If you're a tea lover seeking something sophisticated and fragrant, you must try earl grey tea. Originating from the United Kingdom's tea gardens, this traditional blend has captured the attention of tea enthusiasts worldwide in recent years. Besides providing your taste buds with a strong, flowery, and lemony experience, earl Grey tea offers numerous health benefits. In this write-up, we will discuss the earl grey tea benefits and how to make it. 

Earl grey tea benefits

1. High Antioxidant Levels

Earl Grey contains abundant antioxidants from the black tea leaves. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals that can damage cells and lead to disease. The bergamot in Earl Grey also contains flavonoids that act as antioxidants. 

2. Improves Heart Health

Improving heart health is one of the most important earl grey tea benefits. The flavonoids in Earl Grey tea have been shown to help lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels. By reducing cholesterol buildup in the arteries, Earl Grey may lower risk of heart disease. The bergamot adds extra antioxidants that support healthy circulation and blood flow as well. 

3. Reduced Anxiety and Stress

The calming, soothing aroma of Earl Grey tea has been linked to reduced tension. Drinking a cup of this brewed tea can lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation of the nervous system. The act of sipping hot tea also helps induce a mindful, relaxed state to unwind from mental stress.

4. Improves Digestive Health 

Earl Grey tea contains bergamot extract which has natural digestive properties. Drinking Earl Grey with meals can help digestion by stimulating gastric juices and bile production. The tea’s antioxidants also support a healthy gut environment by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.  

5. Clearer Skin

Bergamot oil is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Drinking Earl Grey may help clear acne breakouts and reduce skin infections. The antioxidants also promote faster healing of blemishes and scars. This helps achieve a clearer complexion.

6. Diabetes Management 

If you are looking for earl grey tea benefits, you must know that the bergamot xtract can help stimulate the release of insulin and improve blood sugar control. For those with diabetes, drinking Earl Grey tea may help regulate blood glucose when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Consult your doctor before using Earl Grey for diabetes management.

7. Oral Health

The catechins found in black tea have antibacterial effects that inhibit cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Earl Grey's combination of black tea and bergamot provide two sources of antioxidants to promote oral health and prevent tooth decay or gum disease.

8. Weight Loss 

Bergamot orange can help boost metabolism, burn fat, and reduce accumulation of lipids. While not a magic bullet for weight loss, Earl Grey tea can support a weight management plan by enhancing the body's ability to burn calories more efficiently with its metabolism-stimulating properties.

9. Improved Immunity  

The high vitamin C content in citrus bergamot helps boost immunity by protecting cells from harmful free radicals. It also has natural antiviral and antibacterial qualities. Sipping Earl Grey can help ward off colds, flu, and other infections especially during wintertime.

How to make Earl Grey Tea?

Now that you know about the earl grey tea benefits, let's check out how to make it. 

1. Choose High Quality Loose Leaf Tea

The first step is to find good quality Earl Grey loose leaf tea. Opt for whole loose tea leaves rather than pre-bagged tea bags. Loose leaves contain more antioxidants and natural oils. Choose an organic Earl Grey made with real bergamot oil, not extract. The oil contains a full concentration of antioxidant flavonoids.

2. Use Filtered Water

Always brew Earl Grey with filtered water, not tap water. Tap water contains chlorine and fluoride that can diminish the flavour and health properties of the tea. Filtered or spring water allows the natural tea taste to shine through.

3. Heat Water to a Rolling Boil

Bring fresh cold water to a full boil in a kettle or pot. The rolling boil helps properly infuse the leaves. Boiling also removes dissolved oxygen which can oxidise and degrade the flavour. Let the water sit at a boil for 30 seconds before pouring.

4. Preheat Your Teapot

While waiting for the water to boil, preheat your teapot or infusing vessel. Swirl hot water inside then discard it. This preps the vessel and prevents premature cooling of the brewed tea. A preheated vessel keeps the hot tea at the optimal steeping temperature.

5. Use The Correct Tea to Water Ratio

For black teas, the ideal ratio is 1 tablespoon of Earl Grey leaves per 8 ounces of water. Use a scale to weigh out an exact tablespoon of loose leaves for each cup you are brewing. Too many or too few leaves will impact flavour and strength.

6. Infuse for 2-3 Minutes Max

Once your water finishes boiling, pour it over the Earl Grey leaves. Let steep for 2 to 3 minutes max. Steeping any longer results in over-extraction and a bitter taste. Time the infusion with a timer or watch for consistent brewing.

7. Strain Using a Tea Infuser

When finished steeping, use a small fine mesh tea strainer or infuser to strain out the loose tea leaves. Pour the finished brewed Earl Grey into your favourite tea cups. Leaving leaves in the cup results in bitterness during drinking.

8. Drink it Hot 

To get the earl grey tea benefits, it is best consumed immediately after brewing while still piping hot. Allowing it to cool diminishes the distinctive bergamot citrus notes. Sipping slowly while hot allows the flavor to shine.

Conclusion 

The earl grey tea benefits we mentioned above make it so popular. It goes well with breakfasts like cakes, butter cookies, and oatmeal cookies. It can also help wash down fried food, egg dishes, and cold-cut meats because it's bright and sharp. Not only is Earl Grey tea a great choice for people looking for a low-calorie beverage, it also has an abundance of antioxidants and contains less caffeine than coffee.