Coffee Leaf Tea

There's something new in the world of tea, it is called coffee leaf tea. It is a drink that comes from the leaves of the coffee plant. It is both coffee and tea and scientists think it's healthier than both. It has 17% more antioxidants than green tea. It seems to include the best of both the worlds of coffee and tea.

Coffee is a seasonal crop and the idea of harvesting the leaves during the off season, to provide year long employment, is gaining popularity. People seem to like the taste of it and in some parts of the world it is taken in place of coffee because coffee is more expensive.

Coffee leaf tea has an interesting history. It has been used in parts of Africa since antiquity. It is called Kuti in Ethiopia and was used by the Ethiopian people for centuries before roasting coffee beans was invented. Coffee producers in Sumatra and Java tried to popularize coffee-leaf tea back in the 19th century and it was displayed in the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London  Now efforts are being made again to popularize coffee leaf tea around the globe.

Health benefits include a higher level of antioxidants. The phenols mangiferin and hydroxycinnamic acid are thought to reduce heart disease and diabetes. Further benefits are a reduction of cholesterol levels and protection of brain neurons. Scientists feel that more research needs to be done to confirm the health benefits, but the preliminary work looks promising.

There is very little processing of the product. The coffee leaves are picked and left to dry in the sun. Then they are slightly toasted. Coffee leaf tea is brewed the same way other teas and tisanes are brewed. Add some water to the leaves and let them steep. If you want to try something new, try some coffee leaf tea. Coffee leaf tea can be found in health food stores, and on the internet.



http://www.medicaldaily.com/tea-made-coffee-leaves-may-be-healthier-coffee-or-tea-244263
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/11/05/what-is-coffee-leaf-tea_n_6101778.
http://www.coffeeforums.com/coffee-facts/tea/coffeeleaftea.html
https://focusonfoodsafety.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/the-real-kick-coffee-leaf-tea/

Hot Apple Tea for Fall

I love fall. There is a crispness in the air and folks are harvesting all  the good foods we enjoy in the fall. One popular fall crop is apples. I think of baked apples, apple pie, apple cobbler, apple turnovers, apple cake and apple crisp. One way I enjoy apples in the fall is in the form of apple tea. Apple tea is so versatile, there are many  things that can be added to it to spice it up. Here are a few ideas.

Cinnamon apple tea is useful for folks who have high cholesterol and blood sugar problems. A study done by NWFP Agricultural University in Pakistan found that cinnamon can reduce blood sugar in patients with type two diabetes.The apples also contain vitamin B-6.

Apple ginger tea is a good combination for a cool fall day. When I drink apple ginger tea on a cool fall or winter morning the ginger helps to set the mood for the day and the apple sweetens it up. Ginger is good for digestive problems and is an anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon can be added to the apple and ginger for a flavorful blend.

Hot apple cider vinegar tea  has many health benefits. It was used in New England long ago to cure just about anything. There is an interesting book by D.C. Jarvis, MD, an old time country doctor, that gives many interesting anecdotes about using apple cider vinegar that you may find interesting. When you make the tea the best apple cider vinegar to use is Braggs. (I have no connection with Braggs, I just think it is a good product). Here is a recipe. For one cup use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of  honey. Add hot water and enjoy.

Turkish apple is an interesting variation. There are various versions of it depending on what spices you use. A basic recipe has apple, cinnamon, cloves, and orange. Optional ingredients include black tea, rose petals, and honey or the sweetener of your choice. The tea is often used at  the end of a meal when one has overindulged. The tea can also cleanse the blood and urinary tract. Here is a basic recipe.
 2 apples, do not peel or remove seeds, cut in 6 pieces
 1 orange, do not peel, cut in 6 pieces
 1 cinnamon stick
 2 cloves
 4 cups of water.
Cook everything in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer until fruit is tender. Strain into a bowl. Pour tea into cups. Drink with pleasure.

If you buy your tea in the supermarket you will find many different blends of apple tea. There are various spiced versions, and apple tea can be mixed with black tea, or green tea . Perhaps you can think up some good blends by using your creativity and imagination and share them in the comments below.

Do you have any suggestions for topics for this blog? Write them in the comments section below. To leave a comment click on the phrase 'No Comments'. It will take you to the comment box.

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/257117-what-are-the-benefits-of-cinnamon-apple-tea/
http://www.bestofthislife.com/2012/04/ginger-apple-tea-hot-or-cold.html
Jarvis, D.C., MD Folk Medicine A New England almanac of natural health care from a noted Vermont country doctor, 1958, Fawcett Books, New York
http://thedetoxdiva.com/a-quick-fix-for-overindulgence-turkish-apple-tea/
http://www.food.com/recipe/turkish-apple-tea-382701

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com

Warm Cocoa is Good for You

Most people who follow the news in the nutrition world are aware that chocolate is good for you. Does that apply to hot cocoa drinks? The answer is yes. Cocoa originated in South America with the Incas called it the "food of the gods". It spread to Europe around in the sixteenth century.

There have been several studies done on cocoa that suggests it can boost your brain health, lower high blood pressure and more.A study conducted on older adults with high blood pressure problems found that drinking two cups of cocoa a day for a month showed significant improvements in cognitive function and blood flow to the brain. One of the beneficial substances in cocoa called is flavanols. These are found in in red wine and tea as well. These flavonols help other things besides the brain. They help the circulatory system to maintain elasticity.

Along with helping hypertension, cocoa has been associated with helping decrease cholesterol in folks under 50, and increasing good cholesterol.It appears to lower risk factors in diabetes. Other health effects that have been associated with cocoa consumption include relief of angina pectoris, stimulation of the nervous system, helping digestion, mental fatigue, fever, kidney stones and stimulation of the appetite. In recent times the focus has been on ageing, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

There are some things you need to watch for. Cocoa is often made with milk and sugar. The milk lessens the good effects of the cocoa and sugar is not good for you. Cocoa can be made with milk substitutes such as soy, coconut or almond milk. Stevia, or agave or even honey may be a good substitute for sugar. Here is a simple recipe that might help.

Dairy and Sugar Free Cocoa

1 cup non-dairy milk
1 Tablespoon of Cocoa
Stevia to taste
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla and/or cinnamon if desired.

Place everything in a saucepan and stir over heat until heated to the desired warmth.
Pour out into a cup and enjoy.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20110323/cocoa-rich-in-health-benefits
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/119/10/1433.full
http://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/9_11/current-articles/Drinking-Cocoa-Boosts-Cognition-and-Blood-Flow-in-the-Brain_1270-1.html
http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/homemade-hot-chocolate-recipe-dairy-free-sugar-free/

Are there any particular topics you would like to see published here? You are welcome to make  suggestions in the comments sections. I am interested in knowing what my readers want to know about.

Be sure and check out my website. Go to www.valerielull.com  My new digital book is out. It is called "Ten Spices for Health and Longevity". Many spices have good health benefits. You can have good food and be healthy too!

Valerie Lull

Author

"Ten Spices for Health and Longevity"

valerielull923@gmail.com

www.valerielull.com 

How To: 4 Unique Uses for Lemon in the Home

First published on the blog of  The American College of Healthcare Sciences. www.achs.edu

By

Valerie Lull, MH. CHRM

Lemons are a staple of delicious cuisine - from mouthwatering lemon pies and puddings to lemon chicken to citrusy salad dressings. My family had a lemon tree in our backyard, and it was fun to pick lemons for fresh lemonade on a hot day.

If you're a fan of herbs and holistic health, you also know there are medicinal and cleansing properties to lemon Citrus Limonum (Risso) that have been used since ancient times. There are hundreds of ways lemons can be used in the home - from cleaning kitchens and bathrooms to natural flea repellent and air freshener. Here are four of my favorite techniques that you may not know of for using lemon around the house

                             

1. Lemons for Flea Management

One unique use of lemon juice is that it can discourage fleas. Lemons contain the constituent limonene, which is often used in flea-management shampoos and treatments. Plus, using lemon and a bit of water is much more economical than expensive flea control products.

Recipe: Natural Lemon Flea Spray

• Cut up six lemons
• Boil lemons in a quart of water for five minutes
• Steep lemons for eight hours in the covered pot
• Pour the liquid into a spray bottle (this will last about a week if stored in the refrigerator)
• Spray on your pet after bathing and avoid the animal's eyes
• Spray on pet bedding and toys

2. Lemon to Perk Up Wilted Lettuce

Have some greens that have been sitting in the fridge for a day or two? Perk them up with lemon juice! I can't stand wilted lettuce, and lemon is a fantastic, natural remedy to wake up those greens.

1. Put the juice of 1/2 lemon in a bowl of cold water.
2. Put the wilted lettuce in the mixture and refrigerate for one hour. Dry the leaves completely before putting them into a salad or sandwich.

3. Mighty Lemon in the Microwave

Have stuck-on food splatterings in your microwave? Lemons could be your answer. Lemon juice can be used to give your micro a good cleaning without scratching the surface or using a lot of effort. Give this recipe a try:

1. Mix 3 of lemon juice into 11/2 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Run the microwave on high for five to 10 minutes. Let the steam condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven.
3. Wipe away food spots with a dishcloth. This will clean stuck-on food spots as well as fill your kitchen and microwave with a citrusy fresh aroma.

4. Lemons for Puppy Training

Some folks have trouble with barking puppies. Did you know that dogs are not fans of the taste of lemon juice, and they can be trained with a squirt of lemon juice in their mouths? Although, do take care not to spray near their eyes!

Lemon juice can also be used to keep pets off the furniture. Here is the recipe:

Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with 11/2 cups of water, add to a spray bottle, and spritz on your upholstery. This will also give the room a fresh, lemony scent and it can discourage jumping on the furniture.

These are just a few of the many creative ways lemon juice can be used in your home. Plus, doesn't it smell fantastic? It's inexpensive and it is better than using harsh chemicals when at all avoidable.

Don't forget to visit my website at www.valerielull.com   Also, check out my new digital book,Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. Available on www.amazon.com

Valerie Lull

Author

Ten Spices for Health and Longevity

www.valerielull.com

valerielull923@gmail.com