You see, green tea is one of the least processed teas because it comes from unoxidized leaves. As a result, it has the highest concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols beneficial to health.

These compounds may have a good effect on skin health, immunity, and cardiovascular disease risk.

But the most popular benefit of green tea for belly fat.

What Is Belly Fat/Visceral Fat?

Also known as visceral fat, belly fat is of primary concern since it plays a role in various health issues.

Visceral fat can lead to metabolic issues, as well as create a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It’s also linked to breast cancer and gallbladder surgery in women.

Why Is Belly Fat Bad?

1. Visceral fat releases immune system compounds known as cytokines. These biochemicals contribute to cardiovascular disease. They can impair insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and blood clotting.
2. The presence of excess visceral fat near the portal vein, which conducts blood from the intestine to the liver, is one of the reasons it’s so dangerous. Free fatty acids and other substances generated by belly fat enter the portal vein. They then proceed to the liver, where they can impact the generation of blood lipids. These affect levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and HDL (good) cholesterol negatively. Plus, it increases insulin resistance.
3. As mentioned in the above two points, belly fat can increase insulin resistance. In case you don’t know, insulin is the pancreatic hormone that transports glucose into cells.

Insulin resistance is what happens when the body’s muscle and liver cells do not respond to normal levels of insulin. The body instead demands more and more. Thus, leading to a rise in blood glucose levels.

This not only promotes fat storage, but also increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, PCOD, and heart issues.

How Is Green Tea For Belly Fat A Great Solution?

1. It prevents the accumulation of visceral fat.

Research has shown that regardless of the moderate weight loss effects of green tea catechins, a significant amount of fat loss is still dangerous visceral fat.

Here’s an example of one such research.

For 12 weeks, subjects were randomly allocated to drink either a beverage containing 609.3 mg catechins and 68.7 mg caffeine or a placebo beverage.

At week 0, week 8, and week 12, the amount of abdominal fat, as well as body weight and composition, were measured. At the end of the trial, those who drank the catechin-rich green tea reduced average visceral fat area, body weight, and body fat considerably.

2. It improves metabolism.

Green tea comes from a plant that is quite popular in Asia. It’s a healthier version of your everyday black tea, and along with many other health benefits, it helps keep your metabolism up.

Essentially, metabolism is the process of converting food and drink into energy. And a healthy metabolism is essential for keeping a healthy body.

Green tea contains polyphenols which are an antioxidant that assists in boosting your metabolism. Thus, speeding up your body’s ability to burn calories.

Several studies have found that taking green tea extract or EGCG supplements can help you burn more calories. That too, even when you’re simply resting.

Most studies suggest a 3–4% rise in metabolic rate.

In a study of 60 obese individuals taking green tea extract, those taking the extract lost 7.3 pounds (3.3 kg) more and burned 183 more calories a day than those not taking it after three months.

When you lose calories at this speed, and also exercise and diet properly, you reduce belly fat.

3. It reduces cravings and lowers appetite.

Green tea is the second most popular drink next to the water, with billions of people consuming it daily. The main reason it is so popular is that it is full of antioxidants. This ingredient has many health benefits, but increasing appetite suppression is one of the most notable.

The antioxidants in green tea are known to affect body hormones, specifically those associated with hunger. So when consumed in a large quantity, they can help reduce appetite.

You may have noticed that we often crave unhealthy food when we get anxious or stressed.

By reducing cortisol – the stress hormone – levels with its antioxidants, green tea helps reduce these cravings. With reduced overeating sessions, you also reduce your chances of eating fatty food that may sit in your belly.

Additionally, green tea has a large amount of water. Consequently, it quickly fills your stomach. Plus it is low in calories. So you can drink the allowed number of cups of green tea without worrying about fulfilling your calorie quota.

4. It helps recover from workouts.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate. It’s a compound with antioxidant properties proven to combat the oxidative stress caused by muscle damage.

The drink can increase the rate of muscle recovery after a training session. This helps bring down soreness and pain that seem to be a significant deterrent to regular workouts by most people. So not only is it a great energy source – green tea for belly fat – but it also helps you recover from workouts faster. Thus helping you get back to the gym and keep your momentum going.

Wrapping Up

Now, you know that green tea for belly fat is a boon you can’t help but take advantage of. It has several ways – from increasing metabolism to decreasing appetite to help you get rid of that stubborn and dangerous fat.

All set to reduce belly fat? Bless yourself by buying a pack of green tea now!

Abhishek Dixit

The post Does Green Tea Really Help Reduce Belly Fat? appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

While the use of tea bags cannot be eliminated completely, I believe we can use and reuse them sustainably to make use of all the goodness that they have to offer. Even after brewing, tea bags and loose leaf tea have numerous uses and benefits for our homes.

Here’s a List of Certain Ways We Can Reuse Our Tea Bags.

6 Ways to Reuse Your Tea Bags

1. Feed your plants

You can use your used tea bags as food for your plants. Basically, what I like to do is, open used tea bags and empty the components into the plant pot, mixing it with the soil. The components, which are tea leaves, are biodegradable. They will not only provide nourish the soil but also turn into compost and help your plants grow faster.

2. Use them for Cooking

I am a huge fan of experimenting while cooking. And I know for a fact that brewed tea and tea leaves can be used in various cooking and baking recipes. So with used tea bags, you can use the components to create fantastically tasting recipes like tea-infused cookies, soups, risottos, pasta and more. With all the varying flavours in tea, the possibility of new tastes is endless.

3. Get rid of Dark Circles

Even after the brewing process, tea leaves in used tea bags are rich in antioxidants. Put the used tea bags in the fridge to cool them down. Once they are cold, you can put them on your eyes to reduce puffiness, dark circles and under-eye bags. Cold used tea bags can be used to effectively soothe your eyes and even reduce inflammation.

4. Take a Tea Bath

Why buy expensive bath bombs, when you can use tea bags with bomb flavours for an invigorating bathing experience. You can drop some used tea bags in your bathtub filled with warm water. Your bathing experience will not only be relaxing but also skin soothing and sweet-smelling. The best choices for a tea bath are chamomile tea, rose green tea and tulsi green tea.

5. Say Goodbye to Foul Odours

Used tea bags can help you get rid of foul odours in your refrigerator. Dry your used tea bags and put them in the refrigerator. The dried tea bags will absorb all repellent smells from the fridge. I also use dried tea bags to absorb stinky smells from my gym shoes. This way, you can avoid mixing of smells in the refrigerator as well.

6. Clean your Windows Spotless

Who needs Colin when you can use a used tea bag for spotless windows? Just rub the damp tea bags on the glass surface like mirrors and windows and wipe with a clean cloth. The tea bag’s remnant will help get rid of dirt, grime and fingerprints without much effort.

After going through all the above things that tea bags can do for you, I’m sure you can find some of them to be useful in your daily life. This way you can not only make the best out of your tea bags but also you live a sustainable lifestyle. If you shop smart—and use your tea bags wisely then they can better your life in many ways without hurting the planet in the process.

Abhishek Dixit

The post Can you Reuse Tea Bags? In More Ways Than One appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

An integral part of the local tourism, Darjeeling tea gardens are thriving. These estates are known for not only producing the finest teas in the world but also a fantastic experience that one can never forget.

Now, while it is very difficult to go about visiting every tea estate, we’re here to make it a little easier for you. Here’s our list of 5 of the most charming and beautiful Darjeeling tea gardens that one must visit at least once in their life.

Top 5 Darjeeling Tea Gardens

1. Puttabong Tea Estate

One of the largest Darjeeling tea gardens, Puttabong tea estate is a magnificent garden overlooking the scenic snow-capped Kanchenjunga mountain. Located at an altitude between 1500-6500 ft, it’s also known to be the first tea estate in Darjeeling’s complex tea history. Plus, it’s also the first tea estate to employ the use of mechanic pruning machines and commercial trading of tea. This garden is planted with Darjeeling Clonal, Chinary bushes and Clonal tea stock that are especially developed to meet the agro-climatic conditions of the area. What differentiates this estate from the rest is the sustainable production in the garden. It has a huge plant for Vermicompost, cattle farming and a production centre for liquid fertilizers made with local herbs. Famous for its light muscatels, handmade blends and silver tippy teas, this tea estate is a true delight for any tea enthusiast.

2. Glenburn Tea Estate

A heavenly little plantation located on the hillock above the banks of river Rungeet, the Glenburn tea estate was started by the Scottish in 1859. Later, its reigns were handed over to a pioneering tea family- the Prakashes. For visitors, the tea estate is nothing less than visiting a European vineyard. The hosts of the tea estate believe in providing an all-round sensory experience to visitors. So, you not only get to relish the flavourful tea in the bed of nature but also enjoy a stay at one of their luxurious bungalows. This is accompanied with informative historical tours, delicious food and calming walks in the estate. Moreover, visitors get to witness the entire tea processing procedure, to better understand how the fine tea leaves create the most impeccable tasting cup. The Glenburn estate is known for producing some of the finest black and green Darjeeling teas, which are naturally fragrant with flowery scents and malty aftertaste.

3. Makaibari Tea Estate

Home to some of the finest tea leaves in the world, the Makaibari tea estate is the definition of a model organic Darjeeling tea garden. The tea estate has been tended by over four generations of the Banerjee family since its formation in 1859 by G.C. Banerjee. It is also known to house the first tea factory in the world. Apart from its organically grown teas, Makaibari tea estate is known for its values of creating a sustainable environment. The managing family has dedicated their lives to the preservation and improvement of the soil and improving the livelihood of the people who work there. It is the only tea garden where organic Camellia Sinensis grows in harmony with the primary sub-tropical rainforests. This is due to the estate’s biodynamic/permaculture practices. If you’re an organic tea lover and a believer in sustainable development practices, then visit this Darjeeling tea garden and try out their famous Organic Pearl White tea.

4. Gopaldhara Tea Estate

Established in 1955, the Gopaldhara tea estate is the pinnacle of the finest Darjeeling teas. This Darjeeling tea garden not only produces but also markets and distributes its premium and fine quality teas. This garden is spread across a land area of 320 hectares, with 172 hectares already planted with high-quality tea bushes. Gopaldhara tea estate is also known for producing high-quality, handcrafted teas like Pearl Tea, Stupa, Olympic Flame, Silver Needles etc. The estate is located in the heart of the Mirik Valley, and is one of the highest tea estates, setting between an elevation of 5500ft-7000ft. This Darjeeling tea garden is a must-visit for those who enjoy innovation in tea production. They’re most sought after for their first and second flush teas, with their finest first flush being the Maharani of Darjeeling.

5. Okayti Tea Estate

The Okayti tea estate was established in the 1870s and is also credited for one of the oldest tea producing factories of the region. Also known as the Rangdoo tea estate, it is located in the Mirik valley. On the northeast, this estate is flanked by the Gopaldhara tea estate and on the east by the Thurbo estate. It is about 648 hectares large with approximately 209 hectares of planted land, making it one of the largest tea estates of the Mirik valley. The Okayti estate is a sight for sore eyes for it houses a forest flourishing with local flora and fauna that sit next to the undulated flow of the Mechi river along the Indo-Nepal border. The tea bushes are grown at an altitude of 4000-6800 ft. The Okayti teas are known for their perfect balance of astringency and well-rounded body, with a taste that has hints of dried fruit and nuts. This Darjeeling tea garden is well-known for the orthodox black teas (1st & 2nd flush), speciality green tea and white teas.

The charm of enjoying an authentic cup of Darjeeling tea in a Darjeeling tea garden while relishing the view of the snowy Kanchenjunga is something else in itself. We are the consumers of almost 70% of the tea produced in India. Therefore, visiting the sprawling green valleys of Darjeeling is a must for every tea lover. The beautiful hill station is not just about Darjeeling tea, but also boasts a rich local culture, enormous monuments, historical sights and pretty little markets. Your travel to the hill station will be one satisfying trip to enjoy. So, book your tickets, grab your essentials and head to these aromatic hills for a once in a lifetime experience.

Abhishek Dixit

The post 5 of the Most Charming Darjeeling Tea Gardens in the World appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

Caffeine is capable of stimulating the brain and the nervous system. Plus, it is a diuretic. Found in beverages like tea, energy drinks, chocolates, coffee, soda etc. caffeine is an ingredient that is both a boon and a bane for mankind.

Before we begin to compare the amount of caffeine content in your favourite beverages, let us understand how caffeine works.

How Does Caffeine Work?

A lot of the functioning of caffeine in tea and coffee depends on our brain chemistry. Your brain produces a chemical known as adenosine, which binds to adenosine receptors. This binding cause drowsiness by slowing down nerve activity. Plus this process also causes blood vessels to dilate, which allows more oxygen into the organ during sleep.

However, in the case of caffeine, the brain mistakes it for adenosine and binds it to the receptors. But, instead of causing nerve activity to slow down, caffeine speeds up the nerve cells. Caffeine also causes the brain’s blood vessels to constrict, because it blocks adenosine’s ability to open them up. Due to this effect of caffeine, a lot of headache medicines contain caffeine. The constricted blood vessels in the brain can help stop a vascular headache.

Comparing Caffeine in Tea, Coffee, Soda and Energy Drinks

Caffeine in Coffee

One of the most common ways of ingesting regular doses of caffeine is drinking coffee. The coffee consumptions of Indian doubled in the last two decades, showing us that this beverage is much loved. Coffee contains about 95mg per 350 ml of coffee. However, with its variants, this composition can slightly differ. For example, espresso-based drinks have about 60 mg of caffeine per 30-50ml shots, whereas instant coffee contains 30-40 mg caffeine per cup of coffee. But out of all types of coffees, decaf coffee contains close to no caffeine, which is why a person can opt for decaf coffee late in the night. Coffee consumption is something that, however, needs to be kept in check. Excessively drinking coffee can have adverse effects like anxiety, insomnia, irritable bowels, high blood pressure, caffeine addiction, rapid heart rate, etc.

Caffeine in Tea

The content of caffeine in tea varies from type to type. In general, due to the highest amount of oxidation, Black tea contains the highest amount of caffeine- 37 mg per 8-ounce serving. Oolong tea and green tea contain approximately 31mg of caffeine per 8-ounce and White tea contains the least amount i.e, 27 mg per 8-ounce. This entire chart of caffeine content, however, becomes a bit displaced in terms of two varieties of tea- Matcha and Tisanes. Matcha tea boasts a whopping 130mg of caffeine per 8-ounce servings. On the other hand, caffeine is mostly absent in tisane, with the exception of Yerba Mate. A very un-tisane like tisane, yerba mate contains 59 milligrams of caffeine and high concentrations of l-Theanine amino acids that boost energy.

Caffeine in Red Bull

Probably the most popular energy drink of the century with globally renowned fame, Red Bull is surprising low in caffeine. Unlike popular belief, the energy drink contains only 80mg of caffeine in a 250ml can. Created almost 31 years ago in Austria, Red Bull is now a name that is synonymous to all energy drinks. With the #1 status worldwide, Red Bull is sold in over 170 countries. The sole purpose of energy drinks is to provide you with a burst of energy and Red Bull does that solely based on their sugar and caffeine. Not just this, but it is also available in four variants- original, sugar-free, total zero and cranberry edition.

Caffeine in Monster

Owned by the Hansen Natural Corporation, Monster energy drink first hit the market in 2002. It was a surprising contrast to Hansen Natural’s reputation as a healthy, preservative-free beverage company. Monster Energy drinks have large amounts of caffeine, sugar and sodium. The caffeine content in Monster is approximately the same as Red Bull, i.e. 80mg per 250ml. This blend of ingredients provides the rush you feel after drinking the beverage and includes chemicals like L-carnitine, glucose, caffeine, guarana, inositol, glucuronolactone and maltodextrin.

Caffeine in Soda

Cola is a popular flavour of soda around the world. Although the kola nut, from which the flavour of cola soda comes from, does naturally contain caffeine, the majority of the caffeine in cola is added by the manufacturer. Colas typically contain between 30-50 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz (355 ml). However, with cola, the amount of caffeine is not as much a concern as the sugar or sweetener substitute in them. Colas are rich in sugars, therefore they promote obesity and other unhealthy choices in life. It is best to avoid cola on a regular basis due to its contribution to high sugar levels in the body.

Final Thoughts on Caffeine

Many of the common benefits of any caffeinated beverage include bringing relief from fatigue or drowsiness and increase alertness. However, consuming caffeine without monitoring your intake can lead to an increased heartbeat, irritable bowels, uneasiness, acidity and jitters. Plus, too much caffeine at the wrong time of the day can actively affect your sleep cycle in the wrong way. The bottom line is that caffeine’s main effect is on the brain. It stimulates the brain by blocking the effects of the neurotransmitter adenosine, thereby causing the above reactions.

Experts suggest that an amount of 400mg of caffeine per day is alright for the human body. That is about 2-3 cups of coffee. And while many initially believed caffeine to be an unhealthy compound, much research contradicts that.

Therefore, it is safe to say that enjoying your daily cup of coffee, tea or energy drink is not that bad and can be a good way to promote a healthy life.

Abhishek Dixit

The post Caffeine in Tea & Your Other Favourite Beverages appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

My college was situated between the dip of two valleys on a tiny hill. Surrounded by lush green forests and a tiny cleft between the hills where a river flowed all year round, it was truly a sight. My friends and I have some of the most memorable memories from those days. It was a time when life was simple and our only worry was completing assignments that were due the next day. We would sit in our hostel gardens and sip on our favourite ginger tea as we watched the twinkling lights of Mussoorie city every evening.

However, living in the hills, there was one thing I caught onto quite soon. Monsoon is not just about water cascading to the ground and reviving the life on it. It is a season that can bring about serious water-borne diseases. But, the other thing I learnt there was that tea for monsoon can be the solution for many ailments during the rains.

The Perfect Blends of Tea for Monsoon

The excess of water that suddenly accumulates after the dry spells of summer makes our bodies prone to certain deadly diseases like malaria, viral infections, typhoid, cholera, jaundice etc.

In monsoon, if you are unfortunate enough to catch one of these diseases, then the best solution is to go see a doctor. However, if you wish to prevent these diseases from even coming near you, you can count on tea. I, for one, put my trust in a lot of delicious teas that can help indirectly in the prevention of various health problems.

So, I present to you, my personal favourite blends of tea for monsoon:

1. Bombay Cutting Chai

One of the most popular tea blends from the streets of Bombay. Put together using a selected range of spices like ginger, cardamom and fennel with the finest CTC. Best had with milk and sugar, this tea is enjoyed with small snacks like vada pav, dabeli, samosa etc. It is a beverage that sustains the people of Bombay in their day-to-day hectic life. Plus, it is that constant tea for monsoon that helps the people of Bombay battle heavy rains. And now, thanks to websites like Teafloor, Bombay cutting chai is available in part of the country through online ordering.

2. Kashmiri Kahwa

Made from fine green tea and herbs and spices like almonds, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and rose petals, this green tea is spicy in nature with a wonderful aroma. It is best enjoyed on a rainy morning with a light breakfast. The refreshing flavour of this tea helps calm the mind, improve digestion and avoid inflammation to internal organs. A must-have green tea for monsoon, this blend is very colourful and it’s anti-bacterial nature keeps you safe from viruses and bacterias. So, if you ever feel a slight sore throat coming about, you can sip on this beverage and soothe your throat.

3. Tulsi Green Tea

Tulsi is a medicinal herb that has been a cure for many ailments in our country for centuries. An ancient ayurvedic remedy, tulsi pairs extremely well with green tea. The blend of tulsi and green tea amplifies the qualities of both the ingredients, making it a potent beverage to have on a gloomy rainy day. It can help by calming the stomach and oesophagus in case of acid reflux and can help regulate metabolic rate and blood sugar. Not only this, tulsi green tea for monsoon can help in reducing psychological stress which can come with this moody season.

4. Mint Green Tea

The fresh and sweet flavour of peppermint blended to perfection with premium quality green tea. This is the only tea you need for any moment in the rain. Whether it’s to stay warm or cool this season, Mint green tea is the answer. A great cup for a humid day, this tea can soothe that grim feeling in your stomach that happens often during monsoons. Plus, it also helps in preventing weak bones, gastro-intestinal ailments and can aid relieve heartburn. So, on a day when the damp weather isn’t letting you have a peaceful mood, just sip on some Mint green tea.

5. Ginger Chai

Back in college days, one of my favourite hobbies was dancing in the rain. I just couldn’t resist a good heavy downpour, which happened almost every fifteen days in Dehradun. However, I wouldn’t fall sick that often. I owe that to this spicey yet sweet tea which my roommate would make for me every time I pulled stunts like these. The perfect tea for monsoon, it is a constant companion for everyone. It helps refresh your senses and relaxes you after a really hectic day. Not only this but just a cup of ginger tea during a busy day can get you going.

If I had access to such knowledge on tea back in college, I doubt I would have fallen sick as often as I did. However now, almost two years and multiple books on tea later, I indulge in various varieties of teas. They are a delicious delight to anyone who is a fan of its taste. Plus, it comes with the added benefit of keeping sickness at bay. A collection of tea for monsoon season is a must for a tea enthusiast like me. So now, whenever the sun hides behind those grey clouds and tiny droplets of rain begin falling to the ground, I happily make myself a cup of tea and enjoy the scenery.

Abhishek Dixit

The post Tea for Monsoon- A Tea Lover’s Guide for the Healthiest Blends this Season appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

Popularly known as Rakhi, Raksha Bandhan is one of the grandest festivals of the year. It celebrates the everlasting bond of love shared between brothers and sisters. A celebration that is invariably marked with joyous and extraordinary moments, this religious event brings together siblings, no matter where they are in the world. The essential ritual of Raksha Bandhan is the tying of the sacred thread, or Rakhi, around the brother’s wrist by his sister. A ritual that is considered to bring prosperity to the relationship, this Hindu festival reinforces the traditional values of the family. Generally, this ritual is followed by exchanging of gifts. The brothers in return give their sisters Raksha Bandhan gifts. The completion of this ritual ends with a promise that the brother will always take care of their sister and protect them from life’s troubles.

Why Choose Wellness Raksha Bandhan Gifts for Your Siblings?

Raksha Bandhan is one festival that fortifies the trust and faith between siblings through such beautiful gestures. The rituals associated with this festival have spread beyond their traditional regions and transformed through technology, migration, the entertainment industry and social interaction. It isn’t just limited to your blood-related kin, but also those who you voluntarily choose to call your brothers and sisters.

As tradition is, Raksha Bandhan requires the expression of eternal feelings with beautiful and well-thought gestures of gifts or presents. And as times change, and people’s lifestyles evolve, Raksha Bandhan gifts are required to be not just pretty little things, but gifts that add value to one’s life. Teafloor’s Raksha Bandhan gifts come in a variety of options, with flavours of tea and accessories that will leave an everlasting impression on your sibling.

1. Raksha Bandhan Gifts for the Fitness Lovers

If you are someone whose sibling is a fitness buff, then these teas are the perfect Raksha Bandhan gifts for them. Go in for the right wellness or green tea that will aid in their extensive workout routine. Tea blends like ChaiSpa’s Spoorti, Lemon Green tea and ChaiSpa’s Urja, are few of the many that can help with weight management. A cup before or after a workout session can not only energise the body but also keep it hydrated.

2. Raksha Bandhan Gifts for the Caffeine Devotees

Everyone has that one sister in the family who functions only on caffeine. Choose to gift your sister a little extra dose of caffeine with our versatile Black teas. Enriched with just the right amount of caffeine, our black teas are sourced from the exclusive gardens of Darjeeling and Assam. With varieties like English Breakfast, Gopaldhara Special Black tea, Irish Breakfast, etc. we promise you that your sister will not be disappointed with your gift. This season, chose Raksha Bandhan gifts that help her stay focused and make her extra sparkly.

3. Raksha Bandhan Gifts for those Who Have a Sweet Tooth

We all adore our siblings, especially those who fancy a sweet treat every once in a while. Maybe even too often. However, instead of gifting your sister sugar-loaded Raksha Bandhan gifts like chocolates or cookies, choose to gift her a healthful sweet tea. Teafloor’s variety of naturally sweet and aromatic tea flavours like Strawberry Rush Tisane, Zesty Orange Green tea, Lemon Mojito Green Tea, Aam Panna Iced tea, etc. are sure to impress. These tea blends are not only alluring for those with a sweet tooth but also beneficial for their health.

4. Raksha Bandhan Gifts for those Who Like it Fancy

Maybe everyone has that one sibling who is into fancy things, just for the sake of it. Some sisters like exotic items, whether they are meant to be eaten, drunk or decorated. For the ones who prefer extravagant gifts that signify a certain standard and prestige, opt for Green and Black tea blends from the renowned estates of India. With pure tea leaves from celebrates estates of Darjeeling, Assam and North East India, we assure you that your exorbitant Raksha Bandhan gifts are sure to excite your siblings.

5. Raksha Bandhan Gifts for those Who Like Tea with a Spot of Milk

When we talk about tea in India, it is quite difficult to imagine a cup without milk in it. In our country, tea is the national solution for every headache. Thanks to this dedicated love for tea, we specialise in a range of CTC blends. Blends like Kadak Masala Mantra, Bombay Cutting, Kadak Ginger tea, etc. are sure to make the perfect Raksha Bandhan gifts for your siblings. Whether your sisters prefer their afternoon tea with a spot of milk or kadak with a heavy snap of milk and cream, you can choose from our vast selection for you.

6. Raksha Bandhan Gifts for those who love a Vareity

Choosing one blend from a wide range of blends for your sisters can get confusing. Plus, gifting just one single blend can seem a bit boring. However, there is a solution for that as well. Just head onto our gifting section and choose the perfect Raksha Bandhan gifts for your sister. With prime quality gift boxes in our store, that come along with tiny tea trinkets, you can choose to gift any of our assortments. Few of these gift boxes include Tha Magic Shots, The Chamber of Secrets and The Paradise Combo.

Raksha Bandhan is all about promising to protect your sisters. However, times have changed. Unlike the older days, the threats of today are much different. Whether it’s infectious diseases or unhealthy lifestyles, you can choose to protect your siblings from an array of problems in life. And while you do that, you can treat them to some of the most exotic and delicious brews in town. By choosing our Raksha Bandhan gifts, you choose to take care of your sibling’s body, because that’s the only place they have to live in.

In other respect, there is one thing that is certain. Tea is a beverage that unites us all. It allows us to set aside our differences and enjoy quality time together. You can let go of those tiny grudges on such festivals, sit together and relax with your siblings. So, this Raksha Bandhan, don’t choose to just impress but also express your love with Teafloor’s Raksha Bandhan gifts.

Abhishek Dixit

The post A Festive Delight- Raksha Bandhan Gifts By Teafloor appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

The health benefits of hibiscus tea have allowed people to use it as a herbal remedy to treat several symptoms of bad health.

There are many health benefits of hibiscus tea that can be extremely beneficial to someone that consumes it, especially during the monsoon season. It is a season that brings forth bacteria and infections

What is Hibiscus Tea?

There are over 100 species of the hibiscus plant that belong to the Malvaceae family. A hardy plant that enjoys the sun and moist soil, the common features of this plant include small trees and colorful flowers that are generally vibrant red in color.

Hibiscus is a tropical plant that thrives in sunlight with the help of additional nutrition from the soil and its petals are infused in water to create various drinks. The most commonly used species for hibiscus tea are hibiscus Sabdariffa and hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis.

Many countries and cultures relish this beverage for the health benefits of hibiscus tea. Furthermore, it is known by various names across the globe like Sour tea, Red Sorrel, Agua de Jamaica, Roselle and Karkade.

Apart from being solely used in the hibiscus tea concoction, the petals of this flower are frequently blended with green tea and black tea. This gives them new taste notes and adds some of the health benefits of hibiscus tea to their profile.

8 benefits of drinking hibiscus tea

With a flavor profile that varies from fruity, sweet, and sour to astringent notes, hibiscus tea is not just your regular pretty looking beverage. The tart-flavored tea itself is packed with health benefits. Considering how versatile the plant is, there are many health benefits of hibiscus tea that can be of use to us. Let’s have a look at a few of them:

1. Loaded with Antioxidants

Of all the health benefits of hibiscus tea, the one that is unanimous with other teas is the presence of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help fight against harmful compounds in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals are produced during many of the chemical processes that happen inside the body. By draining the free radicals from the body, antioxidants prevent the formation of disease which is commonly caused by the buildup of free radicals.

2. Helps Lowering Blood Pressure

One of the commonly known health benefits of hibiscus tea is its properties that help lower blood pressure. Several medical studies indicate that hibiscus extract with tea may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, it is advised that hibiscus tea should not be consumed if a person is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and may react with tea.

3. Helps Boosting Liver Health

Several studies surrounding this vibrant tea reveal that it may help boost liver health. The antioxidants present in hibiscus tea help the liver function efficiently and remain healthy. One of the health benefits of hibiscus tea that is still being studied in medical trials indicates that it directly filters out the free radicals produced by the liver. This, in turn, improves the functionality of the organ helping it filter out fat content and avoid liver failure.

4. Aids in Lowering Blood Fat Content

While lowering blood pressure is one of the prime health benefits of hibiscus tea, there is also one that helps in lowering blood fat content. In one study, 60 people with diabetes were given either hibiscus tea or black tea. After one month, those who drank hibiscus tea experienced increased “good” HDL cholesterol and decreased total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Several other studies indicate that reduced blood fat levels can further aid in the prevention of heart disease.

5. Assists in Weight Management

When it comes to the health benefits of hibiscus tea, it is hard to miss out on this one. For those who are religiously following a weight loss regime, this tea is a wonderfully hydrating drink. It is also believed that it lowers the absorption of starch and glucose which helps avoid further weight gain. Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps with the absorption of carbs and starch, thereby reducing the absorption of these elements more than required by the body.

6. Helps Lower Cholesterol

The health benefits of hibiscus tea indicate that it has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. The hibiscus flower has polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins which all have antioxidant properties. These can be helpful in managing Dyslipidemia and obesity, which are majorly caused due to high cholesterol.

7. Tempers Menstrual Pain

The soothing aroma and taste of hibiscus tea help bring relief from cramps and menstrual pain. Furthermore, due to the health benefits of hibiscus tea that make it a soothing beverage, it can help ease symptoms of menstruation. So, every time you feel your mood take a sour turn or you binge eat more than your body can take, just sip on some hibiscus tea!

8. Stimulates Sleep

Are you the kinds that spend your days daydreaming and nights wide awake waiting for some kind of epiphany? Well, then it’s time to kiss that borderline insomnia goodbye with hibiscus tea. Known to inhabit sedative and anxiolytic effects, this health benefit of hibiscus tea can help induce sleep. From relieving pain, anxiety, and fever to headaches, hibiscus tea can seemingly calm your mind and help you slip into a deep slumber at night.

A versatile beverage meant for all seasons, hibiscus tea is the kind of tea you can enjoy whenever, wherever. This crimson-colored drink is enriched with endless healthy advantages. If one were to start counting the health benefits of hibiscus tea then they would run out of fingers. Though not many are familiar with this fact, almost 15-30% of Hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids include Malic acid, Tartaric acid, and Citric acid, which are commonly found in fruits like grapes and beverages like wine. Above all, it has low toxicity which makes it an ideal beverage for age groups at any given time. So go ahead and brew yourself a cup full of refreshing goodness!

Abhishek Dixit

The post 8 Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

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Fruity Green Tea Smoothie Recipe

Summer is already halfway through. The hot and muggy climate with clear skies can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. This is that time of the year when both locals and tourists bask in the glory of pleasant sunny days with good food, fun, family and friends. However, to tackle long, hot days outdoors, you need a nutritious breakfast. And the one breakfast item that we consider fast, healthy and extremely delicious is a Green Tea Smoothie.

A fruity green tea smoothie is the perfect start to your day. The best thing about drinking green tea smoothie in summers is that they are not only refreshing in the morning but also highly nourishing. A green tea smoothie will leave you feeling full for a while and also curb your cravings for unhealthy things. Plus, the health benefits of having a green tea smoothie for breakfast are just too many to count. A glass of fruity green tea smoothie will be a large dose of antioxidants for you. As both berries and green tea are rich in antioxidants, it will aid in your digestion as well as detoxification of your body. Not only this, but a green tea smoothie on a regular basis will help enhance the body’s immunity and improve your hair and skin. Things like blood sugar, body hydration and mood swings are kept in check upon ingestion of this beverage regularly. Ultimately, a green tea smoothie is considered to be an amazing aid in weight management.

Now, all of this begs the question of how difficult it is to prepare a green tea smoothie. Is it time-consuming or are the ingredients too exotic to procure? Unlike regular doubts, a green tea smoothie is probably a simple drink to prepare. Smoothies are like breakfast in a glass. You can either have one with other solid foods, or you can have one whole glass and feel sorted for the day. Here’s our take on the Fruity Green Tea Smoothie recipe.

Course Drink

Cuisine Continental

Keyword green tea, Mint Green Tea

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Mint Green Tea
• 1 Cup Hot Water
• 1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt
• 1/2 piece Banana
• 1/2 Cup Blueberries
• 1/2 Cup Strawberries
• 1 tsp Honey

Instructions

• 1. Steep mint green tea in a cup of hot water at 70°-75°C for 3-4 minutes.
• 2. Pour the steeped tea into an ice tray and freeze to prepare mint green tea ice cubes.
• 3. In a blender, put the banana, blueberries, strawberries, yogurt and honey then blend the ingredients together.
• 4. Add mint green tea ice cubes and blend it all again until smooth.
• 5. Pour into two glasses and serve chilled.
  

Notes

1. You can use any variety of Green tea for this recipe.
2. You can use as many fruits as you want and any kinds of fruits. 
3. Honey or any other type of sweetener is optional in a Green tea smoothie. 

 

We hope you like this recipe and will surely enjoy your summery mornings with a glass of this wholesome green tea smoothie drink. 

Abhishek Dixit

The post A Breakfast Delight- Fruity Green Tea Smoothie Recipe appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

According to us at Teafloor, summer is the perfect time to let a little creative sunshine into your imagination. Plan something exciting and memorable. Instead of postponing your plans for the next season or vacation, make use of this one, right here, right now. To beat off the potential of “we’ll do that someday” (and then never doing anything), we’ve compiled a list of summer bucket list ideas. Go through our top summer pursuits and take full advantage of the long days and warm nights.

Top 10 Summer Bucket List Ideas

1. Learn New Recipes
This is probably something that should go on everyone’s summer bucket list. Whether you’re a food junkie or not, cooking is a survival necessi-tea. And if you’re going to learn a few new dishes, might as well get fancy with them. To get the best of your summer feelings, try new iced tea recipes like Aam Panna or Apple and Cranberry, or maybe something boozy like Strawberry Mojitos. If drinks are not what you want to try, then learn new items like Salads, Pasta or Grilled foods.

2. Host a Sunday Brunch
Maybe one of the best things about adding this to your summer bucket list is that you’ll be able to catch up with friends and family. Bringing them all together under one roof for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon is a brilliant idea. Breezy summer days are ideal with the right kinds of food and drinks. It is also an amazing opportunity to catch up with everyone over your favourite glasses of fruity iced teas or sangrias. Plus, you can show off the new recipes you’ve learnt in your time off.

3. Volunteer Somewhere
Summers are meant to be full of various experiences. No matter what your ideal vacation is, adding a little volunteer work here and there isn’t a bad idea ever. There are many organisations out there working to solve various issues that the underprivileged face in our country. You could help with promoting health and sanitation programmes, or with building sustainable housing or maybe even help with educational workshops with NGOs like SUIT, Goonj, Smile Foundation etc. Think of this as adding a few miles on your soul before you park yourself behind a desk once the season ends.

4. Explore New Places
No city or town is ever explored to its hundred per cent potential. There will always be new places to check out, old ones to revisit and endless destinations to touch upon which you always deemed too #basic. For your summer bucket list ideas, you should always opt a form of travelling. Turn yourself into a tourist in your own city or escape to a new place. Travelling is essential for a person because wherever you go somehow becomes a part of you. Even a small detour to a local cafe can make you realise how tiny your problems are and letting go sometimes is alright.

5. Document Your Travels
Someone once said that people forget years but remember the moments. Therefore, a summer bucket list idea should be to document your travels. Take pictures, make videos, or write journal entries about your travels. Whether you’re a selfie junkie or an aesthetic vlogger, documenting your travels allows you to relive your summer memories to the fullest.

6. Go to a Comedy Gig
Yes, we know. This is not one of your conventional summer bucket list ideas. But with your stressful and busy lifestyles, treating yourself to some laughter therapy never hurts. There are endless comedy gigs happening over the weekends. All you have to do is book your tickets, head out to the venue, take a seat and enjoy the show. And remember, once you start laughing, you start healing.

7. Buy a Tea for a Stranger
Now we can hear on the extroverts go, ‘Yay!’ and all the introverts go, ‘No!’ But here’s the deal. An act of kindness can spark an unlikely conversation. Just go to a random cafe, choose a person and buy them a cup of tea. Trust us, the conversations shared over that one cup of tea would be something you’ll remember forever. This should probably be a part of everyone’s summer bucket list. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up making a new friend. Also, if it doesn’t work out, don’t worry. What happens around the teacup, stays around the teacup.

8. Fix a Fitness Routine
While everyone’s summer bucket list is full of vacationing, DIYs and fun stuff, adding a workout routine to your list is not a bad idea. Summers are probably the best season to sweat it out. Due to the hot weather, your body exerts more energy and you will burn calories faster. If you’ve spent all winter cooped up indoors, it’s time to head out for a walk. Couple that with a wellness tea like ChaiSpa’s Spoorti for added energy for optimum results. Also, while you’re at it, stay hydrated friends.

9. Decorate Your Room
This should not just be a part of your summer bucket list ideas, but every bucket list ever thought of. Decorating or redecorating your room is a fun way to spend a warm summer day indoors. You can avoid the heat wave and the humidity and enjoy some quality time with yourself. This gives you a good opportunity to bring to life all those ideas you’ve drawn or pins you’ve saved on your favourite app for inspiration. After all, your room should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of who you love.

10. Spend a Day at the Pool/Beach
Last, but not the least, a day just swimming in the water is a must have on your summer bucket list. The summer heat requires you to cool off once in a while. So, dedicate one day to the nearby beach or pool. And if you’re not a water person, then just sit by it, under the shade of an umbrella and bask in the glory of the sun with a nice summer read and a chilled glass of your favourite iced tea. And don’t forget your sunblock.

According to us, every person is a summer person. All you have to do is let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like. Learn to find joy in the story you are actually living. That is the only way you can fulfil any of your summer bucket list ideas. Just keep an open mind, and make the best memories with your favourite pair of flip-flops and tropical brews. By the time you tick off every item on your summer bucket list, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling. This summer, it’s time to be a serial chiller.

Abhishek Dixit

The post Teafloor’s Top 10 Summer Bucket List Ideas appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.

Every day, the Teafloor family grows. Not just in terms of those who work behind the scenes, but also those who buy their blends from us. Thanks to our active participation in various tea events, we have garnered a loyal audience of tea enthusiasts who actively share their feedback about their best-loved blends.

Tea Events that Help Build a Better Community

There are many kinds of events that we as a brand participate in, and almost all events bear fruitful results which help us connect with various brands and consumers every day. Some of those events include:

1. Corporate Events

From holding tea tasting sessions in co-working spaces to tea events at co-living communities, we’ve done it all. Our hardworking business development team actively holds tea tasting sessions in corporate companies like Maruti, HCL Technologies, Personiv, Regus etc. Similarly, we’ve had the opportunity of hosting co-working and community living spaces like CoHo, My Awfis, Ideashacks Coworking, WeWork, GoWork etc. It is always an endearing sight when the youth of our corporate sector takes some time out to indulge in our wellness teas, sipping them through conversations.

2. Tea Festivals

The sight of a festival is always one to behold. The crowd is diverse, the music is mellow and the fragrance of food and beverages adorn the air. Food festivals in India particularly entertain a vast variety of vendors, including tea sellers like Teafloor. Missing out an opportunity to connect with tea lovers at such tea events is never an option for us. This brings us to our experience at fests like Horn Ok Please (JLN, New Delhi), The FLEAstival- Pre Diwali Edit at Cyber Hub (Gurugram) and the LBB x Hot N Spicy Food Fest (DLF Promenade, New Delhi). Not only were these exuberant fests a chance to engage with tea junkies, but also an opportunity to establish relationships with other brands that complement our venture to create a large community around our beloved beverage.

3. Tea Conventions

Expos and conventions are another world-wide affair that one cannot miss. These tea events not only allow us to meet new brands but also learn from them. Conventions are the best opportunities that come our way to establishing long term relationships with clients. One of our best experiences of Teafloor was at the Toronto Tea Festival in Canada. The chilly month of February 2019 is one that our brand can never forget for this was our first step into the international market. We were not only embraced warmly by the locals, but it also encouraged us to further expand our horizons internationally. This resulted in us participating in The MOSAIC fest in Regina, Canada, that also gave us a chance to represent our culture and country internationally.

4. Community Tea Festivals

Maybe one of the most basic approaches to building our community of tea lovers is through community tea festivals. Considering India’s vast cultural diversity, there are local fests and exhibitions popping up on the occasion of any and every festival. Embracing community tea events gives us a chance to meet people from all age groups, especially those that run a household successfully. Such events, held in prominent residential societies of Delhi NCR, allow us to not just re-introduce the longtime household favourites like CTCs, but also help us acquaint the local populace with various varieties of teas like green tea, white tea, wellness teas, flavoured teas etc.

The Most Loved Brews at Tea Events

As a tea company, it’s against our morals to discriminate against any flavour of tea, but we have to mention the prize winners in terms of our audience’s preferences. It is also to be noted that these popular tea blends were crowned on not just their taste, but also the requirement of the locals in different areas and professions.

Our Wellness tea range, ChaiSpa, was undoubtedly the winner of hearts in corporate events. The corporate sector of India is a tireless and hard-working community, which constantly requires a means to relax and unwind. The stress and fatigue that come with working for a corporation can be dissipated with the help of our various blends in ChaiSpa. For ChaiSpa, this prize-winning moment is a glorious one for it allowed us to better understand the needs of the people these days and how we can further improve our products that tackle day to day life problems.

Through community events that are held in societies, we learnt that Black tea and CTC was the kind of tea that would forever reign the hearts of the locals. Though other types were embraced warmly as well, nothing worked better for these locals than a hot cup of cutting chai or an on-the-go ginger tea.

And then there were the unsurprising winners in our flavoured blends like Lemon Mojito Iced Tea, Pomegranate Green Tea, Aam Panna Iced Tea etc. The feedback on such flavours was astounding even for us, for the locals at conventions and fests were not only impressed by their blending techniques, but also the flavours that combine the grassiness of green tea with that of refreshing flavours like orange, lemon, pineapple, cranberry, strawberry etc.

Our Future Tea Event Participations

Teafloor is on a path of constant growth. As mentioned earlier, we want to build a community of tea lovers and enthusiasts who not only share a love for this brew, but also their knowledge about it. Tea is not just a beverage but a world-renowned culture which has encouraged people to embrace their centuries-old traditions and bring them back in the quirkiest ways possible.

We are constantly organising tea tasting sessions at popular corporates in the NCR region and are also approachable for future collaborations. Let’s walk together in this exploratory journey of the unique ‘life beverage’ we call tea, steep-by-steep.

Abhishek Dixit

The post Teafloor’s Tea Events: Uniting Tea Lovers with the Right Flavours appeared first on Teafloor Blog : All About Tea | Health Benefits of Tea.