Earl Grey Tea benefits

Earl Grey Tea benefits have been in the consciousness of many tea aficionados and it has often been drunk to provide relaxation and calm during stressful times.


Earl grey tea is a popular type of black tea and is much loved in the United Kingdom. It is made from basic black tea leaves combined with the oil extracted from the peel or rind of the orange bergamot fruit. Bergamot is a citric lime tree found in the Mediterranean and the South of France. It infuses the earl grey tea with a light, smooth and spicy flavor that many can only describe as 'elegant'.


Earl grey tea is often taken with either honey or sugar. Milk is also often added. It is a popular beverage during afternoon tea and is usually taken with sweets, pastries or cookies.


Earl grey tea is used as a flavoring for many types of cakes and confectionery nowadays.


There are several versions of how earl grey tea began. But the most popular story is that the recipe of the tea was given as a gift to British Prime Minister Earl Charles Grey by a Chinese mandarin whose son was rescued from drowning by the Prime Minister's men in 1830. This story is generally considered as a folk tale as it has been noted that Earl Grey did not set foot in China during his term as Prime Minister.


A more recent version says that Jacksons of Piccadilly originated the tea, with the recipe having been obtained by Robert Jackson & Co. partner George Charlton from Lord Grey in 1830.


Earl grey tea benefits are generally derived from its black tea and bergamot components. Black tea is known to contain antioxidants while bergamot is said to be a potent nervine enhancer. The addition of milk to the blend is generally considered as reducing the strength of the health benefits.


Earl grey tea is ideally consumed in moderate quantities as it contains caffeine, while the bergamot essence may induce certain reactions (i.e. skin rashes, redness) when taken in large quantities.

The following are the health benefits attributed to earl grey tea:

Earl grey tea may help enhance the immune system and fight viruses that cause coughs, colds and flu.

Earl grey tea may help protect against cancer.

Earl grey tea may help protect against certain cardiovascular diseases.

Earl grey tea may help fight insomnia.

Earl grey tea may help induce relaxation and fight anxiety.

Earl grey tea may help fight depression and uplift the mood.

Earl grey tea may aid in proper digestion.

Earl grey tea may help in fighting inflammation.

Earl Grey Tea Benefits Trivia:

      Did you know that:

Antioxidants in earl grey tea help fight the damages wrought by free radicals which are viewed as the source of many of today's debilitating diseases. Did you know that aside from the catechins that are so abundant in tea.

Earl Grey tea is abundant in the antioxidant compound known as quercetin. Quercetin is a plant-based chemical, or phytochemical, known as a flavonoid. Its proponents say that quercetin helps in protecting against heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

Aside from black tea, the flavonoid quercetin can also be found in such fruits as apples, vegetables such as onions, and drinks such as red wine.

Earl Grey tea has a high magnesium content. Magnesium is a water-insoluble mineral that aids in helps in forming healthy bones and teeth. It also may help reduce the severity of asthma attacks. Go here for more info on magnesium.

Earl Grey tea contains a good amount of caffeine, though not as much as coffee. A cup of black tea is said to yield only about a half or a third of caffeine as a similar cup of black coffee. While caffeine is believed to help sharpen and improve brain performance, it is also known to contribute to palpitations and insomnia when taken in large amounts.

Earl Grey tea has a considerable content of Vitamin B1 or thiamine. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that enables the body to use its carbohydrate intake for energy-use. It also helps enhance blood circulation.

   The quality of the water used to brew the tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the tea. Teas made with pure water yield a crisp flavor and a clear brew that is aesthetically pleasant.

Check out these Related Topics to Irish Breakfast Tea Benefits:

Amino Acids
Antioxidants
Folic Acid
Magnesium
Potassium
Quercetin
Sodium
Tea for Cancer
Tea for Diabetes
Tea for Heart Disease
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin E