Rainy day. Winter day. Sunny day. End of day. What is the common link? If you guessed type or time of day, you’re technically right. But the best answer is that it’s the perfect time for a nice cup of (or cuppa) hot tea! According to WebMD, tea is “the second-most consumed beverage in the entire world, beaten only by water…hot tea has a reputation for being particularly comforting.” Even more fitting, January is National Hot Tea Month. Now that we have the facts, it’s time to explore why hot tea is almost always a good idea!
AUTHOR NOTE: The content and ideas in this article are only opinions. Please consult your physician to discuss your condition and the benefits or risks of drinking hot tea.
Drinking tea can be a calming event, particularly if you’re able to enjoy it as a quiet moment. I love a good cup of tea to help calm my nerves before a stressful event (i.e., a job interview) or to unwind and journal. Other times, it’s a great beverage to warm up or wake up. Whenever you drink it, the point is to enjoy it!
Which hot tea is best for me?
According to WebMD, true teas include black tea, green tea, white tea, Oolong, and Pu-erh. Green tea is full of antioxidants, while black tea has been shown to protect the lungs and reduce stroke risk. These true teas are considered the OG’s of the tea family.
But don’t forget herbal teas! These flavors include chamomile, hibiscus, and peppermint. Further in the article, an eight fluid-ounce mug of most types of tea will contain close to zero:
- Calories
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
Personally, I go for herbal and decaffeinated teas. I’m talking lemon tea, turmeric-flavored teas, mint, and decaf green tea. There are many varieties! When I drink a caffeinated flavor, my favorite is Chai, a black tea. Are you may be starting to see, there is a tea for any occasion.
Now, I know what you may be thinking. If you’re a tea expert, then diffusers and all are familiar. If you’re not that into tea or are just exploring, you may be wondering where to begin. Never fear. Tea is accessible, and I’m not only talking about Lipton! No shade to Lipton, but there are many tea brands, and many are in grocery stores, Target, etc. My pantry tends to have Bigelow or Twinnings. Start with a flavor combination you are familiar with and experiment from there.
When’s the best time to drink hot tea?
In my opinion, there’s no wrong time to drink tea. I drink hot tea year-round and have enjoyed a cup morning, midday, and evening. Herbal blends have no caffeine, while traditional teas have less than 50% of what typically is found in coffee, according to TODAY. However, you should be mindful of the type of tea you’re drinking and the time of day. For example, if you’re drinking caffeinated tea, you may want to avoid it at bedtime. Caffeine is a well-known diuretic, which means the more caffeinated tea you drink, the more you’re likely to hit the restroom.
Can you drink too much hot tea?
Is there such a thing as too much tea? This is an important point. Like anything, moderation is key, and you are unique. However, many studies have shown the benefits of drinking tea. At the very least, drinking tea is a flavorful way of getting enough fluid into your body each day. While tea alone may not hurt you, adding sweetener may quickly take this no/low-calorie drink to something akin to a soda. Tea is best plain or if you’re like me, with some milk (oat milk is my favorite!)
Tea time is any time
In closing, tea offers many benefits and is a great beverage choice at any time, any season. Where do you fall? Are you all in on tea or at least wanting to give it a try? I could talk teatime all day, so let me know in the comments your favorite flavor and when you like to enjoy a cup. Whatever you’re drinking, be sure to savor the moment.
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In wellness and community,
Nia
6 Comments
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Comments are closed.I love the post – thanks for the reminder! hot tea is usually one of my go-to breakfast drinks especially when i don’t want as much caffeine as a strong coffee. i feel like it sustains my productivity longer, too.
Agreed! My energy and productivity levels are great with tea. I feel so equipped for the day 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
I absolutely adore tea of all kinds. Love this blog post.
Thanks for commenting, LaRena! I am so glad you enjoyed this post. I also love many flavors of tea and discover a new blend often 🙂
Im so glad I found this blog! I love tea so much so this has been lovely to read. My favourite tea is green tea or just Matcha tea.
Welcome, Erika! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. In the last year, my love for Matcha has grown. I especially like the combination with vanilla or mango!