Whether it is summer or winter, a cup of hot tea is something that many of us crave first thing in the morning. That comforting warmth and familiar flavour can be a perfect start to your day. But what if you could make your morning cuppa even better? What if you could not only enhance the taste but also boost its health benefits? That is where India’s expert nutritionist and dietitian, Avni Kaul, comes in. With her guidance, we will explore how you can transform your morning tea into a healthier and tastier brew by adding just 5 simple ingredients.
Which ingredients you must include in your morning tea?
Lemon – A few drops of lemon in your morning tea can enhance its flavour and health benefits. Rich in vitamin C, it boosts immunity, aids digestion, and improves skin health. Its citric acid aids liver detoxification, while antioxidants combat illnesses. Lemon also provides essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and thiamine, crucial for cell regeneration, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, and energy production. Additionally, its natural sugars offer a weight-loss-friendly alternative to sweeteners, making your tea both nutritious and refreshing.
Tulsi or Basil – Infuse your morning routine with a refreshing twist by adding Tulsi leaves to your daily cup of tea. Tulsi, renowned for its myriad health benefits, teams up with antioxidant-rich green tea leaves to create a powerhouse brew that not only detoxifies and boosts immunity but also adds a burst of flavour to your beverage. As an adaptogen, Tulsi brings antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties to the mix, easing symptoms of various ailments from respiratory issues to stress. This rejuvenating blend doesn’t just stop at health benefits; it enhances the taste of your tea while promoting clear skin, healthy hair, and improved metabolism. With each sip, you are not just enjoying a drink; you are embracing a holistic approach to wellness, starting your day on a healthier and tastier note.
Cinnamon – Beyond its warm and inviting aroma, cinnamon acts as a powerhouse of antioxidants that combat cell-damaging free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer. Moreover, studies indicate that cinnamon can aid in managing high blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, while also potentially reducing markers of inflammation. Certain compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamophilin, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health. So, by incorporating cinnamon into your tea, you are not only elevating its flavour but also strengthening your well-being with each sip.
Ginger – Adding ginger to your morning tea enhances its flavour with its distinct spicy and slightly sweet notes and boosts its health benefits. Grating just a teaspoon of this aromatic root into your cup introduces a refreshing kick that can alleviate nausea, aid digestion, and provide relief from cold symptoms. Whether you choose to strain it out after steeping or let it settle at the bottom, the infusion of ginger infuses your brew with medicinal properties, making your morning ritual both healthier and tastier.
Turmeric – Did you know that your staple spice, turmeric, can not only add a flavorful kick to your morning tea but also elevate its health benefits? By infusing your tea with turmeric, you introduce a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly curcumin, which can boost your immune system and act as an immune modulator, aiding in the regulation of immune cells. Additionally, curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate arthritis pain and potentially manage osteoarthritis discomfort without the side effects of certain medications. Moreover, incorporating turmeric into your morning routine may contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks, and promoting weight loss, all while providing a caffeine-free alternative for a refreshing start to your day.
Therefore, we conclude that by incorporating ginger, lemon, tulsi or basil, cinnamon, and turmeric into your morning tea, you not only enhance its flavour but also elevate its health benefits, making each sip a delightful and nourishing start to your day.