Richer Tea From Now ON!

Tonight, it's cold outside and as much as I love cold weather, all I'd want to have is a warm cup of tea. I usually boil water and just place a sachet of tea to blend in, simple and quick.

However, tonight I bumped into a rich mixture of green tea Satya suggested in her Super Yummy Recipes blog and decided to give it a shot. It was a wise thing to do because that's how I want my tea every time: simple, delicious and quick!

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 sachet green tea
• 1/2 tsp anis, aromatic seeds (this one was an improvise)

The cooking procedure is actually simple, and better yet: it takes the same time you would actually take to prepare a simple - plain tasted cup of tea!

• Boil water with the anis seeds and set it aside
• Put the green tea (or plain tea whatever you prefer) in it, and let it blend in for 2-3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix your honey and cinnamon well in your favorite mug.
• Pour the green tea water into your mug and stir nicely till the honey & cinnamon paste mix well.
• And last but not least, pour in your lime juice, serve warm and Bonne Appetite!

We usually don't put much input in simple warm drinks like tea; however, this recipe is simple and gives tea such a rich & sharp taste.

Now when you have this delicious cup of tea, not only will you get a warm up effect, but you will also get some nutritive benefits out of it! 

• Warm green tea has a warm and calming effect to start with. In addition, it's rich in anti-oxidants that help your body fight diseases and may help protect your body cells from damage done by free radicals. Different blends of tea offer different combination of antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids. Tea may also supply fluoride which helps strengthen tooth enamel! Moreover, it aids to hinder cavity forming bacteria thus it reduces plaque formation.
• Honey is 80% natural sugar, 20% water and 2% vitamins and minerals such as vitamin c,vitamin B 6, riboflavin, manganese, calcium, iron, copper, zinc and potassium. These are in small amounts so think of them as bonus! Natural honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial potential; however, you should keep in mind that it has the same effect on blood sugar as any other sugar and there are 22 calories in 1 tsp of honey.
• Adding lime juice or any citrus juice adds up for flavor and smart nutrition! Tea's flavonoids partly inhibit the absorption of nonheme iron. A squeeze of Vitamin C rich lemon, orange or lime in your tea can counteract some of this action. Lime also contains a bit of potassium, folate, magnesium and vitamin B 6.
• Cinnamon powder and anis seeds both contain lots of anti-oxidants and have a cleansing effect on your body so having a small pinch of each will add taste and health to your cup! Cinnamon also offers a bit of manganese, iron, calcium and Vitamin K; whereas anis seeds are rich in anethole and limonene antioxidants with a pinch of many vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper.