Green Options » tea http://greenoptions.com/tag/tea Posts tagged 'tea' Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:58:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Eating Less Requires Training http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/11/10/eating-less-requires-training/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/11/10/eating-less-requires-training/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:58:23 +0000 Rachel Shulman http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/11/10/eating-less-requires-training/ “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants,” says Michael Pollan. While I’m pretty good at eating real, non-processed food and basing my diet on plants, I struggle with the “not too much” part.

I love food. I probably love it a little too much. Although I’m very active, I carry around 10-20 extra pounds from being such a big eater.

Part of the problem is that, as a grad student, I don’t get nearly enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you fatter by increasing levels of appetite regulating hormones and eroding your ability to make good decisions. I also spend an inordinate amount of time in front of my computer doing work that I don’t really want to do, so I snack to stay awake and make my work more enjoyable.

So what’s a food-loving, sleep-deprived gal supposed to do? I have enough experience training animals that I know I can’t simply tell myself to stop certain behaviors. (Ever try yelling at your dog to get it to stop barking? Usually doesn’t work, does it? Distracting your dog with a game works much better.) Instead of telling yourself that tomorrow is the day that you will stop overeating, you need to replace a bad habit with a good one to be successful.

Here are some strategies for replacing habits that lead to overeating with healthier habits:

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/11/10/eating-less-requires-training/feed/ Honey is a Health & Fitness Queen http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/30/honey-is-a-health-fitness-queen/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/30/honey-is-a-health-fitness-queen/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:07:27 +0000 Zachary Shahan http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/30/honey-is-a-health-fitness-queen/

With a lot of great health and fitness benefits, honey should be a common staple in people’s daily diets. Other than its great taste, it has numerous benefits for our bodies, immune systems, weight, and energy which you may not be aware of.

Honey is a source of a variety of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The main vitamins it provides are niacin, riboflavin and pantothetic acid, and the main minerals are calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Importantly, the amount of these substances in honey varies depending on its floral source, just as its color and taste vary.

On top of this, what are the main health benefits of honey?

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/30/honey-is-a-health-fitness-queen/feed/ Guayakí Becomes First Fair Trade-Certified Yerba Mate http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/21/guayaki-becomes-first-fair-trade-certified-yerba-mate/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/21/guayaki-becomes-first-fair-trade-certified-yerba-mate/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:04:41 +0000 Timothy B. Hurst http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/21/guayaki-becomes-first-fair-trade-certified-yerba-mate/ bombilla and gourd for yerba mate tea

If someone stopped you on the street and asked you to name the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay would you:

A) Look at them funny and ask, “What is a Paraguay?”
B) Answer, “Coffee,” because how else do people function?
C) Proudly grab a gourd and silver bombilla from your bag?

If you answered C, then you already know about the popularity of Yerba Mate (pronounced mah-taay) tea throughout South America. And you probably also know about the health benefits of mate and that it boasts 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and has more antioxidants than green tea. But what you may not know is that Guayakí, the Sebastopol, California-based yerba mate purveyor has just become the first company in the world to offer fair trade certified yerba mate through the Fair for Life certification program.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/21/guayaki-becomes-first-fair-trade-certified-yerba-mate/feed/ New Choice Organic Tea: Lemon, Lavender and Mint http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/08/new-choice-organic-tea-lemon-lavender-and-mint/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/08/new-choice-organic-tea-lemon-lavender-and-mint/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:58:21 +0000 Lucille Chi http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/08/new-choice-organic-tea-lemon-lavender-and-mint/

Quite often I’ve enjoyed a delightful Choice Organic Black Tea for it’s healing properties in the morning. Now in the evening I enjoy Choice Organic’s new decaffeinated healing blend with luscious lemon, lavender, mint.

“Organic Lemon Lavender Mint Herb Tea features accents of sun-blessed lavender grown on a coastal island in the Pacific Northwest. This sophisticated blend combines these blossoms with layers of mellow lemon and crisp Fair Trade Certified spearmint for a fresh yet soft-tasting herbal tea that is an ideal choice for a calming, caffeine-free cup” ~Choice Organics

Here are some facts about this tea’s three natural healing ingredients:

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/08/new-choice-organic-tea-lemon-lavender-and-mint/feed/ Tips for Eating to Reduce Inflammation http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:37:29 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/ Studies have shown that many illnesses (including several types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease) are largely influenced by chronic inflammation in the body.

Prolonged inflammation causes the immune system to become off balance, and can result in damage to healthy tissue.

Poor diet is a main contributor to chronic inflammation, but several lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, and excessive stress can promote inflammation as well.

Many health and nutrition experts are now starting to emphasize the importance of following an anti-inflammatory diet.

Here are a few tips to get you started on your way to less inflammation and better health:

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/feed/ How Sweet it is: Brew Your Own Iced Tea http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/01/how-sweet-it-is-brew-your-own-iced-tea/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/01/how-sweet-it-is-brew-your-own-iced-tea/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:52:16 +0000 Heather Dunham http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/01/how-sweet-it-is-brew-your-own-iced-tea/

Ahh, the joys of iced tea.  Even in the depths of winter, sipping a tall glass of sweet iced tea calls to mind lazing around on the porch under a warm midsummer sun.  What’s more, it’s even good for you!

While there are some good bottled iced teas on the market with natural ingredients, making your own at home offers many advantages: less packaging waste, guarantee of no artificial ingredients or HFCS, unbeatable freshness, and complete customization for your taste preference perfection.

If you’ve been inspired, as I have, to green your beverages by making your own coffee and even soda pop at home, then here are some tips on making your own sweet iced tea.  After all, we’ve just survived February, we’ve earned a look ahead into summer!

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/01/how-sweet-it-is-brew-your-own-iced-tea/feed/ Fair Trade Justice With Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/22/fair-trade-justice-with-just-us-coffee-roasters-co-op/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/22/fair-trade-justice-with-just-us-coffee-roasters-co-op/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:05:09 +0000 Heather Dunham http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/22/fair-trade-justice-with-just-us-coffee-roasters-co-op/ I am NOT a coffee addict.

Am not.

But I dare say I might become one.

I do enjoy a good cup of coffee, but caffeine sometimes makes me edgy.  Though I have managed to mostly avoid the lure of Starbucks, I have been known to indulge in a white chocolate mocha at Second Cup, or a French Vanilla at Tim Horton’s… and don’t get me started about Iced Cappucino in the summer!!

Then I read 5 Ways to Green Your Coffee and I got the itch.

So I bought myself a french press and some fresh-ground, organic, Fair Trade coffee.  And I just had to share a little about the company behind my coffee.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/22/fair-trade-justice-with-just-us-coffee-roasters-co-op/feed/ 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Tea http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/24/10-health-benefits-of-drinking-tea/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/24/10-health-benefits-of-drinking-tea/#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:42:13 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/24/10-health-benefits-of-drinking-tea/

Black, green, white, and oolong teas all come from the same plant known as Camellia Sinensis.

The more processing the leaves of the plant undergo, the darker they will turn.  (Green and white being steamed quickly, black and oolong being dried and fermented.)

Regardless of the processing method, brewed tea not only tastes good, but can have many health benefits as well;

  1. Tea contains antioxidants. Antioxidants can help slow down the aging process, and help cells regenerate and repair.  Many studies suggest antioxidants also assist our bodies in preventing cancer.

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    ]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/01/24/10-health-benefits-of-drinking-tea/feed/ I’ll Take Mine A La Mode http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/21/i%e2%80%99ll-take-mine-a-la-mode/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/21/i%e2%80%99ll-take-mine-a-la-mode/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:55:39 +0000 Liz Thompson http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/21/i%e2%80%99ll-take-mine-a-la-mode/ Crazy Rumors A La Mode Lip Balms

    Crazy Rumors vegan-friendly lip balms have come out with a new line to compliment their coffee and tea flavors.  A La Mode Lip Balms combine the most

    delicious ice cream flavors with nature’s most moisturizing ingredients for a totally sweet experience.

    Available in six luscious flavors, like Banana Split and Mint Chocolate, these fun little balms will keep lips moisturized and are good for you and the environment.  Made with organic Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil for maximum softness (without the ”greasies”) and vitamin enriched.  A hint of natural Stevia makes them super yummy!

    Read more of this story »

    ]]>     http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/21/i%e2%80%99ll-take-mine-a-la-mode/feed/     Yerba Mate: A Healthy Alternative to Coffee http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/20/yerba-mate-a-healthy-alternative-to-coffee/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/20/yerba-mate-a-healthy-alternative-to-coffee/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:01:28 +0000 Carlota Bindner http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/20/yerba-mate-a-healthy-alternative-to-coffee/ Some of you may already drink yerba mate on a regular basis, or you have only heard small mentions of yerba mate and how wonderful it is, or you may have never even heard of it at all.  But if you enjoy your daily cup of coffee you may want to make the switch to yerba mate after what I have to tell you.

    The Source

    Yerba mate is actually made from the stems and leaves of the small yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tree, a member of the holly family native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.  Yerba mate has been awarded such titles as “The Drink of the Gods” and “the green gold of the Indios”.  It was discovered centuries ago by the native people of South America and has been consumed to increase energy, health and longevity.  It is the national drink of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, and is commonly consumed throughout South America.

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    ]]>     http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/20/yerba-mate-a-healthy-alternative-to-coffee/feed/     Green Diva’s Guide to Fresh Style: Tea Time with Terra Keramik http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/13/green-divas-guide-to-fresh-style-tea-time-with-terra-keramik/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/13/green-divas-guide-to-fresh-style-tea-time-with-terra-keramik/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:28:55 +0000 Megan McWilliams http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/13/green-divas-guide-to-fresh-style-tea-time-with-terra-keramik/ tea time with terra keramik and kitty

    Anyone who spends any time with me knows I don’t go for more than an hour during daylight hours without a cup of tea. So, any opportunity to test new tea-related products is very welcome.

    I received this beautiful blue mug from Terra Keramik, a socially and environmentally responsible ceramics manufacturer that uses renewable energy and energy efficient clays. Everything is designed and produced by Felix Volger, founder and creative director, who personally signs every piece in platinum. Apparently, the production of tableware can be seriously detrimental to the environment. Terra Keramik has gone to great lengths to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about Terra Keramik’s sustainable manufacturing practices.

    More about GD Meg’s Tea Time . . .

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    ]]>     http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/13/green-divas-guide-to-fresh-style-tea-time-with-terra-keramik/feed/     Eight Foods for Healthy Skin http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/23/eight-foods-for-healthy-skin-this-winter/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/23/eight-foods-for-healthy-skin-this-winter/#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:33:55 +0000 Lucille Chi http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/23/eight-foods-for-healthy-skin-this-winter/

    As winter approaches, it’s a great time to explore ways to keep our skin hydrated and healthy during the harsh weather ahead. Here are some wonderful skin foods that will keep your face looking fresh and youthful this season:

    1. Lemon is purifying to the body and gives a lovely glow to the skin when consumed regularly with water (it may also help the body stay regular) or tea.
    2. Apples: Did you know that organic red delicious and granny smith apples are excellent for the skin? Scientific studies have shown them to fortify both collagen and elastin production. 
    3. Aloe is known to draw oxygen to the skin and lock it in. Aloe also has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties and it heals burns and wounds when applied topically. Aloe makes a wonderful refreshing juice that cleanses and purifies our inner systems. Regularly drinking aloe helps to keep the body hydrated, so if you drink coffee, which is known to dehydrate the skin, try drinking aloe juice to balance your system.

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      ]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/23/eight-foods-for-healthy-skin-this-winter/feed/ Drink the tea. Save the world. http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/21/drink-the-tea-save-the-world/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/21/drink-the-tea-save-the-world/#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:23:12 +0000 Gennefer Snowfield http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/21/drink-the-tea-save-the-world/

      A tea company dedicated to saving the world, inspired by none-other than Digg founder Kevin Rose? No kidding. You can even get a discount below.

      As an eco-minded foodie, I can often be found touting the benefits of going organic. It’s healthier, better for the environment and you can feel good about doing your small part to help farmers, as well as helping to limit the use of pesticides in produce and antibiotics and growth hormones in animals.

      But I recently stumbled upon a new organic tea company whose primary goal is to literally save the world through tea.  Save the world by drinking tea? I was intrigued and determined to find out more.

      Read more of this story »

      ]]>       http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/21/drink-the-tea-save-the-world/feed/       Traditional Medicinals Completes World’s Largest Solar-Powered Tea Factory http://cleantechnica.com/2008/09/30/traditional-medicinals-completes-worlds-largest-solar-powered-tea-factory/ http://cleantechnica.com/2008/09/30/traditional-medicinals-completes-worlds-largest-solar-powered-tea-factory/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:47:03 +0000 Ariel Schwartz http://cleantechnica.com/2008/09/30/traditional-medicinals-completes-worlds-largest-solar-powered-tea-factory/ tea

      I’m a huge fan of Traditional Medicinals tea, so I’m pleased to learn that the company has just completed the largest solar powered tea factory on the planet. Traditional Medicinals’ 70,000 square foot Sebastopol, CA headquarters will use 1450 solar panels that generate 430,000 KWh of power— that’s 75 percent of the company’s total energy needs. The rest of the factory’s energy use will be offset by wind energy credits.

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      ]]>       http://cleantechnica.com/2008/09/30/traditional-medicinals-completes-worlds-largest-solar-powered-tea-factory/feed/       Natural Pregnancy: 3 Nurturing Tips for New Dads http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/07/natural-pregnancy-3-nurturing-tips-for-new-dads/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/07/natural-pregnancy-3-nurturing-tips-for-new-dads/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:22:07 +0000 Derek Markham http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/07/natural-pregnancy-3-nurturing-tips-for-new-dads/ Massage in Frankfurt, Germany

      If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!

      I heard that saying many times before I saw the truth in it.

      When a woman is pregnant and her body is working overtime, she’ll love you for taking the time to nurture her. A lot of new dads don’t really understand the changes that are happening to their lover, and it can be hard to remember to take the time to nurture and embrace her. Sure, picking up after yourself helps, but I’m not talking about the house, I’m talking about her.

      3 Nurturing Tips for New Dads

      1. Touch her. Give her a massage, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes. Start with the neck and upper back, spend some time working the hips and back of the pelvis, and end with a foot rub. You don’t need any massage experience for this, just strong hands, willingness, and love. For bonus points, heat a tub of water for a foot bath, add a couple of drops of lavender oil, maybe rose petals if you’ve got them, and let her soak her feet while you massage her neck.

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      ]]>       http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/07/natural-pregnancy-3-nurturing-tips-for-new-dads/feed/       Herbal Remedies: Natural Pregnancy Tea Recipe http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/05/16/herbal-remedies-pregnancy-tea-recipe/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/05/16/herbal-remedies-pregnancy-tea-recipe/#comments Sat, 17 May 2008 00:34:06 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/05/16/herbal-remedies-pregnancy-tea-recipe/ raspberry leavesAs promised in “Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness“, here is my recipe for pregnancy tea. My midwives always advised I drink a quart a day of this special blend instead of taking prenatal vitamins, as our bodies absorb the nutrients from herbal teas more readily than from vitamins; however, I did both. My favorite Rainbow Light prenatal vitamins included many of the same herbs as my pregnancy tea recipe. Of course, there are commercially available organic pregnancy tea blends, but I preferred harvesting and buying bulk herbs to make my own prenatal tea. This tea should also be drunk by breastfeeding moms.

      Pregnancy Herbal Tea Recipe:

      To make this tea, add about 1 teaspoon of each herb, except the yellow dock, to a glass quart jar. Use just a pinch of yellow dock, as it has a strong flavor and should be used in moderation. Add boiling water to the herbs, and let the tea steep for at least four hours for maximum absorption of vitamins and minerals. This tea tastes good at any temperature, and a quart should be drunk every day by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

      • Raspberry leaf: This herb has been called “The pregnant woman’s best herbal friend” by Jeannine Parvati, author of Hygieia: A Woman’s Herbal. The foliage has long been used by native people and midwives, as it relieves morning sickness and eases birth. This herb can also aid infertile couples.

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      ]]>       http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/05/16/herbal-remedies-pregnancy-tea-recipe/feed/       Wine, Tea, and TV Dinners: “The Green” Does Food http://sustainablog.org/2008/04/29/wine-tea-and-tv-dinners-the-green-does-food/ http://sustainablog.org/2008/04/29/wine-tea-and-tv-dinners-the-green-does-food/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:00:54 +0000 Jeff McIntire-Strasburg http://sustainablog.org/2008/04/29/wine-tea-and-tv-dinners-the-green-does-food/ highschoolgardentea.JPGRegardless of how “green” we consider ourselves, we’re all concerned about the quality of the food we put on our own plates and serve to our families. Tonight, the Sundance Channel’s The Green explores the world of food, from farm to plate. It’s award-winning series Big Ideas for a Small Planet profiles a large food processor, a wine-maker, and a New Mexico high school student who are all doing their part to reject industrial-scale agriculture, and the bland, homogeneous food it produces. Following that, Sundance presents the documentary All In This Tea from directors Les Blank (Burden of Dreams) and Gina Leibrecht.

      Read more of this story »

      ]]>       http://sustainablog.org/2008/04/29/wine-tea-and-tv-dinners-the-green-does-food/feed/       Green Diva’s Guide to Delicious Living - A Healthy Drinking Problem http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/04/10/green-divas-guide-to-delicious-living-a-healthy-drinking-problem/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/04/10/green-divas-guide-to-delicious-living-a-healthy-drinking-problem/#comments Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:25:59 +0000 Megan McWilliams http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/04/10/green-divas-guide-to-delicious-living-a-healthy-drinking-problem/ null
      Guayaki - Organic Yerba Mate Tea - (Guayaki.com)

      I really only drink two things - water and tea. And I’m pretty fussy about the quality of each. Since I gave up the sauce (caffeine that is), I’ve been enjoying Yerba Mate as my new primary tea source. Guayaki sent me some samples to review for the magazine and I am now addicted to their Organic Yerba Mate. Not an awful addiction as addictions go. The company is a cool triple bottom line, fairtrade, responsible and sustainable company.

      ]]>       http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/04/10/green-divas-guide-to-delicious-living-a-healthy-drinking-problem/feed/       An Energy Saving of 65% and a Cup of Tea in Three Seconds http://ecoworldly.com/2008/04/04/an-energy-saving-of-65-and-a-cup-of-tea-in-three-seconds/ http://ecoworldly.com/2008/04/04/an-energy-saving-of-65-and-a-cup-of-tea-in-three-seconds/#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:57:48 +0000 Pem Charnley http://ecoworldly.com/2008/04/04/an-energy-saving-of-65-and-a-cup-of-tea-in-three-seconds/ earl-grey.jpgOnly yesterday, I was talking to a member of the Green Options editorial team about the delights of tea – and we agreed, that Early Grey must rank as one of nature’s finest hot beverages for an afternoon’s pick-me-up.

      The British Empire

      Oh yes, think 4pm, the duchess summoning Jeeves to bring the best china, hallowed guests gather on the front lawn, croquet temporarily suspended as we congregate to imbibe.

      So imagine my delight when I came across the following:

      A kettle that boils the water in just three seconds.

      Read more of this story »

      ]]>       http://ecoworldly.com/2008/04/04/an-energy-saving-of-65-and-a-cup-of-tea-in-three-seconds/feed/       Herbal Tea Damages Teeth – Or Does it? http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/03/12/herbal-tea-damages-teeth-or-does-it/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/03/12/herbal-tea-damages-teeth-or-does-it/#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:17:38 +0000 mcmilker http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/03/12/herbal-tea-damages-teeth-or-does-it/ tea.jpgA recent article in Science Daily reported that More U.S. Teeth Susceptible To Silent Enamel-Eating Syndrome

      Otherwise known as: “dental erosion”.

      Cavities or not, your teeth could be in more trouble than you know because of a silent and destructive phenomenon called dental erosion. … the incidence of dental erosion, which is the steady loss of the teeth’s protective enamel, is on the rise in the United States.

      One of the culprits: herbal teas.

      Read more of this story »

      ]]>       http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/03/12/herbal-tea-damages-teeth-or-does-it/feed/