Tuesday, February 16, 2016

10 Surprising Benefits Of Earl Grey Tea You Never Knew

I love Earl Grey tea. I enjoy it so much that I even wrote an article on the history of Earl Grey for my blog. I discovered Earl Grey doesn’t just have a unique and tasty flavor (although not everyone would agree with that), it also has a wide range of benefits.

1. Good for Your Teeth
Tea contains very high levels of catechin, an antioxidant that fights oral infections. Fluoride is also a natural component of Earl Grey tea, and it’s also found in tap water. Fluoride is good for your teeth because it protects them from cavities, as well as fighting decay. So if you’re not a fan of city water, Earl Grey can be another natural way to get your daily dose of fluoride.

2. Digestion
Earl Grey tea has been known to improve digestion. It aids in the digestive process and helps relieve painful indigestion, colic and nausea. It is also used to treat intestinal problems such as worms. Because it helps the digestive process, it can also help to keep you regular.

3. Fights Anxiety and Depression
The bergamot in Earl Grey tea has been known to have a calming effect on people, as well as to boost a person’s mood. This is due to bergamot’s natural aromatherapy qualities. In this way Earl Grey is a good natural solution for people suffering from depression, stress and anxiety.

4. Energy
It may not have as much as a kick as coffee, but it does contain enough caffeine to give you a nice little afternoon boost without keeping you up all night.

5. Cancer Prevention
Earl Grey contains high quantities of antioxidants, which help our bodies to fight off free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer. Therefore, drinking the tasty beverage can give you a greater chance of not developing such diseases.

On a slightly less serious note, antioxidants also help your skin to stay healthy and looking young. Again, this is due to fighting free radicals that can damage your skin.

6. Weight Loss
Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular effects of Earl Grey tea is weight loss. This is primarily due to its citrus extract. It’s because of this that many people believe that citrus fruits in general can induce weight loss. It’s thought that calories are either broken down into food for your muscles or released through the natural metabolic process. So instead of cream or sugar, try putting lemon in your future cups of tea instead.

7. Prevention of Heart Disease
Good news everyone! Apparently, drinking three cups of Earl Grey tea daily may help lower your risk for heart disease. A study published in 2012 in Preventative Medicine found that people who drank three cups of black tea daily dramatically lowered their blood triglyceride levels and increased the ‘good cholesterol’ HDL after three months. The participants also had increased levels of antioxidants, which, as we now know, fight against free radicals that damage your cells.

Further research conducted by the University of Cantanzaro in Italy has also yielded positive results. A study of over two hundred patients with high levels of blood fats found that LDL (also know as ‘bad cholesterol) ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) was reduced by 39 per cent after a month of taking Earl Grey extract. It also reduced blood sugars by 22 per cent and raised ‘good’ cholesterol by 41 per cent. The reduction in blood sugar also shows that Earl Grey may be highly beneficial for those suffering with diabetes.

8. Stress Relief
Unlike the effects of coffee, Earl Grey tea relaxes and soothes the body almost instantly. It also has a stress relief effect whilst simultaneously providing the same clarity and focus as coffee. This makes it the perfect alternative for those who don’t want to get overly wired from coffee.

9. Cold Relief
The bergamot found within Earl Grey is said to improve the immune system as well as cure fevers. As such, it’s considered to be a natural cold remedy.

10. It Keeps You Hydrated
And no, not just because you take it with water.

Unlike the dehydrating properties of coffee, tea helps you stay hydrated and maintains the body’s fluid balance because of its high potassium content.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Savannah Memories: A Family Getaway to Remember

 






In 2016, my family and I took a much-needed trip to Savannah, Georgia, and it turned out to be one of those timeless memories you carry in your heart forever. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, right on the riverfront—just steps from the buzz of the Riverwalk. From the moment we checked in, the hotel felt like a retreat within the city. The rooms were comfortable, the amenities plentiful (yes, we peeked into the workout room, even if we didn’t stay long), and the coffee shop downstairs was a hit—especially thanks to the baristas who seemed to know how to make mornings feel magical.

Savannah itself felt like something out of a storybook. We strolled the Riverwalk, stopping at local shops, picking up little treasures and chatting with vendors who made us feel like locals. One of the best parts? We walked at night and felt completely safe—the cobblestone streets and historic buildings glowing under the streetlamps gave everything a soft, charming kind of calm. We even took a riverboat ride, which offered a whole new view of the city and some much-needed fresh air.

But the highlight for me wasn’t the shops or the sightseeing—it was seeing my mother’s big smile as she looked out at the river, surrounded by her daughters and grandson. That moment alone made the trip worth every mile. Spending time with my sisters and nephew, away from the rush of everyday life, reminded me of how grounding and beautiful family time can be.

And yes, we took our time wandering down Market Street, soaking in the rhythm of the city, letting ourselves be tourists and family all at once. Savannah gave us more than a getaway—it gave us togetherness, comfort, and joy in the little things. I’ll never forget it.






































Tuesday, January 5, 2016

History, Nature, and the Perfect Dog Walk in Macon

 


If you’ve never been to the Ocmulgee Mounds in Macon, Georgia, you’re truly missing a hidden gem. This place carries thousands of years of Native history, with ancient earth mounds that you can actually walk up and touch—it's surreal to stand where people once gathered more than a thousand years ago. I always feel a sense of peace out there, surrounded by trees, open skies, and the quiet hum of nature. The trails wind through woodlands and wetlands, and the views from the top of the Great Temple Mound are just beautiful. Best part? It’s one of the best places to take your dog for a walk. My pup absolutely loves it—there’s room to roam, plenty of shade, and we always meet other friendly dog walkers along the way. It's free to visit, and it’s open most days of the year, which makes it a perfect little getaway without having to go far. Whether you're into history, hiking, or just need a peaceful spot to walk your dog, Ocmulgee Mounds is one of my favorite places to unwind.























Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is full of quiet beauty, and one of its most underrated features is the many small bridges that guide you through its winding trails. These wooden footbridges cross over creeks, marshy wetlands, and low-lying forest floors, connecting different parts of the park like stepping stones through time. Some are simple, flat planks while others curve gently over streams, giving you a perfect view of the water below—especially after a good rain.

If you're walking with your dog or taking kids along, the bridges add a fun, interactive element to the journey. And if you enjoy photography or just peaceful moments, standing on one of these bridges while the sun filters through the trees can be incredibly grounding. They're not just practical—they're part of what makes Ocmulgee Mounds such a magical place to explore.


As you walk, especially along the River and Heritage Trails, you’ll notice how these bridges not only help you stay dry, but also invite you to slow down and appreciate the sounds of trickling water, chirping birds, and rustling leaves. They give a kind of rhythm to your walk—crossing from one section of nature to another, almost like moving through chapters of a story.



























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