The wonders attributed to tea just keep multiplying. Green tea is said to boost the immune system, control cholesterol and slow aging. White tea is alleged to be even more powerful. Now, according to Prevention magazine, a study shows that tea made of lemon balm, a member of the mint family, may improve memory and concentration and make you feel calm. At Northumbria University in Newcastle, Great Britain, 20 students took standardized word and picture tests to measure memory and mood. During that time, they took lemon balm in powdered form or a placebo. Those who had taken the highest dose (1,600 milligrams) of lemon balm consistently had higher test scores than the students who had lower doses of the balm or a placebo. They also felt more serene. The magazine recommends tea made with 3 teaspoons of the powder or three tea bags and 2 cups boiling water. Steep for five minutes, strain and sweeten to taste.
Then drink a lot of it.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com).
