Top Tea Myths Busted
For centuries, tea has literally been steeped into our culture. It is, as you may already know, one of the top most commonly consumed beverages worldwide, and for good reason.
Over the years, research has shown the various health benefits of tea consumption, like helping combat stress, strengthen bones, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
But, with its rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that over time, some myths have emerged surrounding tea, sparking debates on the proper preparation and value of drinking it. While it’s unclear how and where these myths started, varied cultural ideas and beliefs may have been a contributing factor.
If you’re a tea drinker, it can be concerning to hear conflicting ideas about your favorite beverage. So today, we’re sharing and busting some of the top tea myths.
Myth #1: Tea doesn’t go bad
Tea CAN go bad, but it largely depends on how you store it. If you store your tea in a sealed container in a cool, dark place, so humidity and light will not alter the chemical composition, then it’s possible for the tea to maintain its quality and last up to two years.
Loose leaf tea does generally have a shelf life—6-8 months, sometimes even less for delicate teas. After that point, the tea starts losing its antioxidants, chemical compounds that protect cells from damage and assist in the prevention of illnesses and diseases.
If the tea is opened and exposed to those negative conditions, then time is definitely of the essence. So, if you open it and make it, you should consume the tea as soon as possible to avoid the stale or moldy taste.
Myth #2: It’s best to have tea black without additives for maximum health benefits
Tea is definitely delicious on its own, but that doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to have a bitter cup of tea free of milk or anything else to enjoy the health benefits.
Adding milk will not affect the level of those antioxidants, but if you suffer from heartburn, it may not be the best option for you. The addition of a little bit of citrus like lemon or lime juice preserves the tea's flavanoids—plant-based compounds that are antioxidants, which are the primary source of tea’s health benefits. Another delicious, yet still nutritious option to add to your tea is honey, which contains vitamins to strengthen your immune system, and boost your energy.
Myth #3: Herbal tea is the best tea for anxiety
Herbal tea may soothe your senses, but herbal tea is really not tea at all. Herbal teas are infusions of flowers, fruit extracts, and barks of medicinal plants, unlike regular teas, which come from one particular plant. Herbal teas are more commonly referred to as mock teas or tisanes, and while they may contain some of the beneficial compounds founds in tea, these tisanes do not contain caffeine.
If you’re looking for a true tea to calm your nerves, you may want to consider peppermint tea, which has a refreshing taste and aroma, relaxes the muscles, and promotes better sleep and mental alertness.
These are just three of the most common tea myths that you’ll hear. Stay tuned for even more myth busting, and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. If you’re looking for some unique gourmet teas and tisanes, please visit us today at CoffeeAM!