Just had the best drink of the day – my early morning cup of tea, English or Irish breakfast made good and strong – ‘builder’s tea’ as we would say in the UK. A number of my friends and clients are particpating in ‘dry’ January, and I realized a few days ago that I have unintentionally been doing that too. I may as well continue now, although I’m glad to say, I don’t think I drink enough alcohol for it to be difficult or to notice any major benefit of a month’s complete abstinence. Still, it’s always worth giving the body a complete break, but there seems to be a lot of good evidence that damage is much less likely when the liver is given a weekly rest of 2-3 alcohol-free days in a row.
Giving up tea would be a very different story, I love a good coffee, but nothing beats a cuppa and an endless supply of tea would be my Desert Island Discs luxury.
I’m well aware of the many benefits of green tea, non-caffeinated, herbal teas – I enjoy a chamomile blend every bedtime – but there’s nothing can make me feel better all round, whatever the situation or problem, than a piping hot breakfast tea, with a dash of milk of course! And it does contain antioxidants so I can feel virtuous about having that extra cup.
We no longer have to come back from England armed with teabags (Liptons is to be avoided at all cost), the Tetley’s British Blend is carried by Stop and Shop and the Trader Joe’s Irish breakfast is good too, but I like loose tea best and my favourite is the Celtic Cup from Silvertips Tea which can be bought online, a deliciously strong Irish breakfast blend.
Make mine a ‘Burnt Toffee’ and cheers to a happy, healthy 2015!
Agreed!! Nothing better than my cup of tea! My favorite pleasure of my day. Only now, is it a bit sweeter (no sugar/drop of 2%, for me), knowing that my favorite English Reflexologist approves of my choice of Tetley’s British Blend although I do sway more towards a Mr. Tea for it’s strength. Must be my strong tea roots!
Don’t know Mr Tea – must make his acquaintance!
Watched a slew of British dramas over the holidays and many plot twists were furthered by conversations over cups of tea or during the making of a pot of tea. We realized how ingrained in the culture the beverage has been for so long. And to think there was once a time when that was not the case!
It’s true, no self-respecting Brit can function without it.