Favorite Spring Beverage: Green Tea

There couldn't be a better way to cool down in this warm spring weather than with a glass of iced tea. And I'm not talking Arizona high-fructose sweetened iced tea. I'm talking organic harvested, anti-oxidant rich green tea, freshly steeped and poured over plenty of ice. Tea is one of the most calming beverages in the world and with all the stress we encounter in our everyday lives I think most of could use a lot more calm here and there.

Green tea is full of polyphenols the most abundant anti-oxidants in the diet. Especially important is epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG. This potent anti-oxidant has been used therapeutically in of many disease from chronic fatigue syndrome to cancer. Particularly in the prevention of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Green tea also has been shown to protect the heart and vascular system by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, stroke risk and inflammation. The thermogenic properties of green tea increase fat burning in the body and help promote weight loss. Thirsty anyone?

There are many varieties of green tea available to suit your taste buds and now you can find all different flavors from mint to pomegranate. Think you don't like tea? Keep trying because this amazing beverage is sure to increase vitality and healthful aging for everyone.

Brewing your perfect cup of tea is quite easy. Simply pour boiling water over tea bags or loose leaf tea. If using loose leaf tea you will need paper filters or teaware with an infuser; 1-2t to 8oz water. Steep, preferably covered, for 3-5 minutes, any longer and the tea will become bitter. Add honey, lemon or stevia as desired. Pour over a glass full of ice and enjoy the spring sun as the calm sets in.