Flourish with Food: 2 Cups to Goodness

So says Lipton in promoting their Signature Blend Green Tea, which is “crafted with a perfect balance of green tea and jasmine green tea”.

What’s behind Lipton’s message?  Taste, wellness, hydration, relaxation, marketing?  Probably all. 

Green and black teas are rich sources of flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.  The flavonoid concentration is highest in green tea because of the way the tea leaves are processed.

Flavonoid research has shown tea’s promise, while not conclusive, for lowering the risks of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer in those who regularly drink these “true teas”. Research has also suggested tea may benefit brain health. The heart protective benefit of unsweetened tea is recognized by The American Heart Association.

Back to the Lipton’s green tea promotion: beyond the potential risk reduction benefits, why drink green tea?  For supporting hydration and infusing delightful flavors into plain water. Hot tea is warming and calming, cold tea cooling. Its small amount of caffeine (~ 30 mg per 8 oz) may be a gentle alertness boost.

Considering hydration, the Mediterranean diet pyramid specifies water. The MIND approach promotes adequate hydration by drinking water throughout the day. Dehydration negatively impacts cognition.

There are many green tea varieties from different sources and with individual flavor profiles. Beyond Lipton’s tea bags, interesting green teas have names like Jasmine, Sencha, Dragon Well, Dancing Leaves, Sky Between the Branches and Matcha.

Bottomline: 2 Cups to Goodness is good advice for wellbeing.  Be adventurous. Explore and experiment with different flavors.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health:  https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/green-tea

Recent green tea reviews:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-green-tea-4843015

https://www.verywellfit.com/best-green-teas-5115813#toc-what-to-look-for-in-green-tea