Tea drinking is an ancient practice and healthy habit we should all put into practice, which is luckily gaining terrain these days. More and more people are shifting from coffee to drinking as more information about the benefits of drinking tea is available. Below is a tea drinking guide, from its benefits, format differences and a tea lovers accessories list.
Drinking tea has numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Below are some of the benefits of drinking tea:
- Tea has enormous Antioxidant properties, and it boosts the immune system: Tea contains antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of various diseases). These same antioxidants also help boost the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight infections and illnesses.
- Promotes relaxation, especially those that contain L-theanine, an amino acid that helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
- It improves brain function by improving cognitive function, including memory, attention, and focus.
- Reduces the risk of certain diseases: Drinking tea has been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
- Helps with digestion: Tea can help to soothe an upset stomach and aid in digestion and this has also been linked to weight management, mainly green tea.
Now that we know that drinking tea can be a healthy and enjoyable way to support overall health and wellness, it is time to evaluate which format you think is better.
Tea bags or Loose-leaf tea?
At Runbott, we like to balance the factors that benefit us as human beings and those that benefit the planet. Hence it has been concluded that loose-leaf tea can be more beneficial for a few reasons:
- Higher quality: Loose-leaf tea is often higher quality than tea bags. Tea bags are typically filled with broken tea leaves and tea dust, whereas loose-leaf tea is made up of whole or partially whole tea leaves. This means that loose-leaf tea can contain more essential oils and natural flavours, contributing to its taste and health benefits.
- More antioxidants: Loose-leaf tea contains more antioxidants than tea bags. Antioxidants are beneficial compounds that help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Better brewing: Loose-leaf tea allows for better brewing than tea bags. The larger leaves of loose-leaf tea can expand freely during brewing, allowing the water to extract more flavour and nutrients. Additionally, a loose-leaf tea can be brewed multiple times, whereas tea bags tend to lose their flavour after just one use.
- Fewer additives: Loose-leaf tea often contains fewer additives than tea bags. Tea bags can contain additives like flavourings, oils, and even plastic. Loose-leaf tea is generally just tea leaves without any added ingredients.
Overall, drinking loose-leaf tea can provide a more flavorful and nutritious tea drinking experience than tea bags.
Sustainable Tea Practice
Tea bags and loose-leaf tea have pros and cons, and which is better for you largely depends on your preferences, price and circumstances. However, when it comes to sustainability, the answer is clear: Loose-leaf tea.
Loose-leaf tea is more environmentally friendly than tea bags as it produces less waste. Many tea bags are made from non-biodegradable materials, and even those that are biodegradable often contain small amounts of plastic that can take years to break down.
Must-Have for Tea Lovers
If you value convenience and cost-effectiveness, tea bags may be your better option. But if you’re a tea connoisseur who wants the highest quality tea with the best flavor and aroma, loose-leaf tea is the way to go.
Luckily, a variety of (tea) infuser cap accessories are available on the market. Some popular options include: Stainless steel tea infusers, which are easiest to clean and can be reused. Silicone, glass and ceramic tea infusers.
Moreover, there are tea infuser mugs and bottles: Items with built-in tea infusers. They are convenient and easy to use.
