Because I don’t already have enough to worry about, I’ve decided to read Dr. Oz’s latest, YOU: Staying Young, his anti-aging book, and see if I can slow down what he says doesn’t have to be an inevitable decline. Actually, there’s all kinds of fascinating stuff here, even for those of us who keep up with health and nutrition news and try to take care of ourselves. I’ll be writing about my adventures in staying young, and Dr. Oz’s 14-Day Plan, in the coming weeks. (You’ll also want to look at RealAge.com, a companion site to the book with all sorts of cool quizzes, blogs, and info on everything from better sex to flossing the right way. More on my RealAge discoveries later.)
But today, I’m thinking about green tea. As you probably already know, green tea has powerful anti-oxidants, which help fight bad cell growth and can keep LDL (that’s the bad kind) of cholesterol down. Dr. Oz recommends drinking as much as you want. So I’m trying, but here’s the problem: To me, most green teas I try don’t really taste like much (except bitter). I’ve tried Lipton and Constant Comment. Like the Tazo version they serve at Starbucks, but I’d really like to brew this at home.
What green tea do you like, and how do you drink it?
Responses to “The Green Tea Chronicles.”
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
I like Lipton - didn’t taste bitter to me. But since I sweeten it with Sweet-and-Low (don’t like any of the other non-sugar sweeteners) I’m probably cancelling out the tea’s good effects.
Can’t wait to hear your report on your real age. Mine was… ahem… considerably older than I actually am.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:21 am
Hi Diva,
First let me say “I love the picture of the green tea pouring into a cup”. I want that picture!
To answer your question. I have been drinking green tea for almost three years. My favorite green tea in tea bag is premium green tea from Stash.
I also love White tea. My favorite is Drangonwell in loose leaf form. I think the White teas are even more full of the good stuff (anti-oxidants)that tea is famous for.
Thats the thing about Green tea you have to try several types to find the one you like best. Some have little flavor. But then there are a few that are adicting!
Enjoy!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hi Diva, I just thought you might like to know that Celestial Seasonings green tea is real good, especially with a little honey. They claim on the box it is less processed than other green teas and retains more healthful antioxidants. You can also find it in most grocery stores pretty easily. i hope that is helpful!
Beck
January 24th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Wow, thanks, all, for your green tea knowledge and tips. In fact, I tried Celestial Seasonings Green Tea with Mint today, and even though it was decaf, it was really satisfying. And I can’t tell (from my so far limited experience) how the green tea caffeine compares to regular old black iced tea, which I have to drink by the gallon before I get jittery. I’ll see if I can find Stash, and have actually found a tea house (in Cincinnati, of all places — http://www.essencha.com/) that gives great advice, reviews, and ships. Next up: Finding a way to eat more green leafy vegetables that my picky husband and 8-year-old son will also dig.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Hey Diva,
Just stumbled upon your blog and thought I would chime in.
I really like Arizona Green Tea, I’ve been drinking it for the past three years and love it! They have all different flavors and mixes (detox, half and half, black/white, peach, plum, pomegranate) in either gallon jugs, glass jars, or silo cans. It can be served hot or cold, it’s quick and easy, it’s made with real honey as well. Not too sweet, definitely not bitter , and it tastes great. You can even order it online and have it delivered to your home. Can be found in most grocery stores as well as Walgreens.
also the celestial seasons green tea is really good has a slight hint of lemon. It’s pretty good.
Alright thats my 2 cents.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
What are you doing to your tea? Green tea should not be even slightly bitter; if it is, you burned your tea. It should smell something like a freshly-mowed lawn on a summer day.
Go to an Asian grocery and buy some decent tea, first of all. Tazo isn’t bad (and Starbucks will be happy to sell you your very own box to brew at home) but it’s still pretty nasty compared to anything an actual Asian person would drink. At most places the staff will be delighted to help you navigate the language barrier. A valuable question to ask your helper is: “Which would you buy if you were shopping for yourself?”
Unfortunately, I’ve developed a hypersensitivity to caffeine, and can’t drink it at all anymore. Green tea is one of the things I miss most.