What the heck is Pu'erh anyway?

Pu'erh tea is an aged tea derived from the Yunnan region of China. Like all tea, Pu'erh is harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant. One main difference is that the leaves that are picked are very broad leaves. The broad leaves yield a higher oxidation level when the tea is fermented, which is what is believed to be the source of Pu'erh's vast health benefits. Some of these include weight loss or control, lowering of negative cholesterol, cancer-fighting properties. But most interesting in my opinion, is that Pu'erh has always been known as 'The Emperors' Tea' and the tea that can best extend your life.
  
Ancient emperors of China are said to have always drank Pu'erh for their longevity. In fact, for many, many years, only royalty were allowed to drink it. Pu'erh has the ability to remove excess waste and grease from the body, and is especially effective if drank an hour after eating. For sore throats, congestion and phlegm, Pu'erh is recommended as it may help alleviate these symptoms. Due to its fermentation, this tea is also considered 'live', and has numerous microbes that are beneficial for digestion. Pu'erh teas derrive their unique flavor by the technique of sun-drying the leaves after they are rolled. It is unlike any tea in the world, and often appreciated like fine wine because of the way it is aged.

The next time you're at the Scented Leaf, order a cup or a pot, perhaps of our delicious Chocolate Coconut Pu'erh, and see if you agree. Cheers to your longevity! 

The Stress Factor: Cortisol and How Drinking Tea May Help

We have all heard that stress can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies. But what exactly are the effects? Some include aging, weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, impaired immune system and gastrointestinal problems. Elevated stress hormones puts the body in a sort of catabolic state. This is the destructive phase of cell life that includes widespread tissue destruction, muscle loss, bone loss, immune system depression and even brain shrinkage! Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can cause elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased body fat levels due to increased appetite. Stress stimulates cravings for sweet, calorie dense foods and salty, high carbohydrate snacks. 

Cortisol, known more formally as hydrocortisone, is a steroid hormone produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. It is designed to help you wake up in the morning and in emergencies, to cope with danger. And a spike in cortisol triggers the release of amino acids from the muscles, glucose from the liver, and fatty acids into the blood stream so the body can access a tremendous amount of energy. As a remedy for certain ailments, cortisol helps to prevent inflammation. Short term, this is usually beneficial. However, long-term effects of cortisol, such as those brought on by chronic stress, can have certain negative effects. 

So how can we relieve chronic stress? Here are a few ways to reduce stress and increase your body's recovery after a stressful situation more quickly. Chewing gum – A study conducted by Cardiff University’s Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology found evidence to suggest that chewing gum can often prevent the effect of acute stress. Laugh – Researchers in numerous studies have found that laughter significantly reduces stress hormones in the body, so take five minutes to read or watch something funny and lift your mood. Tea – Studies have revealed that people who drink tea have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood. If you drink black tea for example, you will de-stress faster because your levels of cortisol will go down more quickly, say researchers from the University College London. This particular study applies only to black tea, but suggests that drinking tea regularly could prevent prolonged high stress levels. Who's ready for a cup?

Tea Recipe #1: Berry Tea Smoothie

That's right folks, tea is not just for drinking. You can incorporate tea into your cooking and get even more of the great health benefits throughout your day and your week. Cooking with tea has been going on since drinking tea became popular. If the idea seems too foreign to you, this is a great first recipe to show you how easy incorporating tea can be.

Let's take your typical smoothie. Fruit, yogurt, ice, maybe some flax or granola and some agave nectar, right?  Well, why not use frozen tea ice cubes instead of regular ice? It's simple. Using your favorite green, black, white or herbal tea, brew 1 1/2 cups of tea. Steep as usual then pour into ice cube trays for freezing. Boom.

After your ice is ready, you can use these cubes in any smoothie recipe you'd like. Here is one that we like at the Scented Leaf.

Ingredients:
1-2 packets of Sambazon Unsweetened Acai Puree
3/4 cup frozen mango pieces
1/2 banana
3/4 cup blueberries
3-4 green tea cubes (or any other tea or herbal ice cube)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (or any yogurt of your choice)
1 tsp Agave Nectar (or sweeten to taste)
3/4 cup your favorite granola

In a blender, mix the Acai puree, mango, banana, blueberries, tea ice cubes, yogurt and Agave Nectar until smooth. In a bowl or a cup, pour half of the granola on the bottom, pour in your smoothie, and top with remaining granola and blueberries. Enjoy!