Enjoy your evenings with these immunity-boosting teas

Masala chai

‘Masala’ or spice immediately brings to mind a ‘heaty’ concoction, which is exactly what ‘masala chai’ is. A mixture of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger keeps you warm. These spices have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which work efficiently to keep cough, cold and seasonal allergies at bay.

Ginger tea

Ginger helps to relieve various kinds of body aches. It can be enjoyed as black tea or with milk. Sugar can be replaced with jaggery to enhance the health benefits of this tea which boosts blood circulation and immunity.

Tulsi green tea

An inconspicuous pair – tulsi and green tea make for a splendidly potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory tea with immunity-boosting properties. In terms of medicinal value, tulsi is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. Subtle in taste but strong in bioactive compounds, green tea boosts health by reducing oxidative stress and blood sugar levels while increasing the body’s rate of metabolism.

Kashmiri kahwa

A hot cup of Kahwa tea is all you need. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Consisting green tea-flavoured with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, dried fruits such as cherries, apples and raisins in varying quantities and myriad combinations of pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, dried apricots and dates, ‘Kashmiri Kahwa’ is distinguishable. Here’s a beverage that makes your supple skin, supports your weight loss goals, assists digestion, reduces stress, and also works well as a decongestant.

Darjeeling tea

Darjeeling tea has a distinct natural flavour with notes of citrus fruit, flowers, and some may even say a vegetal quality. Flavonoids or phytonutrient-rich plant pigments present in tea are said to reduce cholesterol levels, one of the leading causes of high blood pressure and consequently, heart disease. Polyphenols present in the tea leaves help fight inflammation and lower blood sugar.

“While a strong cup of immunity-boosting tea had in the morning can energise you for the day, a light cup of the same tea had after work can soothe and relax your frayed nerves. Having said that, there’s no perfect time of day for a cup of hot tea in winter! Relax, refresh, recuperate and rejuvenate with the amazing health benefits of nature’s bounty,” mentioned Rastogi.

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