Tea may be drunk hot or cold but, either way, it’s made by infusing the dried crushed leaves of the tea plant in boiling water, as previously mentioned. For a healthier life adding Earl Grey tea to your daily routine is considered a wonderful idea. Here Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola.com, reflects on the potential benefits received from the soothing taste of Earl Grey tea:

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“You’ve probably been introduced to the different types of Camellia sinensis teas — the “true teas,” as they are popularly called. But did you know that because these basic drinks are so versatile, they’ve often been infused with other types of flavors to heighten tea lovers’ experience?

One very popular example is Earl Grey tea. Whether you’re British or not, you’ve probably had a sip of this brew. But what exactly is Earl Grey tea and how did it came to be one of the most famous flavored teas today?

What Is Earl Grey Tea?

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The name “Earl Grey” came from Charles Grey of England, the second Earl Grey, who, before his death in 1845,¹ served as the country’s Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834.² Grey had numerous accomplishments during his term, such as abolishing slavery through the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.³ However, he became most well-known for being the namesake of this tea.⁴

The exact reason why the tea was named for Grey was virtually unknown, although there have been several theories that abound. One popular story is that a man working for the Earl was said to have saved a Chinese boy from drowning. As a sign of gratitude, the boy’s father presented the Earl with a special blend he called Earl Grey tea.⁵ In other stories, however, it was said that the life saved was that of a Chinese government official, who then gave the earl the citrus-flavored tea.⁶

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Contrary to popular belief, Earl Grey tea is not an herbal brew. Rather, it is simply traditional black tea infused with the flavors of bergamot orange.⁷ Earl Grey has a bright, refreshing and bold citrusy flavor.⁸ While most blends use bergamot oil made from the peel for the citrus flavor,⁹ you can also use the dried peel, directly mixing it in the tea.¹⁰

Earl Grey tea can come in loose leaf form or in teabags. Some manufacturers also add extra blends to their Earl Grey tea, such as lavender and vanilla. Whichever form you choose, make sure that you’re getting organic Earl Grey tea that has been grown in pristine environments and is free of pesticides and other contaminants.

4 Potential Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea

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Earl Grey tea is not just loved for its soothing taste, but also for the potential benefits it offers, which include helping:

• Improve your mood and aids in stress relief — Bergamot has antidepressant and relaxant properties,¹¹ which make it helpful in easing stress, anxiety and depression.¹² Drinking this tea may also stabilize your mood, making it helpful for people who often have strong mood swings.¹³
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels — According to the Cleveland Clinic, bergamot may help boost good cholesterol levels, remove fatty deposits in the liver and lower blood sugar levels.¹⁴ A study published in the 2013 issue of International Journal of Cardiology journal found that participants who took bergamot extract for a month dropped their cholesterol levels from an average of 278 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) to just 191 mg/dL.
• Keep the immune system healthy — The antioxidants that bergamot offers may help target and eliminate free radicals,¹⁵ as well as help fight against infection and manage acute and chronic conditions.¹⁶
• Support heart health — Black tea has been linked to lowered triglyceride levels in the body, which may help protect against stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.¹⁷

How to Store Earl Grey Tea

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There are different factors that can affect the shelf life of Earl Grey and other teas, and one very important example is making sure to store it properly. Ideally, place the tea in a cool, dark place, away from moisture, heat and light, all of which can degrade the tea.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://articles.mercola.com/teas/earl-grey-tea.aspx

 

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