Tea is known for it’s incredible health benefits. Yet, there are so many different flavours of tea, it’s difficult to know what’s the best for you.

Some contain caffeine and sugar, while others contain antioxidants which help fight breast cancer, weight loss, boost the immune system, and more.

So here are our two favourite types of tea: matcha and turmeric.

Just one cup a day will do wonders on your health, body and mind.

1. Matcha green tea

 Matcha green tea is one of the best types of tea for your health.

Unlike standard green tea, matcha green tea contains the whole the leaf which has been stone ground into a fine powder. So, when you drink matcha, you ingest the whole leaf as a result consuming 137 X the antioxidants!

Matcha green tea powder has the following incredible health benefits:

• Fights against degenerative diseases like breast cancer and arthritis.

Matcha contains the powerful active ingredient, EGCG, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and cancer fighter. For women, studies show that the single biggest preventative measure for breast cancer is good nutrition.

Dr Kristi Pado Funk, Pink Lotus Breast Cancer Centre states that “Three cups of green tea a day decreases breast cancer risk by half.” And just 1 cup a day of matcha gives you the cancer-fighting antioxidants of 10 standard cups of green tea bags.

• Helps with weight loss

Matcha has been proven to boost metabolism, which helps burn calories and fat. When consumed in a diet alongside exercise, matcha green tea can increase fat-burning capabilities by up to 17 percent.

Matcha also helps keep hunger at bay and is a natural reducer of the stress hormone Cortisol which has been linked to stubborn midsection fat.

• Keeps energy levels up

  As well as these incredible health benefits, matcha also enhances energy and concentration. It contains 1/10 caffeine as a cup of coffee but releases it slowly, over a period of 6-8 hours.

This means you’ll get a sustainable energy boost, rather than a rapid 30-minute spike and energy slump, often associated with coffee. This also prevent those sleepless nights, and “jitters” often caused by coffee.

To make matcha tea, all you need to do is dissolve just 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder into hot water.

Or if you fancy iced matcha tea instead – blend matcha green tea powder with water, ice, lemon juice, a teaspoon of maple syrup and a few sprigs of mint leaves.

2. Turmeric tea

Turmeric tea has become incredibly popular amongst health-conscious Australian mums.

Like matcha, turmeric is a powerhouse of antioxidants, and therefore has the following incredible health benefits.

• Helps fight inflammation

Turmeric contains the powerful active ingredient, curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Reducing everyday inflammation will play a major role in preventing Western diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other degenerative conditions.

• Lowers the risk of heart disease

Heart disease is the biggest killer in the world. Turmeric antioxidant curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process.

Curcumin enhances the functioning of the lining of blood vessels enabling it to better regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. As a result, this helps protect your cardiovascular system.

• It can lift your mood and help with depression

Studies show that turmeric can stabilize the mood and mind, making it a natural remedy for depression. It can boost serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters that, when low, are linked to depression.

So if you’re feeling low, a turmeric tea might help pick up your mood.

To make, simply mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with hot (not boiling) water, and stir to dissolve.

You can sweeten with honey, raw sugar or a sweetener of your choice – and/or spice with extra nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper too.

Note: It’s important to use high quality turmeric. If using a mix, make sure it’s blended with black pepper, as this increases the absorption of the antioxidant by up to 2000%. And if you can find a mix that’s a blend of turmeric with matcha green tea, that’s an added bonus for the health!

If you try any of these yummy energy boosting drinks post a photo and tag us @mouths_of_mums on Instagram or hashtag #MoMsgotenergy on Facebook!