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High Quality Green Tea Is This Season's Secret Weapon

It's that awkward time of year when the weather seems to be having daily mood swings. Just as soon as it's getting warmer, it turns around and bites you with some cold. These abrupt weather changes can cause symptoms of the cold and flu, and we risk not only our own functionality and health, but that of others too.
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It's that awkward time of year when the weather seems to be having daily mood swings. Just as soon as it's getting warmer, it turns around and bites you with some cold. These abrupt weather changes can cause symptoms of the cold and flu, and we risk not only our own functionality and health, but that of others too. Along with this, until it freezes over, allergies also run wild and affect many people.

Yes, I realize that paragraph reads like it was written by Debbie Downer. However, not to worry -- I have the perfect prescription to pair when you're ready to say: Out with the cold, and in with the brew.

Start pumping high quality green tea into your bloodstream at the first sign of a cold and you should be able to stop the advance of the adenovirus. It's the difference between staying home for two or three days, and going to work with just the sniffles. Remember folks, higher quality = higher results. Your Lipton's tea bag with gosh knows what in it probably isn't going to cut it here.

High quality Japanese Sencha is known for boosting the immune system, helping prevent or "shake off" a cold. Find one that is blended with ginger, or add your own freshly peeled. Ginger acts as a natural decongestant, and can also help as a cough suppressant. Add a little honey to soothe a sore throat, and you've got yourself the ultimate Triple Threat Cold Fighter.

Interesting fact: When Canadian researchers added green tea to lab samples of the adenovirus (one of the bugs responsible for colds), they found that it stopped the virus from replicating. All the credit goes to EGCG, a chemical compound found in certain kinds of tea, but in the highest concentrations in green tea.

Pro Tip: Steep your green tea in water that isn't boiling. (simply boil, turn the kettle off and wait 30 seconds) You will avoid burning the tea leaves and creating a bitter taste. This one little tip is seriously a tea lovers Game Changer!

Don't like or have the time to consume cups of green tea throughout the day? A ceremonial grade matcha tea, might just be the perfect option for you.

So what is matcha? In short, matcha is essentially a high quality green tea that has generally been shade grown for at least three weeks. The stems and veins are then removed during processing, then it is essentially pulverized into a fine, powder like form. What you're left is with a highly concentrated green tea, where you consume the powder whole vs. steeping tea leaves.

One serving of matcha, can be the equivalent of consuming 10 cups of traditional green tea in terms if it's health benefits. Matcha also has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed tea. It's basically the superwoman of green tea.

How do you consume Matcha? Other than traditional Japanese methods, Most North Americans like to whisk their matcha in a little warm milk and call it a latte. It's pretty good actually! However, here is my favourite way to enjoy it, and bonus, it's way easier to make.

Get 'wild' while also protecting your immune system and doing your body wonders with highly concentrated matcha tea shots to start your day. That's right, I said shots! Here's how it's done:

  • 1/2 tsp of Matcha
  • 1oz almond milk

Now put the two in a martini shaker with ice, put those bartender skills to work and give it a good shake. You'll be left with a cool and tasty treat that trumps any energy that a cup of joe can give you, while also being packed with some killer health benefits. Watch this recent CTV segment which explains the benefits, and offers a demo on how to make these matcha shots.

Seriously, all the cool kids are doing matcha shots these days. How do you like to enjoy your matcha? Share with us your tips & tricks in the comments below, I'd love to hear them.

To see some specific cold fighting blends, or matcha to get you through this season check out online boutiqueTease Tea. We've got the perfect blend to pair with any and all of your desires.

Happy Sipping.

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