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The Joys of Organic Tea

by Dr. Edward F. Group III

Slowly but surely, the world is coming to realize the harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, organic products are increasing in popularity – and for good reasons. Grown without the intervention of dangerous chemicals, consumers can enjoy improved health and a clear conscious when using organic products, which aren’t only better for their health but are also better for the planet. Plus, products such as organic tea provide a richer flavor that isn’t hindered by trace amounts of chemical flavors.

How Organic Tea is Grown

Organic tea is made from plants grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, only natural fertilizers, such as compost, are used. Other well-established organic agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, are also followed. Crop rotation, naturally replenishes nutrients in the soil, which means farmers don’t have to depend on chemical amendments to produce bountiful crops.

Why Organic Tea is Good for You

Tea, in general, has long been known for its healing properties and for its ability to calm and soothe nerves. Drinking non-organic tea, however, includes also ingesting the harmful chemicals used to grow the plants. As a result, the benefits of the tea are wasted. Why ruin such an amazing natural product by throwing harmful chemicals into the mix?

Why Organic Tea is Good for the Planet

Organic tea is beneficial to the planet for a number of reasons. First of all, the practices utilized with organic farming ensure the soil remains fertile for years to come. Non-organic farming practices have a tendency to strip away the nutrients, making it necessary to either move to a new plot of land (which may involve cutting down more trees) or using artificial measures to improve the soil.

Organic farming is also beneficial to the planet because it doesn’t involve chemicals. Just as ingesting these chemicals is harmful to your body; the soil, water, and air pollution that they cause is harmful to the planet.

The Cost Factor

Because organic farming is more time consuming and because the crop yields are typically less than when using non-organic farming techniques, the cost of organic tea is generally higher than non-organic tea. But with the improved flavor and potency of the organic tea, not to mention the health benefits, many consider the extra cost to be well worth it. In addition, the extra cost goes toward compensating the farmers rather than paying a corporation to create more harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Studies on Organic Tea

Organic green tea, specifically, has long been respected for its many health benefits. A report published in Japan stated that drinking ten cups of this organic tea per day has been shown to provide men with three more cancer-free years than those who drank less than three cups. Another Japanese study indicated that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day reduces the chances of developing breast cancer and also helps slow down the spread of the disease.

Yet another study conducted by Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed that drinking four or more cups of the tea every day helps prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce the symptoms of the disorder in those who are already suffering from it.

Preparing Organic Tea

Regardless of the type of organic tea you decide to brew, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it maintains the greatest flavor when brewed. First, take care to never over brew the tea, as it will destroy the taste and many of its benefits.

To prepare your organic tea, you will need to fill a kettle with cold water. Place it on the stove and heat it until it boils. Then, remove the kettle from the heat and allow the water to stand for about three minutes. Next, place your organic tea bag, (or 2-4 grams of loose tea), into your cup and pour the heated water on top. Allow the organic tea to sit in the water another three minutes and then remove it. Finally, allow the brewed organic tea to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!