Easy tea recipes and their health benefits

Time to put down that glass of soft drink and switch to a healthier alternative — tea!

Aside from making you feel warm and good, tea has numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels, easing colds and even fighting cancer.

“Whether you infuse it or steep it, ano man ‘yung method ng preparation, nandoon pa rin ‘yung mga benefits,” said nutritionist Whitney Cristobal in an interview with GMA-7 weekend health show “Pinoy MD.”

Teas are traditionally made of dried leaves or plant roots. For people on the go, experts say tea bags available in supermarkets are fine, while most bottled teas contain extra calories and sugar and are best avoided.

Here are some easy-to-prepare tea recipes from “Pinoy MD” with their corresponding health benefits.

Orange and Green Tea

Ingredients:

Green tea bag
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Procedure: Put the tea bag into a cup of boiling water. Let it simmer for about five minutes. Then transfer the tea into a teapot. Pour the orange juice. Add honey and cinnamon powder. Stir well then serve.

Health benefits: Green tea, which contains anti-oxidants and catechins, helps in fighting cancer by preventing cell mutation and reducing the growth of tumors. In a research published by Harvard Medical School, green tea has also been proven to lower cholesterol levels when consumed more than five times a day.

Salabat Apple Tea

Ingredients:

Powdered salabat (available in supermarkets)
1 green apple, grated
2 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Procedure: Boil water. Add salabat powder, grated green apple and cinnamon powder. Mix well. Pour into a cup then serve.

Health benefits: Salabat or ginger tea is commonly known as a natural treatment for sore throat, nausea and upset stomach. This soothing beverage also contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing menstrual discomfort.

Chili Mint Tea

Ingredients:

Green tea bag
Mint leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon chili flakes
Vanilla seeds
2 tablespoon honey

Procedure: Put the tea bag into a cup of boiling water. Let it simmer for about five minutes. Then add the chopped mint leaves, chili flakes, vanilla seeds and honey. Serve hot or cold.

Health benefits: Unknown to many, chili has healing properties which can help relieve cough, colds and sore throat. Meanwhile, mint leaves contain anti-oxidants and enzymes which can treat indigestion and stomach pain. —Rica Fernandez/CM, GMA News