Tea’s cancer-fighting to anti-aging properties are legendary, but you don’t have to be sick to enjoy the many health benefits of tea. Our lives are busier than ever and tea can play a delicious role in staying active, healthy and more relaxed.  Here is our Top 5 best times to drink tea to enjoy more of its goodness in our lives.

In The Morning
Kick start your day with a robust black tea or vibrant green tea to reduce or replace coffee and chemical laced energy drinks. Tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid, which together provide sustained energy and a metabolism boost without the jitters or mid-morning crash.

Recommendations: Island Breakfast, Japanese Sencha

With Meals
Enjoy tea with a meal to help lower cholesterol. First, tea can reduce cholesterol absorption from the food we eat as it moves through our digestive system. Second, tea relaxes the arteries and blood vessels which can help to reduce the risk of plaque build-up. The good news is both hot and iced tea work the same.

And in the case of over-indulgence, mint tea can help digestion and soothe a sore tummy.

Recommendations: Darjeeling First Flush, Original Blend Nilgiri Iced Tea

With Your Workout
Tea is a delicious way to hydrate and a little caffeine before a workout can boost your metabolism. After workouts, tea with anti-inflammatory properties like black tea, chamomile, turmeric and ginger can help with recovery and soreness.

Recommendations: EnergiTea, Passionfruit Iced Tea, Mint Mamaki, MW Coconut Chai

When You Need to Focus
Drink tea when you're slammed at work or cramming for a test. Buddhist monks took a liking to tea because it helped them stay awake and focused during long meditation. Tea can do the same for you as it enhances clarity and mental acuity. L-theanine amino acid in tea has a nirvana effect on the brain to induce a calm yet alert state of mind.

Recommendations: Jade Pouchong, Darjeeling First Flush, Mango Peach

At Night and Before Bed
Tea can help you relax and recharge. A warm cup of tea with a sweet taste can act as a dessert replacement to satisfy a sweet tooth without the sugar. If caffeine is an issue at night, you can go with an herbal tea or white tea which is ultra low in caffeine. The relaxing powers of chamomile and the aromatherapy of jasmine can set you up for a more restful sleep.

Recommendations: Cacao Colada, Silver Needles, Lemon Chamomile