Gingered Green Tea Soda

Mmmm, a refreshing and bubbly afternoon beverage as the weather heats up…

• 1 cup water
• 2-inch knob frest gingerroot, sliced (1/4 cups)
• 6 green tea bags or 6 tsp loose green tea
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups club soda
• lime wedges

Bring water and gingerroot to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool for one minute; add tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard tea and gingerroot. Whisk sugar into tea until completely dissolved. Pour tea over ice into large pitcher. Stir in club soda. Pour into glasses and garnish with lime.

Green Tea May Prevent Skin Cancer

There are studies that indicate that one of the health benefits of green tea may be to prevent skin cancer in not one but TWO ways! A study in a dermatology journal, May 2009 Journal Club Article: Green Tea Prevents Skin Cancer by Two Mechanisms suggests that green tea can be useful in cancer prevention because:

1. The polyphenols found in green tea can help reduce the inflammation cause by UV rays, lessening the initial damage done to your skin by sun exposure.
2. The polyphenols in green tea can help repair DNA damage done by UV rays, decreasing the chance of those damaged cells resulting in cancer.

This is certainly good news for us green tea drinkers! So, add these two reasons to your list of things to feel good about while enjoying your cup of tea!

Masala Chai Recipe

* 2 cups water

* 4 tsp. black tea
* 1 peice of dried ginger
* 3 crushed cardamon pods
* 3 whole cloves
* 1 cinnamon stick
* milk and sugar to taste

Brew tea and spices for 30-45 seconds, then remove from heat and let steep for another 1-2 minutes. Strain out the tea and spices. Add a touch of milk and sugar and enjoy.