Defence

Introducing Defence, the immune-supporting blend in our Tea for Good wellness line. 

This Ontario-grown ginseng blend includes ginger, echinacea, and organic lemon peel. A soothing, delicious tea to help you feel your best every day.

100% Natural Ingredients, Blended and Packed in Canada: Ginseng, Echinacea Purpurea, Dried Ginger Pieces, Organic Lemon Pieces.

 ---

Amy's Nutrition Notes: 

Ginseng: 

Ginseng has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments and is a notorious adaptogen known to potentially provide a variety of health benefits. One benefit in particular includes the potential support of the body’s immune function and the treatment of immunity-related disorders.

Ginseng also has been shown in studies to have a promising future for the treatment of fatigue particularly in relation to chronic illness, in addition to psychological stresses like anxiety and depression.

Ginsenosides, the main active components found in ginseng, have been linked to the majority of the biological activity found in the root. Ginsenosides have been shown to have a variety of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects.

Resources:  Panax Ginseng, Adaptogenic effects of Panax Ginseng, Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue, Effects of Ginseng on Stress-Related Depression and Anxiety

Echinacea:

Echinacea has been shown to aid in reducing the duration and severity of cold/flu symptoms in adults if taken at early onset of these symptoms. Moreover, through anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects, echinacea has been shown to support immune function and aid in lowering the risk of recurrence and complications of respiratory tract infections.  It has also been studied with promising results as an adaptogen aiding in the management of stress and anxiety.

Resources: Self-Care for Common Colds, Immune System Effects, Upper Respiratory and Flu Symptoms

Ginger:

Aside from its well-known characteristics of aiding in the reduction of nausea, ginger’s aromatic  component, gingerol, has been shown to be a good component of an anti-inflammatory diet, to support good gastrointestinal function, manage pain, and potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes; in particular, aiding in the promotion of good heart health.

Resource: Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review 

Lemon Peel: 

Citrus peels are high in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, specifically flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to potentially support immune function and decrease inflammation in the body, consequently reducing the overall risk of illness and chronic disease.

Resources: Analysis of Flavonoid Metabolites in Citrus Peels, Flavonoids: An Overview

Meet Our Nutrition Expert, Amy Symington M.Sc.

Amy Symington, M.Sc. is a nutrition professor, researcher and plant-based chef at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. Aside from having a Masters in Applied Human Nutrition with a focus on functional foods and their health benefits, Amy has 20+ years experience in the food industry including in restaurants, cafes, catering, hosting private events and galas and as well as volunteering in community kitchens. Amy is the Culinary Nutrition Program Coordinator at Gilda's Club Greater Toronto (GCGT), a not-for-profit cancer organization, she is the Executive Chef for Humane Society International (HSI) Canada, she volunteers with the Toronto Veg Food Bank (TVFB) as a chef and nutrition consultant and does recipe development and food writing for various publications in Toronto and worldwide. Amy believes in the evidence-based health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets and is the recent author of The Long Table Cookbook: Plant-based recipes for optimal health. She enjoys baking with her kids, cooking, running without her kids and drinking really good tea.