Three Tea-Infused Recipes

Tea is packed with antioxidants — about eight to 10 times more than found in most fruits and vegetables, say researchers. Catechins, flavonoids and other powerful antioxidants found in tea can help your body burn more fat, protect against diseases and give you glowing skin. So why just drink it? Boost your benefits with these tea-infused recipes.

Chai Tea Marinade

This marinade works well on chicken, beef, pork – even tofu. And, bonus: tea acts as a tenderizer! The tannins in tea will make your carnivorous protein of choice fall off the bone. You’ll need:

• 1 cup brewed chai tea
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1.5″ fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tsp rice wine vinegar

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over your favorite chai tea (loose-leaf in an infuser or bagged). Add ginger and honey, and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags or infuser and allow tea to cool. Stir in chopped garlic and rice wine vinegar. Pour over your favorite protein and refrigerate for two to four hours.

Mint Tea Vinaigrette

Pour 2 tablespoons of this light and refreshing dressing over your favorite salad – we think a spinach salad topped with fresh grapefruit goes perfectly!

• 1/2 cup brewed herbal mint tea, steeped for 5 minutes
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over your favorite herbal mint tea (loose leaf in an infuser or bagged). Add honey and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags or infuser and allow to cool. Stir in vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper, and mix well. Pour 2 tablespoons over your favorite greens.

Matcha Breakfast Shake

Matcha — ground, concentrated green tea —is widely available at health food stores. Just one teaspoon contains as many fat-burning flavonoids as 10 cups of green tea. And citrus helps the body naturally absorb these flavonoids. Blend together:

• 1/2 peeled navel orange
• 2 peeled mandarin oranges
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 7 oz 100% orange juice
• 1 tsp matcha green tea
• 1 scoop whey protein powder
• 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• Ice cubes