Ask any woman how she likes her java and, more than likely, her eyes will light up as she explains precisely what creates her perfect cup. She knows where she gets it, when she needs it and what she likes dripped or frapped into it. Then she’ll probably ask you to join her for a round.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks daily for a wide variety of reasons. These reasons include energy (that extra boost to start your day), social reasons (all your friends are doing it), general enjoyment (it simply tastes good) and, most recently, for weight control (I’ll get to this one in a moment).

Though women know how they like their jolty drinks, most don’t know how much caffeine is appropriate, what the benefits and risks are, or how much caffeine they are actually drinking.

Moderate caffeine consumption is 200 – 400 milligrams per day, or the equivalent of 2 – 4 cups of coffee. If you aren’t sure how large a cup actually is, pull a standard measuring cup out of your kitchen or visualize two-thirds of a regular soda can. It isn’t all that much. Most coffee shops offer sizes that range from 12 ounces for a small and up to 24 ounces for a large size.

Caffeine in healthy amounts carries few health risks. It can actually enhance memory, alertness and physical relaxation. If you drink tea, even better. Black and green tea offer added benefits such as improved bone density (highly important for women), increased longevity, and lower risk for certain types of cancer.

Excessive caffeine intake may lead to high blood pressure, emotional or physical dependence, mood disorders, insomnia, loss of bone density and even infertility. Add to that the sugar, corn syrup, high-fat milk, heavy cream and other additives that often accompany these liquid feasts and your list of potential side effects elongates…

Caffeine has become a popular weight loss drug as of late, alarming physical and mental health practitioners alike. Body conscious women who choose caffeine, thinking it will boost metabolism or reduce their appetite, are sorely mistaken. Studies show repeatedly that caffeine is not an effective weight loss measure. Substituting meals with a caffeinated beverage can actually increase hunger. It may postpone it temporarily, but as a stimulant, caffeine kicks your bodily functions up, not down. The hunger will hit and probably stronger. What’s more, skipping meals slows the metabolism. If you’re hungry, enjoy a healthy snack or meal.

If you are happy drinking 0 – 3 cups of coffee or tea and are not experiencing negative side effects, you likely have a healthy relationship with caffeine. If a day without it seems unfathomable, you drink more than 4 cups per day or you suffer from a mood disorder, sugar sensitivity, or high blood pressure. It may behoove you to rethink your caffeine drinking practices.

photos by ahmed rabea and akatayama

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Behind water, tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide. Order a cup at just about any café — from a basic black tea with lemon or milk to a fruit-infused tisane — and you’ll find there is a brew to suit just about every taste. In addition to taste, several teas offer medicinal elements which can help soothe physical and mental stress. Some can even counteract the aging process and prevent diseases like cancer.

Here are just a handful of ancient and contemporary teas from the countless variety of tinctures currently available. Some stand alone and can be ordered or bought as described, while others are herbal teas and can be found in loose tea mixtures or added to traditional black or green tea.

Peppermint. Peppermint can be steeped and consumed on its own. The refreshing aroma promotes clear thinking and focus while soothing the digestive system — especially after a meal.

Ginger. Traded for over 4,000 years, this spice is known in many cultures as a preventative medicine against colds, flus and even hangovers.

Pu-erh Tea. This hand harvested tea is from the wild antique tree — some of which are hundreds of years old. It cleans the body of fat and toxins from meat and oily foods while promoting weight loss. It is often blended with ginger or peppermint to enhance the flavor.

Organic Dragonwell Tea. The most famous green tea in China is prized for its cooling and detoxifying powers.

Throat Tamer Tea. Found in many cafes under various names, this is a concoction of black tea combined with rich, sweet licorice root, slippery elm and wild cherry to calm inflammation in the throat and soothe soreness.

Keemun Mao Feng. Known as English Breakfast, this tea was one of the first to arise from the province Anhui in China after the process for making black tea was invented in the 19th century. Prior to that, Anhui only produced green tea. Like most black teas, it is believed to assist in lowering cholesterol and is good for the heart and arteries.

Chamomile. This flowery flavored tea has gained popularity for its potential to relax jittery nerves and help insomnia.

Rooibos. Pronounced “roy-boss” and originating from the mountains of South Africa, this all-natural tea has been recently touted as the next great natural health wonder. It is said to be anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Rooibos also is believed to contain the minerals copper and potassium as well as aid in the absorption of iron. Because it is 100% natural, some researchers insist it is safe for children to soothe colic and can even be added to breast milk.

The health benefits of all different tea types and their herbal counterparts are considered endless. So make time for tea each day and sip your way to a better body.

photo by kevin jaako

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