Tea for Weight Loss

We have long been reporting articles that tout tea is an aid to weight loss. In addition to the theaflavins and thearubigins in tea that help promote fat burning, the action of sipping tea throughout the day can help keep you both hydrated and sated, leading to a healthier lifestyle.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers at Kobe University in Japan found that regular consumption of tea suppressed damaging changes in the blood linked to fatty foods that can lead to Type 2 diabetes.

In the study some mice were given a high fat diet and others a normal diet. Each of these two groups were then split into smaller groups and given water, black tea or green tea for 14 weeks. Both types of tea suppressed body weight gain and the build-up of belly fat linked to a fatty diet.

But black tea, which is used in most ordinary cuppas, also counteracted the harmful effects on the blood normally associated with a high-fat diet.

Staying Hydrated with Tea

Though the summer heat is disappearing, it's important to remember to stay hydrated every day. While water is the best thing we can drink, tea (iced or hot) is also a great way to quench your thirst.

Because tea has so many health benefits — weight control, prevention of heart disease and diabetes and more — it's certainly a great alternative to sugar-filled beverages with empty calories. Tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world (behind water) and every country enjoys it differently.

One of the other benefits of tea over other beverages is that the caffeine content is relatively low, especially compared to coffee or caffeinated sodas. An eight-ounce cup of tea contains just 40 milligrams of caffeine while the same amount of coffee has 80 to 120 milligrams.

Check out this article for a few more details on the benefits of sipping tea throughout the day to keep your body well hydrated and healthy!

Brew Do's: Drink Tea Like Local

Tea etiquette is a big part of culture abroad and it can be an awkward situation if a traveler is unfamiliar with local custom. That's why we love this article from the Wall Street Journal that teaches you how to drink tea like a local, wherever you might be!

Here are some snippets on how to blend in abroad and a link to the full article with more tips here.

In Turkey ... only use sugar in your tea, no milk or cream

In China ... make sure to pour your guests tea before yours and try tapping twice on the table (mimics a double bow) to say "thank you" after a cup is poured for you

Tea time in Japan can take hours. Don't have time? Try a cup of green tea (without milk or sugar) from a restaurant or cafe.

Don't be intimidated by "high tea" in Britain - it's not really formal and started as a working class meal. Afternoon tea is the proper term for this late-day pick me up.

In Germany ... if your tea is served in layers of sugar, tea, milk, etc - don't stir it, enjoy it as is.

Tea Tasting at Ana Beall's in Westfield

Please join us for a tea tasting event at Ana Beall's tea room in Westfield, NJ next Weds. Sept 19!

Getting Ready for World Tea East

First a quick reminder - if you are reading our blog (thank you!) please be sure to "like" us on Facebook by clicking here and follow us on Twitter at @onlythebesttea 

In less than a month, Best International Tea will make its second annual appearance at the World Tea East show this October 2-3, 2012. World Tea East is a regional trade event that supports the growing demand for specialty tea and related products on the East coast of the United States. Attendees can visit Best International Tea at booth number 406.

World Tea East was the first big tea show that we ever exhibited at and we had a fantastic time in 2011. We are excited to return to Philly and interact with so many other great East coast tea vendors, buyers, and fans.

World Tea East 2012 will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia with nearly 100 exhibitors and 1600 buyers expected to attend — nearly double the participants from last year.

For details about the World Tea Expo, visit the website at www.worldteaexpo.com.

Tea Party Mistakes to Avoid

Last week we shared some great tips for a successful tea party and we hope you are all able to put them to good use! Of course to go along with our tea party "do's" there's also some real "don'ts" and we have those for you this week. These relate mainly to a children's tea party, though some rules still translate to adults.

Here are some tea party planning mistakes to avoid, courtesy of OldFashionedLiving.com

1. Planning a tea party for a child who is too young: Little children are just too young to really enjoy and appreciate a tea party. Try waiting until they are at least five years old.

2. Inviting too many guests: In many cases, the more the merrier, but if there are too many children (or adults) running around, it will be hard for anyone to relax and enjoy their tea. A smaller group also keeps costs down.

3. Not setting a time limit for your party: Anywhere between one and a half and two hours is plenty of time for your first tea party.

4. Not involving your child in the party planning: Involving your child in the planning will increase her interest and desire to host events again and again. Let her help choose and address invitations and accept RSVP calls. The two of you can also plan the menu and activities together as well as any party favors.

5. Overdoing the menu: Keep your menu simple yet special and don't forget that children's tastes are less sophisticated than adults. Scones, cookies and tea sandwiches are great, but make them in kid-friendly varieties and don't worry about making everything from scratch.