Tea Recipies
Herbal Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tea bag or 1-2 tsp loose-leaf tea (black, green, or herbal tea)
- 1-2 cups water
Instructions:
· Boil the water: Heat the water to boiling. If you're making black tea, bring it to a full boil (212°F or 100°C). To avoid bitterness, heat the water to 170-180°F (77°C-82°C) for green or white tea.
· To steep the tea, Place the tea bag or loose-leaf tea (in a tea infuser) into your cup or teapot and pour hot water over it.
Let it steep:
· For herbal tea: Steep for 5-7 minutes (herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint are excellent for diabetics).
Adjust the steeping time for stronger or milder tea based on your preference.
· Remove the tea bag or infuser: After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bag or infuser from the cup.
· Enjoy: Your plain base tea is now ready to drink.
Optional Flavor Enhancements (Diabetic-Friendly)
While you might not add sugar, you can still enjoy a flavorful cup of tea with the following additions:
- Lemon: A slice of lemon can add brightness to your tea without affecting blood sugar.
- Cinnamon: A pinch can add natural sweetness and help manage blood sugar levels.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is another excellent addition that may help digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing and cooling flavor to the tea.
Cinnamon Ginger Tea
Cinnamon and ginger are both known for their potential to help manage blood sugar levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
- 1-2 cups water
- Optional: A few drops of stevia or a dash of unsweetened almond milk for sweetness
Instructions:
- Boil the water and add the cinnamon stick and ginger slices.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
- Remove from heat and strain the tea.
- If desired, add stevia or almond milk for added taste.
- Serve hot or chilled.
Mint and Lemon Tea
Mint has a cooling effect and may support digestion, while lemon adds vitamin C and a burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 fresh mint sprigs
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional: Stevia or a touch of honey for sweetness
Instructions:
- Boil the water and pour it over the fresh mint leaves.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and stir.
- Sweeten with stevia or honey if desired.
- Serve hot or chilled.
Lemon Ginger Tea
Ginger is an excellent addition to any diabetic-friendly tea. It can help with digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
1 lemon (sliced)
2 cups hot water
Optional: Stevia or honey for sweetness
Instructions:
Boil the water and add the ginger slices.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the lemon slices and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Strain and sweeten if desired.
Serve hot or cold
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus is known for its ability to support blood pressure and heart health. It's also naturally tart and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1 hibiscus tea bag or 1 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers
- 1-2 cups water
- Optional: A few drops of stevia or lemon slices for flavor
Instructions:
- Boil the water and steep the hibiscus flowers for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain out the flowers if loose herbs are used.
- Sweeten with stevia or add a slice of lemon if desired.
- Serve hot or chilled.
Nettle Tea
Nettle has anti-inflammatory properties and may help support blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tsp dried nettle leaves
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of ginger powder
Instructions:
- Boil the water and pour it over the dried nettle leaves.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain out the leaves and add lemon or ginger powder if desired.
- Serve hot.