Soaking in extra sunshine is a fundamental part of summertime and can play a key role in boosting vitamin D levels, energy, sleep and your mood. Along with using natural sunscreen to protect your skin, it’s important to stay hydrated during these long summer months. Herbal teas are an excellent way to quench your thirst while reaping a variety of other health benefits, from better digestion to improved immune health.
Keep reading to discover the best tea for summer to help keep you hydrated, healthy and happy.
Is drinking summer tea healthy?
Drinking herbal tea is a practice that’s been a part of many cultures around the world for centuries – for enjoyment, for socialization and, importantly, for health. Rich in beneficial plant compounds, tea is well-known as a nutritious addition to any diet. The benefits are seemingly endless, from the basic perk of providing antioxidant protection to improving sleep, mood, focus, digestion, brain health and so much more. †
While drinking tea is not, by any means, a cure or solution for serious health issues, it’s an ideal beverage to add to your day for an added health boost.
Top summer tea options at Vitacost
Besides nutrition benefits, one of the biggest bonuses of drinking herbal tea is the sheer variety you have to choose from. Whether you prefer a spicy chai or lean more toward a mild green tea, there really is something for everyone. And with summer here, now’s the perfect time to pull out your pitcher and brush up on how to make the perfect glass of iced tea.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Herbal Tea
This organic ginger tea is mild with slightly sweet undertones, ideal for an iced afternoon sip. Ginger has been an herbal staple in Indian, Asian and Arabic cultures for centuries for digestive support. Additionally, ginger is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate motion sickness and nausea, support heart health, manage weight levels and may even play a role in protecting against cancer.†
Yogi Organic & Non-GMO Raspberry Leaf Herbal Tea
This organic, non-GMO and caffeine-free organic raspberry leaf tea is both refreshing and beneficial. Raspberry leaf tea is often used by herbalists to support the reproductive system for both menstrual cycle support and pregnancy. Whether you’re looking to reduce menstrual pain or support the uterus for easier labor, or just to sip on a delicious summery drink, raspberry leaf tea is a positive addition to your summer routine.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Nettle Leaf Herbal Tea
This non-GMO organic nettle leaf herbal tea is a tinge bitter yet totally revitalizing. Nettle leaf (otherwise known as stinging nettle) is recognized for a vast array of benefits. Nettle leaves are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. This versatile herb is known to support a healthy inflammatory response in the body, and it can protect against oxidative damage to support cardiovascular and overall health.†
Newman’s Own Organics Royal Black Tea
Newman’s Own Royal Black blend is made specifically to brew the perfect cup of refreshing iced tea. In addition to being an ideal summer beverage, black tea has been linked to many health benefits. Black tea contains powerful plant compounds, polyphenols and catechins, that protect overall health and wellness. Note that black tea is caffeinated, so this tea is best suited for morning or afternoon sipping.†
Yogi Organic & Non-GMO Bedtime Bedtime Herbal Tea
It’s no secret that herbal tea can be a game-changer for sleep. Yogi’s Bedtime tea is caffeine-free, organic, non-GMO, and it’s made with a soothing blend of passionflower, chamomile flower, cinnamon, cardamom and licorice. Chamomile contains terpenoids and flavonoids that aid in its snooze-boosting properties for a great night’s rest. This calming blend of relaxing herbs is an excellent way to wind down and rest up for busy summer days.†
Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Herbal Tea
Traditional Medicinals Dandelion Root tea is caffeine-free, non-GMO, USDA organic and packed with plant compounds that promote health. This natural tea brand sources herbs that are either organically farmed or wild-collected from ethical trading partnerships to deliver medicinal-grade quality. Dandelion root is known to support healthy digestion, blood sugar and liver health.†
Rishi Tea Organic Matcha Super Green Tea
Rishi’s Matcha Super Green Tea contains a blend of pure Japanese matcha and konacha. Konacha’s smaller leaf size lends to a rich, dewy taste worth savoring. With its bright green hue and unique flavor profile, Matcha Super Green is loaded with amino acids like L-theanine to improve mental clarity and focus.†
Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea
Traditional Medicinals’ Lemon Balm tea is USDA organic, naturally caffeine-free and offers a gentle and pleasant flavor profile. Lemon balm tea has been used throughout Europe for years to calm the nervous system and support digestion. It has a mild herbal taste with delicate notes of citrus and is ideal to serve over ice on a hot summer day.†
Celestial Seasonings True Blueberry Herbal Tea
With flavorful ingredients such as blueberries, blackberry leaves, orange peel and rosehips, brewing a cup of this caffeine-free True Blueberry blend is a great way to beat the heat. This tea from Celestial Seasonings has earned a reputation for “simply tasting blue”: it has a strong wild blueberry flavor with delicate overtones of purple grapes. It’s simple, sweet and perfect for anyone who loves to indulge in summer berries.
Simple Truth Organic Hibiscus Strawberry & Raspberry Herbal Tea
Simple Truth uses Fair Trade Certified hibiscus, organic rose hip, orange peel, licorice, apple, chicory and sweet strawberries and raspberries in this fruity herbal blend. In addition to being a delicious component of any tea, hibiscus has antioxidant properties and has been shown to support healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.†
Uncle Lee’s Organic Green Tea
Green tea is a popular choice for its many benefits, from antioxidant protection against cellular damage to promoting energy, focus and more. Uncle Lee’s Organic Green Tea is USDA organic and sourced from the mountains of the Fujian Province of China. It’s grown without the use of pesticides, instead using natural fertilizer to help preserve the ecosystem. Green tea is known for a variety of health benefits such as immune system support, cardiovascular health and metabolic health.†
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
The post 11 of the Best Summer Teas to Sip for Refreshment and Health first appeared on The Upside by Vitacost.com.