8 ways to cozy up with a cup of tea

The highest temperature across the whole country right now is 64 degrees, and that’s only at the southern-most tip of Florida. If you’re like most of the country experiencing the arctic chill that blasted through this weekend, we’re here with some news to warm you up: January is National Hot Tea Month! Besides the fact that a warm liquid can soothe you from the inside out, tea comes in a variety of styles and each one provides its own benefits. Below we share eight, because that’s how many inches of snow fell here in Richmond this weekend.

1. Green tea has been shown to prevent cancer. This tea is the best source of catechins, a type of natural phenol and antioxidant, and green tea contains about three times the quantity of catechins found in black tea.

2. Weight loss or weight maintenance are also key benefits of drinking green tea. In many people, the tea can increase fat burning and metabolic rate.

3. Don’t discount black tea, though. Black tea is very low in caffeine and is a great option for stress relief. Studies show the amino acid L-theanine can help you relax and concentrate better. Additionally, prolonged consumption shows significant decreases in the stress hormone, cortisol.

4. White tea is known for being minimally processed. It is the young tea leaf and offers a light flavor.

5. Peppermint tea is a soothing, caffeine-free option that is great when you’re feeling under the weather or even craving something sweet. The flavor is smooth, plus peppermint tea is antispasmodic, meaning it is used to relieve spasms of involuntary muscle contractions, which decreases nausea.

6. Ginger tea is great for women as it has actually been shown to reduce symptoms association with menstrual cramps. This is because of its ability to inhibit certain enzymes that cause cramps.

7. Fermented tea, also known as kombucha, is excellent for gut health. This tea goes through a process by which it becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic).

8. Oolong tea is partially fermented and can promote healthy skin. It is sweet and is the most popular tea in China.

Once you get that cup of tea brewed, pop over to our jobs page to peruse openings while sipping. Enjoy!