There are many great things about living in NYC. We have great parks, tasty restaurants, and fun events. City living can also mean more toxins. A toxin is something that can get into our bodies that isn’t good for us. Toxins can get into our bodies through things we eat and drink, the air we breathe, and even through our skin.
One way you can fight these toxins is by drinking tea. Drinking tea is a great way to lower stress and get toxins out of your body. Drinking tea can also help make your immune system stronger, which will help keep you from getting sick.
Which tea should I drink?
| Type of tea: | About the tea: | What the tea does: |
| Green, Black, Oolong, White | These all come from the same plant but are roasted in different ways.
Has caffeine |
May help fight toxins from stress and pollution in the air and water. |
| Earl Grey | Black tea with bergamot oil added
Has caffeine |
May help with headaches, muscle pain, and digestion |
| Chai Tea | Black tea with added spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and clove
Has caffeine |
May lower swelling in the body |
| Peppermint | No caffeine | May help with stomach aches |
| Ginger | No caffeine | May help with upset stomachs |
| Raspberry | No caffeine | May help lessen period cramps and can help with morning sickness in pregnancy |
| Chamomile | No caffeine | May help lower anxiety and stress. May help you sleep better. |
| Senna | No caffeine | May help with constipation (having trouble pooping). Try not to drink this everyday. |
Try adding honey for flavor and to soothe a sore throat.
Anti-inflammatory Ginger-Turmeric Tea
- 12 oz water
- ½ teaspoon dried turmeric (or a ½-inch piece of fresh turmeric, peeled and grated)
- 1, ½-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 3 cardamom pods (crushed)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- pinch ground black pepper
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
To prepare:
In a small pan over low heat, add the water, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain into a mug, then stir in honey & lemon juice.
Source: New York Times: Cooking
Beneficial ingredients:
A compound in turmeric called curcumin helps to fight against damage to your cells. Black pepper helps your body absorb curcumin.
Warnings: Small amounts of turmeric (such as those in food and beverages) are generally safe to consume. When taken with iron supplements or iron-rich foods, turmeric may reduce how much iron your body absorbs.
Source: Frontiers Article