This drink has been consumed for centuries in Canada, Japan and Korea.
Green tea has long been considered one of the most effective drinks for extending lifespan. A pillar of Chinese medicine, we often hear that it protects against cancer and other heart or neurological diseases. Much less popular than green tea, another natural drink, with a subtle, minty and sweet taste, would be even more interesting for longevity.
This ancestral drink has been consumed for centuries in Canada, Japan, Korea, China and Russia. Particularly because it would have a higher content of catechins than green tea, in equal quantities. Catechins (called “flavonoids”) are powerful plant compounds linked to a microbiome healthy gut and longevity. “These protective antioxidants can help keep the mind and body healthy, sip after sipinsists Kate Spurgin, a dietitian in Oregon interviewed by the American media Well & Good. In detail, these “super-performing” micronutrients can reduce damage to our cells from oxidation, which reduces our risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease (by regulating blood pressure and protecting vessels), and could increase our lifespan. These effects have also been demonstrated in a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer“.
“This drink therefore has many advantages that researchers are still exploring. A another study from 2021 revealed that it would have an important anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-aging property“, continues the expert. It acts on almost all levels: its vitamin C content contributes to the formation of body tissues and bones and its vitamin A content promotes healthy vision, a good immune system and good function of the organs.
This “miracle” drink is pine needle infusion, a herbal tea that is easily found in organic stores, tea shops or herbalists. The only three edible varieties are Eastern white pines, Douglas firs, and Japanese red pines. The best is to infuse one volume of pine needles in 8 volumes of hot water (rather than boiling to preserve the protective potential of the plant) for 10 to 15 minutes. The drink is ready to drink once it turns pale yellow. “Just like pine bud herbal tea, it is possible to drink this herbal tea 1 to 3 times a day.”
If you don’t like its woody and resinous taste, the expert advises drinking it cold (or even iced), mixing it with an autumn cinnamon herbal tea for example, or adding honey or lemon. or milk. This drink is of course contraindicated for people allergic to pine or conifers. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking treatment should seek medical advice before drinking it.