Tea Time

A Cup of Immunity

About half the population in the United States drinks tea regularly. Antioxidants in tea called polyphenols and flavonoids are credited with boosting immune function. These compounds may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Drinking green tea favorably affects blood lipids, increasing good HDL cholesterol and decreasing LDL bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Beyond the Tea Cup

Tea is not just confined to be enjoyed by the cup. Amazingly, you can use teas in many of your favorite recipes. Think outside the cup!

• Add powdered tea to softened butter to make a savory spread.
• Cook grains and noodles in tea instead of stock.
• Use powdered tea as a rub to infuse meats with unexpected flavor.
• Make tea infused dairy to use in cream sauces for pasta and rice dishes.
• Add powdered tea to shortbread dough to make tea cookies.