Tasty Teas

By Amanda Junker

Leave your beans at home and try these white, light, and herbalicious blends

It’s hard to ignore the brew-haha. From mild whites and grassy greens to flowery and fruity flavors, there’s a bottled tea to quench any thirst—and no shortage of health claims on the labels. “Tea is the richest source of catechins around,” says Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University in Boston. Catechins are a class of flavanoids, which are a type of antioxidant, he explains. Antioxidants, as you probably know, protect your body from free radicals—ultimately reducing your risk for heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. “The data about tea promoting heart health is the strongest,” says Dr. Blumberg. “Studies show the highest reduction in heart disease risk in people who drink at least 4 or 5 cups per day.”

But don’t just chug three bottles of Nestea and call it a heart-healthy day. “The problem with iced tea is it’s diluted—and it isn’t as fresh, so the catechins are depleted after a few days,” says Dr. Blumberg. “The amount of catechins preserved in bottled teas varies product to product, so it’s best to drink it hot or brew a strong batch on your own and ice it.” Also, watch for added sugar, he warns. Some bottled teas contain between 20 and 30 grams of sugar per bottle—a can of Sprite contains 29 grams, and the USDA says to limit added sugars to 40 grams per day in a 2,000-calorie diet.

No matter how you take your tea, iyogalife.com is here to help you make the most of your antioxidant cocktail. For a homemade treat, try this White Tea Smoothie the people at Salada brewed up. If you want to get your fix on the go, try one of the following great-tasting choices, all with less than 10 grams of sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and, because we like to keep you in yogic balance, we included a pick for every color chakra (those energy centers in your body that don’t run on caffeine).

Red: Pom Tea Light Pomegranate Hibiscus Green Tea ($2.99)
www.pomwonderful.com
This light blend has a fruity sweetness that is undercut with an aromatic essence of hibiscus. Great if you aren’t looking for a strong tea flavor—it tastes more like a mild fruit juice blend (with only 35 calories per serving). Plus, pomegranate extract boosts the drink’s antioxidant content. Available nationwide in September.
Chakra Charge: The red chakra is the root chakra located at the base of the spine, and relates to the bones. When it’s balanced you feel grounded, healthy, and optimistic.

Orange: Inko’s White Tea White Peach ($1.69)
www.healthywhitetea.com
If you like Snapple Peach Tea but not its 24 grams of sugar, your healthy alternative has arrived. White tea touts the highest antioxidant content of any variety, and the natural peach flavoring is sweet but not overpowering.
Chakra Charge: The orange chakra is located just below the belly button and influences the internal organs. It is a source of creativity and sexuality.

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