Drinking tea has always been part of my life. Even as I kid, I had tea with breakfast on most mornings, and when I was sick my mom would make a special tea concoction with honey and lemon. The thought of a nice, hot cup of tea is what gets me out of bed on cold-weather days, which seems to be most of the year here in Northeast Ohio.

I stopped in a charming place called Brielle’s Coffee & Tea Room in Independence a few days ago and spoke with owner Laura Giomini. She said her shop has been in Independence for seventeen years. Giomini has noticed that in the past few years more people are drinking tea in general -- specifically green tea.

According to Harvard Women’s Health Network, both green and black tea offer health benefits, because of their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants in tea are called catechins, which have been shown to help fight disease. Green tea has a higher concentration of catechins with freshly brewed tea having the highest concentration. Drinking green tea is associated with a reduced risk for several types of cancer including skin, breast, lung and bladder cancers. And both black and green teas are associated with a reduced risk for heart disease. 

The University of Maryland Medical Center’s website says that drinking green tea might be helpful for preventing diseases including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis and more. The website also says tea is an age-old, traditional medicine of Eastern cultures used as a stimulant, diuretic, astringent, to promote digestion and more.

I’ve been to places like India and Ireland where drinking tea is an important part of the culture. These countries are also where it's almost a requirement to sit and relax a few times daily with a cup of tea. I think it’s a ritual that surely must promote a bit of healthful, stress relief. 

There are several places in and around Brecksville to sit and enjoy a few minutes with a relaxing and healthful cup of tea, including Simon's Restaurant and Deli, Starbucks, Panera Bread and Brueggers. And for a truly relaxing tea experience, visit Brielle’s in Independence. 

 As for me, I drink tea because I grew up with it. I like the taste, I love the aroma and I find it to be comforting. I like tea even more when I'm having a cup with a friend and because it’s good for the body and the soul.