The history of Earl Grey tea goes back a long time, and while it may appear like an unimpressive beverage at first glance, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with its unique flavor — bright, refreshing and bold, all thanks to the splash of bergamot orange infused in it.
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But did you know that apart from its delicious taste, this tea blend offers a number of benefits, too? Lifehack lists several reasons why you should brew Earl Grey tea today:
1. Looking for a burst of energy? Earl Grey tea, like other black teas, contains caffeine that can help perk you up. You can get anywhere between 55 and 90 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
2. It supports good digestion. If you’re dealing with indigestion, colic or nausea, sipping on Earl Grey tea may give you the relief you’re looking for. It may even help keep you regular.
3. Stay calm and relaxed by drinking Earl Grey. Anyone who’s stressed, depressed or anxious should try a cup of this tea. The essence of bergamot in the tea is known to have a calming and mood-boosting effect. A study found that when used aromatherapeutically, bergamot oil can even help calm down patients who are about to undergo surgery.
4. Need help managing your weight? Citrus fruits like bergamot orange may boost your metabolism and help induce weight loss.
There is also evidence that black tea supports the formation of microbial metabolites, which play a role in the regulation of energy metabolism, helping reduce the risk of obesity.
5. Earl Grey helps take care of your heart. A 2012 study found that people who drank three cups of black tea like Earl Grey daily for three months had dramatically lower triglyceride levels and improved good cholesterol levels. A different study notes that drinking Earl Grey not only may help reduce bad cholesterol levels, but also blood sugar levels — a definite boon for diabetics.
6. Drinking Earl Grey may even boost your immunity. Black tea and bergamot both contain antioxidants that may help eliminate free radicals, fight infections and even ward off acute and chronic conditions like cancer.
Interested in more ways to use bergamot? Check out this delicious and health-boosting tonic made from ginger, bergamot and apple cider vinegar, perfect served hot or cold.
But keep this in mind when ingesting any beverage with bergamot: Never consume it excessively. Bergamot has potassium-blocking properties that may lead to deficiency. In fact, one man developed muscle cramps after drinking 4 liters of this tea a week — his condition was dubbed “Earl Grey intoxication.” Remember, even with a drink as healthy and delicious as Earl Grey tea, moderation is key!