Tea time in the Highland Lakes

Sana Vida, a wellness spa and yoga studio at 507 RR 1431 in Marble Falls, offers a variety of high-grade, organic teas at its tea bar inside. Tea is a delicious and healthy alternative for non-coffee drinkers. Staff photo by Brigid Cooley

Tea time in the Highland Lakes

By Brigid Cooley

January 11, 2022

By Brigid Cooley

January 11, 2022

Finding ways to caffeinate can be a struggle for non-coffee drinkers. Luckily, tea alternatives are available at a number of Highland Lakes establishments.

With a vast variety of flavors and preparation styles, tea is a versatile and easily accessible drink with small to big boosts of caffeine.

“Depending on the processing of the tea, the resulting caffeine levels vary,” explained Patti McCormick, founder and CEO of Sana Vida in Marble Falls. “From least caffeine to most caffeine are white tea, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, pu-erh tea, and matcha.”

Sana Vida, 507 RR 1431, is a wellness spa and yoga studio offering guests high-quality and rare teas at its all-organic tea bar. A full tea bar menu as well as hours of operation and other business details are available on its website.

White and green teas are ideal for hydration and soothing physical ailments. On the opposite end of the scale, high-quality Japanese matcha, which is made of tea leaves ground into a fine powder, has the highest caffeine content. It is also high in antioxidants, which are believed to help fight chronic diseases such as cancer.

Most teas also include L-theanine, an amino acid that can reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, and kickstart the brain without causing drowsiness.

Other health benefits include:

increased bone strength

decreased stress levels

reduced chance of developing certain types of cancers and tumors

neutralization of coffee’s acidic qualities if consumed afterward

It is important to note, however, that sugars, syrups, and milks commonly added to enhance flavors negate many of the health benefits found in tea, McCormick said. The healthiest cup consists of organic tea steeped in water with little to no sweeteners added.

Whether drinking tea for its health benefits or flavor, Highland Lakes coffee shops and other businesses have you covered, including: