Mar

Green Tea Drinking Fool

Lisa on March 12th, 2008

I can’t imagine a day without tea…well, actually several cups of it! When I was battling leukemia, everything about the disease was depressing. The “stats” were depressing. Spending so much time in doctor’s offices and hospitals made me feel helpless. So I made a shift. I decided to put my time and attention on being WELL. Health was/is positive. Things I could do for myself were empowering. Reading health and fitness magazines, seeing healthy, fit bodies helped me visualize where I would be again, one day. I read all of Andrew Weil’s books, plus a slew of others on nutrition and health. One of the early changes I made was to begin a regimen of drinking green tea. Organic, Japanese, sencha green tea. 4-6 cups a day. I FELL IN LOVE with it! I enjoy the process of preparing the tea, the warmth of a mug in my hands, the steam on my face, and the light, grassy aroma. The light green color even LOOKS healthy! Green tea doesn’t go through an oxidation process like most teas. And, most of them are grown in Japan or China. It has many health benefits. Although it naturally contains caffeine, one mug’s worth contains less than 25% compared to an average cup of coffee. If you are trying to reduce your caffeine consumption (New Year’s resolution, perhaps?), switching from coffee to green tea is a very healthy alternative. Scientists have shown a correlation between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk, weight loss, and improved heart health. And if you have a sore throat, green tea with a little honey is oh-so-soothing! I’m happy to report that in May I will celebrate 8 years of REMISSION. I still drink several cups of green tea a day. It’s alkaline, it’s healthy. Each sip is a sip of enjoyment and pleasure, of thankfulness and celebration, and a brief respite from the busyness of the day. Cheers!