Is an afternoon tea the stuff of old movies and royalty? Or has it been perfected just for our fast-paced, caffeine-loving generation?

I love the extra pep a cup of tea gives you and all the vari-teas. (Haha, clever huh?) And drinking tea is super healthful, too.

Reasons to Drink More Tea

• Tea is full of antioxidants, and keeps you young, from the inside out. Antioxidants also help protect against pollutants.
• Tea is a hydrating drink. Did you know that? The common thought that tea dehydrates you has been debunked.
• Tea is naturally calorie-free. Not only is it full of great stuff for you, it’s not full of empty calories. Win-win!
• Herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free. Especially at night time, this tea provides the antioxidants you love, sans caffeine.
• Other teas contain caffeine. But in comparison to coffees 95mg of caffeine per cup, tea has only 26 mg.

Tea Tips:

• Teas, coffee, and spices are all of the heaviest fertilized products. The healthiest tea is organic tea.
• Steep according to directions to avoid a bitter taste.
• If you drink tea with caffeine, limit your consumption to five (1-cup) servings a day. However, with caffeine-free tea, you can feel free to indulge in six to eight cups a day.
• And of course, here’s one of my favorite tea recipes, it a reci-tea!

Black Spiced Tea

• 1 black tea bag
• 6-8 ounces hot water
• a large pinch of cinnamon powder
• a large pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoons honey (or Vegan preference)
• a squeeze of fresh lemon/lime

To a mug, add water and steep the tea bag according to package directions. Honey is heat sensitive, so let your tea cool a bit before you add it. Then finish with the lemon, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

This recipe is from my first book, Everything’s Better with Cayenne Pepper. Check out my other books, too, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!