Happy hormones are basically chemicals that are released in the bloodstream because of certain internal or external factors. The purpose of these hormones, as is obvious, is to balance stress hormone levels and help you feel happy.

With tea, which can be a great daily habit, you will ensure the boost of happy hormones regularly and keep your hormones balanced. Thus, encouraging your gut, mood, and sleep to always stay on the better side.

4 Types of Happy hormones and how Tea helps you boost them

• Dopamine:

Dopamine is the most popular one amongst all happy hormones and is also known as ‘the reward molecule’. It gets boosted by any pleasure/reward-seeking activity. The activity can be anything from eating ice cream to going out for a family get together. Nowadays, with social media all around, a like or a share is also enough to boost the levels of this happy hormone in our bloodstream. However, it is one of the unhealthiest ways to do so because of social media’s addicting properties.

With the lifestyles that we lead today and the health conditions that come with it, our bodies are not able to regulate dopamine levels on their own. This leads to low dopamine levels and hormonal imbalance along with it. It is important to ensure the regular release of this happy hormone in the body to keep potential stress and anxiety at bay.

Tea can help assure this in a healthy way. The caffeine in tea helps prevent hormonal imbalance by increasing dopamine receptor levels in the brain. Moreover, an amino acid called L-theanine has been researched with results suggesting that it boosts dopamine levels by increasing the activity of alpha waves in the brain. Thus, helping the body maintain proper dopamine levels.

• Endocannabinoids:

One of the not-so-famous happy hormones, Endocannabinoids are the body’s self-produced cannabis. Cannabis, as most of us would know, is already famous for its psychoactive properties which help one relax and calm incited nerves.

Research shows that the catechins in tea target and bind to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. Well-Known catechin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) has proven to do a great job at supporting the endocannabinoid system in certain researches.

One popular endocannabinoid is Anandamide, which owes its name to ‘Ananda’. The Sanskrit term literally translates to ‘Bliss’ which is the reason why this happy hormone is also called ‘the bliss molecule’ by some. No wonder Teafloor’s very own bliss king, an infusion of nourishing herbs and green tea is named ‘Ananda’.

• GABA:

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of those happy hormones that are produced naturally in the brain. Its role in the body is to relax and calm the nerves by reducing the activity of neurons in the central nervous system.

The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, has quite extensive amounts of an amino acid called L-theanine. Research suggests that this amino acid increases the levels of GABA by increasing the activity of alpha waves in the brain. Also, magnesium and ginseng in some teas are known to interact with GABA receptors to improve functions like lowering blood pressure, balancing of moods and inducing sleep.

While most teas are rich in L-theanine, magnesium can be found richly in black teas and herbal teas to take advantage of its benefits including the increase in happy hormones.

• Serotonin:

Serotonin is a happy hormone that is released naturally in the body and plays a role in digestion, blood clotting and balancing moods. It is also responsible for the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and body temperature. With low levels of this hormone, one’s health will very likely face negative effects. Additionally, some social experts believe that low confidence is directly linked to low levels of serotonin. Knowing how big role confidence plays in this day and age, our happiness becomes highly dependent on this happy hormone.

Tea helps boost this extremely important happy hormone with the immense amounts of L-theanine present in it. L-theanine is an amino acid that positively affects mood, sleep, and emotion. It lowers a person’s aroused heart rate and is also known to improve mental cognition. Thus, becoming an amazing booster of serotonin and ultimately, happiness.

Although, the caffeine in tea is known to deplete serotonin over time. This is one reason why it is not recommended to have caffeinated teas. However, one can enjoy green tea or herbal tea as they contain almost no caffeine without compromising the health benefits that they have to offer.

Lastly, it is worth noting that herbs like Tulsi and Ashwagandha along with flowers such as lavender, passionflower, and chamomile are believed to improve the levels of happy hormones in our body. These can be found in teas like Tulsi green tea, Chamomile green tea, Ananda and Nidra from the wide range of teas available at Teafloor.

Upon conclusion, tea can be one of the splendid ways to prove that money can certainly buy happiness. However, not much of it is required considering the discounted rates of authentic, garden-fresh teas that we, at Teafloor, bring for you.

Lakshmi Jaisimha

I write to fulfill your appetite for thought, to get only in return your smile.

The post How Tea Boosts Happy Hormones That Turn You Into A Happy Soul appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

How to Consume White Tea?

If you happen to be a fan of teas, then you must try the white tea and enjoy how it delicately caresses your palate. It is a light colored infusion and is very easy to steep. You just need to add boiling water into a kettle containing the tea leaves, let it steep for around 5 minutes before you strain and serve it hot. It is best to have it plain without the addition of sweeteners as it will disrupt the balance of the brew.

White tea is processed very gently and is withered in the sun. It is the least oxidized tea and is not roasted or fried, like it’s black and green cousins. It tastes, impeccable on the palate, but it needs to be stored very safely away from direct light and heat. Never refrigerate white tea and keep it away from moisture. White tea does not have a very long shelf life, so it is best if you consume it as soon as you can. 2 to 3 cups of white tea a day are ideal for you. It has the very least amount of caffeine, so it can be consumed in the evening as well. Owing to its weight loss properties, it can be consumed after each meal for best results.

Benefits of White Tea

1. There are many benefits of white tea. It helps in losing weight by accelerating the lipolysis in the body.
2. Next up, white tea is great to improve the functioning of the heart, as it helps in lowering cholesterol.
3. It is also known to remove the fat deposit in the cardiovascular muscles, (in the long run), thereby normalizing blood pressure levels.
4. People who drink white tea on daily basis, definitely have a healthy and glowing skin, because of its antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
5. White tea helps in removing the free radicals from the body which are mainly responsible for premature aging.
6. Apart from that, this brew also helps in boosting immunity and keeps a number of diseases at bay.

Properties of White Tea

Many people are not fully aware of the properties of white tea, because the brew is not very over hyped. History explains that white tea is so flavorful and delicate, that it was only grown for the emperors in China. However, this brew is accessible to the common man now, all thanks to Teafloor. The website stocks up on various different kinds of exotic teas which are hard to find otherwise. Plus, the pricing is not exorbitant but rather, within the reach of common man.

So if you want to enjoy white tea to its fullest and wish to lay your hands on the authentic brew, then place your order on Teafloor, to embrace this amazing drink in your everyday diet. You will is able to notice a positive change in your health as well as your appearance once you switch your regular chai with a simmering delicious cup of white tea.

Lakshmi Jaisimha

I write to fulfill your appetite for thought, to get only in return your smile.

The post What Health Benefits can I Expect if I Start Drinking White Tea? appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

It is the most delicate variety of teas because it is minimally processed. Made from the young buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant which are handpicked quickly, the tea is withered in the sun. The leaves are not allowed to oxidize, which means that this brew contains heavy quantities of antioxidants. There are many benefits of white tea when it comes to health.

More About White Tea

It is hands down the freshest teas available in the market because it is not rolled or fried. The buds and leaves are dried up using a very controlled environment which gives the infusion a fresh taste, that will transfer you to the picturesque tea gardens with every sip you take. Apart from the health benefits of white tea, the taste of the brew is very light on the palate and is ideal for those who are not a big fan of strong, malty, or astringent brews.

Today many countries are producing white tea, which was once only produced for the royalty in China. Some of the famous white tea varieties are Baihao Yinzhen, Bai Mudan, Monkey Picked White tea, and Darjeeling white tea. Because of its delicate nature, the white is difficult to store and transport, however, there are some modern yet expensive ways of transporting it. This is the reason why white tea is a little overpriced, considering the kinds of care one has to take while producing this brew.

The Flavor Profile

Coming to the flavors, there is only one word that can explain white tea and that is “delicate.” The aroma and flavors of the white tea make it a true-blue delicacy. Tea connoisseurs from all over the world, pay hundreds of dollars just to lay their hands on this delicious tea variety. The flavor profile of this brew is described as grassy, fruity, floral, honey-like, peachy, melony, subtle, delicate, etc. It is much lower in caffeine when compared to other varieties of teas.

How to Make White Tea?

Boiling water must be poured over white tea leaves which are placed in a kettle. Allow the kettle to steep the brew for about 5 minutes and strain the brew into a cup. White tea is best consumed plain, without the addition of any other flavor. The addition of milk, sugar, lemon, or any spice will completely disrupt the delicate flavor of this brew and not to mention will add to the calories as well.

If you are on the hunt for a fine-quality white tea but do not know where to buy it from, then be sure to check out Teafloor. Teafloor is known for stocking up on rare to find delicious brews.

Buying and Storing White Tea

White tea can get stale very easily, so it is best to buy this brew in small quantities and consume them as soon as you can. This way you will be able to enjoy the freshness of this tea. Always be sure of storing this brew in a cool and dark place, and keep it away from heat, moisture, light, and oxygen.

Also, never store it in the refrigerator. Keep it in an opaque, airtight container to maintain its aroma and freshness. Also, make sure that it is kept away from coffee, spices, and other tea variants as they tend to leach the flavor.

Ankit Tiwari

I’m a Blogger, always ready to explore new things. Starting from Technology to Seo, webiners etc. Driving more and more traffic to our website is my passion.

The post How to Drink White Tea | White Tea and its Flavours appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

White Tea for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of this rare to find brew is weight loss. There are several teas available in the market, which claim to reduce weight. However, some of them are chemical laden and bad for health. If you wish to take a healthy and natural route when it comes to weight loss, then you should make white tea your best friend. 3 to 4 cups of white tea a day can help you in improving your metabolism, thus helping in weight loss. Apart from that, it also helps in the oxidation of fat and provides the body with ample energy to accelerate their workout sessions. To be honest, white tea is no miracle worker. So if you continue living a stagnant and sedentary life, whilst eating all the fatty food, you may not see any signs of weight loss. You need to couple white tea with some exercise and improve your eating habits to make sure that you remain fit and healthy

Top 5 Benefits of White Tea

There are a number of health benefits of white tea which has to offer, some of them are mentioned here:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: By now most health enthusiasts know what antioxidants are. However, for those of you who don’t know, antioxidants like polyphenols, are plant-based molecules which protect the body from intracellular damage. Free radicals present in the environment as well as within the body can cause a number of health problems and antioxidants help to combat them.

2. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Polyphenols have been proven to relax blood vessels. White tea removes the plaque which covers the inner walls of arteries. This plaque increases cholesterol and is one of the major causes of the rise in blood pressure. A number of studies and clinical trials have proven that improving heart health is one of the benefits of white tea

3. It Is Great for Diabetics: Insulin resistance within the body is one of the major causes of type 2 diabetes. The polyphenols present in white tea really help in lowering insulin resistance within the body. The inference concludes that “17 studies with over 1,100 people, scientists found that the molecules inside teas, like polyphenols, significantly reduced blood sugar and insulin levels.”

4. Improves Reproductive Health: It has been noted that consumption of white tea on a regular basis boosts fertility especially in men. It prevents testicular oxidative damage which improves reproductive health in men.

5. It Is Food for the Brain: One of the organic white tea benefits is the fact that it improves brain health. It protects brain cells from oxidative stress as well as toxicity. It improves cognitive functions and improves the overall mental health. It is also known for improving mental alertness. All thanks to the caffeine present in the brew.

Where to Buy White Tea?

If you are confused as to where can you purchase white tea from, then fear not. Teafloor is an amazing website designed for the tea lovers. Teafloor stocks up on some of the rarest to some of the most common tea varieties. If you wish to try white tea and enjoy its many health benefits, then be sure to register on Teafloor and place your first order. You can do your own research and read about the brew before buying the white tea leaves from the comfort of your home. The brew will be delivered at your provided address within a few working days. So now that you know from where to buy white tea, then what are you waiting for? Hop on to Teafloor and order right away!

Buy White Tea Online

Teafloor is a well reputed website, run by tea enthusiasts, who strive to serve nothing but the best to their loyal customers. The website is known for providing with good quality brews at really affordable rates. So, even though white tea is more towards the expensive side, you can avail the discounts available on Teafloor. When you purchase white tea online from Teafloor, be assured about the quality, as the website prides itself on its quality measures and scrutiny.

Ankit Tiwari

I’m a Blogger, always ready to explore new things. Starting from Technology to Seo, webiners etc. Driving more and more traffic to our website is my passion.

The post 5 Impressive Health Benefits of White Tea appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

Green Tea is produced by heating the leaves shortly after harvesting through a process of steaming or pan-firing to prevent oxidation from occurring, and then rolling and drying the leaves. Black and Oolong Tea undergo full or partial oxidation, which makes the leaves and subsequent brew darker in color.

History speaks for itself:  Tea is believed to “purify the body” and “preserve the mind”. Ancient Chinese tradition used tea as a miracle decoction for the cure of various diseases. Over the past several decades, thousands of published studies in leading medical journals have provided the proof to support tea’s ancient health claims.

Composition of Tea

Tea consists of more than a hundred ingredients of which the main are the flavonoids. These flavonoids and the related polyphenols account for more than a third of the weight of the tea leaves. The health benefits of tea are said to be attributed to these ingredients. Tea has cardiovascular, chemo-preventive, metabolic, neuroprotective and other health benefits.

Various researches have been conducted which demonstrates the health attributes of tea flavonoids. Human clinical trials, population-based studies and in vitro laboratory research have found that people who regularly consume three or more cups of Black Tea per day have a reduced risk of cardiovascular conditions, cancers etc.

Let us find out how tea may play important roles in various areas of health operating through a number of different mechanisms.

1. Role in Cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases cause more than 15 million deaths in the world each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva). They are also the major cause of death in adults. In addition, many cardiovascular incidents are not necessarily fatal but may impair the ability to lead a normal daily life, resulting in enormous health care costs to society.

Drinking tea regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle may help maintain a healthy heart. Numerous population health studies conducted around the world have demonstrated that drinking tea is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers have also found that those who drank more than six cups of tea per day (>480 mL) had significantly lower prevalence of CHD than non-tea drinkers.

While much of the strongest research support for tea’s potential to contribute to heart health has focused on black tea, new research has shown that green tea also offers cardiovascular benefits. Some studies suggest that tea flavonoids provide several mechanisms that work in tandem to collectively improve markers for cardiovascular health.

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the artery walls and narrow the arteries. Tea and its flavonoids can have a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. A research was published in 2003 in the Journal of Nutrition, which stated that people consuming five servings of black tea per day reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol by 11.1 percent and total cholesterol by 6.5 percent.

2. Cancer risk reduction

More than 3,000 published research studies exist that evaluate the role tea whether white, green, oolong or black and tea compounds, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may play in cancers of various sites. The studies suggest that tea compounds have many mechanisms by which they provide chemoprotection: reducing free radical and DNA damage; inhibiting uncontrolled cell growth etc.

Various studies have shown that green tea has the most superior cancer risk reduction as compared to all the other forms of tea. This is attributed to the strong antioxidant activity (and other bioactive properties) of green tea polyphenols such as EGCG and ECG.

Anti-Cancer Activities of Green Tea

Laboratory studies have shown that green tea:

• Slows down or completely prevents growth of cancer cells
• Blocks formation of new blood vessels that cancers need to feed themselves with nutrients
• May protect the body’s cells against ultraviolet (UV) damage
• May boost the immune system
• Appears to trigger natural detox enzymes in our body that help to protect against cancer formation

Tea also plays a major role in preventing prostate cancer. Based on epidemiological in vitro and in vivo studies, the researchers suggest that tea-especially Green Tea may be a good public health recommendation that may help prevent prostate cancer. It also plays some role in the reduction of various other forms of cancer such as Digestive cancers, Skin cancer, and lung cancer.

3. Role in Neurological Health

Age-related declines in memory and cognition occur naturally, but research suggests that modifiable factors, such as diet and exercise, may help slow the progression of age-related neurodegeneration. The bioactive compounds found in tea may promote neurological health through various actions.  In addition, L-theanine in tea has been shown to directly affect areas of the brain that control attention and ability to solve complex problems.

Research reports that tea polyphenols, particularly (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, are bioavailable to the brain and can act via antioxidant, iron-chelation, signal transduction modulation, and other mechanisms to effect neuroprotective and/or neurorescue action, with potential implications for age-related dementia, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

A recent human study examined the effect of the unique tea amino acid L-theanine (glutamyl ethyl amide) on attention-related task performance. Task performance was measured by electroencephalographic (EEG), or the measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain as recorded from electrodes placed on the scalp. The results suggest L-theanine plays a role in attentional processing in synergy with caffeine.

Caffeine and L-theanine in tea may offer cognitive benefits and improve mental clarity and work performance. A cross-sectional study showed that participants who consumed more tea felt less tired and reported higher levels of subjective work performance.

4. Role in Obesity and weight loss

Several studies suggest drinking calorie-free tea may help with weight management.  Preliminary research suggests that tea flavonoids help elevate metabolic rate, increase fat oxidation and improve insulin activity. This is especially true for green tea and the tea catechins in green tea provide modest shifts in metabolism that may improve weight loss and maintenance. catechins or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-caffeine mixture have a modest positive effect on weight loss and weight maintenance.

Green Tea catechins led to a reduction in body fat, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol compared to the control group. The authors suggest that Green Tea catechins may help prevent obesity and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

5. Role in Diabetes & Blood Sugar Control

Type 2 diabetes is considered a global epidemic. 85 Catechins in tea have been shown to help reduce blood sugar and provide insulin-boosting activity, which may be beneficial for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent USDA research reviewed the effect of tea on insulin sensitivity and risk factors for diabetes. Epidemiologic studies suggest some relation between tea consumption and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Some human clinical studies show tea and its components improved control of glucose metabolism.

Hence, tea plays an important role in the control of blood sugar level, although further research may be needed.

6. Role in Immune Function

Our immune system is responsible for warding off bacterial, fungal and viral infections that cause disease and illness, such as influenza, thrush, and herpes. Immune system impairment can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, susceptibility to infection, tissue inflammation, poor wound healing and heightened allergic reactions.

The main role is played by the antioxidants present in the tea which are responsible for boosting the immune system. Tea contains a component that can help the body ward off infection and disease and that drinking tea may strengthen the immune system. The researchers identified a substance in tea, L-theanine, which primes the immune system in fighting infection, bacteria, viruses and fungi.

7. Role in Oral Health

Tea may contribute to oral health through various characteristics, including anti-bacterial properties and fluoride content, that may help protect against cavities and gum disease and may strengthen tooth enamel.

Tea flavonoids may inhibit the plaque-forming ability of oral bacteria, and the fluoride in tea may support healthy tooth enamel. Because green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque, it may be a useful tool in preventing cavities. A recent Egypt-based study tested people before and after they gave their mouths a five-minute rinse with green tea. The test subjects had less bacteria and acid in their mouths, as well as reduced gum bleeding.

Green tea’s anti-inflammatory powers seem to help control periodontal (gum) disease. A Japanese survey of almost 1,000 men found that those who drank green tea regularly had healthier gums than those who didn’t. Also, Green tea has been associated with better-smelling breath because it kills the microbes that make our mouths stinky.

8. Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

Drinking tea has been linked to higher bone mineral density (BMD) and has been shown to boost bone-building markers and improve muscle mass, both of which may reduce the of osteoporosis and fracture.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that older women who drank tea had higher BMD measurements than those who did not drink tea. A recent study found that habitual tea-drinking was seen to have a significant beneficial effect on the BMD of adults (30 years and older), especially in those who had been habitual tea-drinkers for six or more years.

9. Role in digestive system

green tea and many herbal teas may help improve your digestion and limit any adverse digestive effects, such as gas and upset stomach. Green tea may be beneficial for digestion because of substances it contains called polyphenols, including catechins. A study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” in 2005 found that catechins from green tea increase the activity of pepsin, the digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.

Chai tea, which contains a mix of spices including cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and ginger, may also be beneficial for digestion. Cinnamon may help relieve a variety of digestive ailments, such as gas, indigestion, heartburn, stomach cramps and nausea.

A wide variety of herbal teas is also sometimes credited with improving digestion.

Final Verdict

Tea drinkers tend to be healthier, which proves true in research too, as tea drinking correlates with better health outcomes.

You can support your health, including your skin and body composition, with as few as 2-3 cups per day, so join this growing health movement and start today exploring the novelty of tea.

Just like wine or coffee, there are countless types, blends, styles, countries of origins and more, all for you to try. I’m sure there is a tea to suit any taste and preference.

Ankit Tiwari

I’m a Blogger, always ready to explore new things. Starting from Technology to Seo, webiners etc. Driving more and more traffic to our website is my passion.

The post Nine Unexpected Ways Tea Can Give You a Good Health appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.