjoy more about tea at www.teainyourlife.com

Lipton Discontinues Peach Iced Tea

Lipton (a Unilever company) recently announced that their popular Peach Iced Tea in bottles has been discontinued. A company spokesman said that due to lagging sales the decision has been made to stop production. According to a company spokesman, "Marketing is a complex function, and many business factors are taken into consideration prior to discontinuing a product. Consumer demand is major factor".

Consumers have reported disappointment as the flavor was just beginning to garner favor among Peach Iced Tea drinkers. Snapple who has a peach flavored iced tea in bottles, recognized early on that the peach flavor was a big seller in its line. It quickly developed a large and devoted consumer base. It wasn't long after introducing the original sugar sweetened peach flavor that Snapple introduced a diet version that quickly caught on with diet tea drinkers.

Lipton on the other hand has had trouble keeping their peach flavored iced tea on the shelves, due mainly to a lack of commitment by the company to sufficiently stock the product in stores. So one would have to wonder if low sales volume is due to low "consumer demand" or because of insufficient stock. If shelves are consistently stocked with insufficient quantities, it will tend to sell out more quickly and not leave enough stock for other consumers who might purchase it. This of course makes it more difficult to cultivate loyalty among consumers if they can't find the product on the shelves.

At this point Lipton has no plans to bring the flavor back. In the interim Lipton is relying heavily on their Green Tea flavor, which has met with mediocre sales, to support the bottled iced tea line. Many consumers have complained that the Green Tea doesn't have the flavor appeal that they found in the peach flavor. In the mean time, store shelves seem to be overflowing with Green Tea flavors which is either due to low "consumer demand" or overstocking.

Product feedback is always a factor in company marketing. Many will remember the "new Coke" fiasco. Consumer feedback to the company quickly brought back the original Coca Cola marketed as "Classic Coke". Lipton Iced Tea, which is bottled and distributed by Pepsi, has stated, "Consumer comments are evaluated on a regular basis." If the company was to receive enough feedback requesting its return, minds may be changed.

If you would like to submit your comments about discontinuing the Peach Iced Tea flavor, you can do so at www.Lipton.com, or call them at 1-888-LiptonT (1-888-547-8668).

And for more great articles about your favorite tea visit www.teainyourlife.com