Earl Grey Tea (Bergamot Tea) is made by combining black tea and bergamot extract. Bergamot, also known as bergamot oranges is a fruit grown in the Mediterranean region that has been rumored to have beneficial effects on health. Some people believe that bergamot is a mixture of lemon and bitter oranges. Earl Grey tea has been loved worldwide for hundreds of years, and it has been used by Native Americans to treat cold symptoms and for other many benefits.
1. What is Earl Grey tea?
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Bergamot tea is usually made from black tea leaves and berries of Citrus bergamia. Tea leaves are sprayed with bergamot extract or essential oil, or mixed with dried bergamot bark, giving the tea a light citrus-like flavor. You can find bergamot tea in most grocery stores – with or without caffeine, additional ingredients, and other flavors. Some variations of the tea are made from wild herb wax, known by the scientific name Monarda didyma. This herb smells similar to bergamot and has been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries.
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The high concentration of Bergamot tea with various antioxidants can make it especially beneficial for your health. Bergamot is rich in beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols, including flavonoid neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, and naringin. These polyphenols act as antioxidants, fighting free radicals that can cause cell damage and disease. Black tea is also rich in other compounds that have antioxidant properties, such as catechins.
2. Top benefits of Earl Grey tea
2.1 Benefits of Earl Grey tea: Promotes heart health
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Bergamot tea may improve certain risk factors for heart disease. Bergamot products have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, while black tea has been linked to lower blood pressure. In particular, bergamot contains flavanones, which can inhibit enzymes that produce cholesterol in your body. Indeed, a study in 80 people with high cholesterol levels found that taking bergamot extract daily reduced blood triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and LDL (bad) cholesterol significantly after 6 months.
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A study published in 2012 on Preventive Medicine found that people who drank three cups of black tea daily lowered their blood triglyceride levels and raised HDL cholesterol after three months. Participants also had increased levels of antioxidants, as we know, which is very beneficial in reducing oxidized cholesterol levels, which cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.
2.2 Benefits of Earl Grey tea: Support the digestive system
β The combined effect of black tea and bergamot in Earl Gray tea may be beneficial for digestion. It aids in digestion and helps alleviate indigestion, upset stomach, and nausea. The flavonoids in bergamot can fight inflammation related to digestive problems. One study in mice with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), showed that bergamot juice inhibited the release of inflammatory proteins and reduced episodes of diarrhea. Furthermore, in vitro and other animal studies suggest that bergamot juice can reduce enteritis and fight H. pylori bacteria, which are associated with stomach ulcers.
2.3 Benefits of Earl Grey tea: Improve mood
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The bergamot in Earl Gray tea is known as a mental calming agent while increasing one’s mood. This is due to its natural aroma. In this way, Earl Gray is a good natural solution for people with depression, stress, and anxiety.
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Earl Gray tea works to reduce stress while providing lucidity and concentration like coffee. This makes it the perfect choice for those who do not want strong coffee stimulation. At the same time, Earl Gray tea also provides you with active energy that doesn’t keep you up all night like coffee.
2.4 Benefits of Earl Grey tea: Other benefits
- Good for teeth: Tea contains a very high amount of catechin, an antioxidant, and fights oral infections. Fluoride, which helps protect teeth is also one of the ingredients of Earl Gray tea and is often found in tap water. Therefore, Earl Gray tea is a natural choice to provide enough fluoride per day.
- Anti-cancer: Earl Gray tea contains many antioxidants, which help the body fight free radical cells that cause diseases like cancer. Therefore, this beverage can give you a greater chance of not suffering from such diseases. One thing to keep in mind is that antioxidants also help to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Again, this is to fight against free radicals that can damage your skin.
- Cures for cold: The bergamot orange found in Earl Gray is said to improve the immune system as well as treat fever. As such, it is considered a natural remedy for colds.
3. Notes when using Earl Grey tea
- Although bergamot tea is generally considered safe for healthy people, there may be some risks associated with excessive consumption. One case study linked large amounts of bergamot tea with muscle cramps and blurred vision – symptoms that may be related to a compound in bergamot tea that blocks potassium absorption. However, individuals in this study drank more than 16 cups of tea (4 liters) a day, more than most people usually drink.
- In addition, tea contains compounds called tannins, which can interfere with the absorption of iron in your body. If you regularly drink tea and are concerned about your iron status, consider drinking it between meals to promote better absorption of iron from foods.
- Most bergamot teas contain caffeine, be careful of your intake if you experience restlessness, anxiety, or other side effects. You can also switch to a decaf (without caffeine) version.
Recommended for you
π Organic Earl Grey Black Tea Bags
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FGO is committed to delivering the highest quality, certified organic products at fair prices to help people live healthily and feel good. Their products are sourced from nutrient-dense origins around the world.
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Savor the light and refreshing taste of FGO’s premium, Earl Grey tea bags and loose. This fine blend unites the full-bodied black teas from China and India with a touch of citrusy bergamot oil from Italy. While Earl Grey possesses the delicacy and nuance of flavor to be enjoyed on its own, it is also beautifully accentuated with a slice of lemon and pairs well with a buttery morning pastry. Directions: Drop a bag into your favorite cup. Add 8oz fresh boiling water. Steep tea for 4-5 minutes. Smile, Sip, and FEEL GOOD!
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