Month: March 2018

It looks like hot tea is at it again! Researchers have discovered another reason why enjoying a hot cup of tea is beneficial for your Orlando and Central Florida employees’ health.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology  examined the beverage preferences of 1,600 individuals and their likelihood of developing glaucoma. Researchers found a direct relationship between consuming hot tea daily and a reduced risk of developing glaucoma (compared to those who did not consume hot tea). Drinking at least one cup of hot tea per day decreased the odds of developing glaucoma by 74 percent.

​What is Glaucoma?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is a disease that occurs when unwanted fluid collects in the front part of the eye and damages the optic nerve often causing blindness in those over 60 years of age. Catching it early, however, can reduce its severity.

Researchers know that “tea contains phytochemicals and flavonoids, which have been observed to have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties” and that those antioxidant properties “may play a protective role in glaucoma.” But glaucoma isn’t the only health problem that can be positively impacted by drinking hot tea regularly. Other benefits of consuming hot tea include:

• Lowered LDL or “bad” cholesterol;
• Reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, and death from cardiovascular disease;
• Decreased risk of certain cancers and neurological decline;
• Improved muscle mass and increased bone mineral density, which helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis; and
• Increased exercise endurance, focus, energy levels, and memory.

Consider the positive impact that these benefits could have on your Orlando and Central Florida employees. In addition to improved focus, mental clarity, concentration, and higher energy levels, healthy employees are likely to have increased morale, productivity, and fewer sick days. There is a definitive connection between employee health and a business’ bottom line. When an organization has healthy employees, that organization is likely to have a financial advantage in its industry.

To make sure Orlando and Central Florida employees have access to hot tea as well as coffee and snack options onsite, consider providing coffee service, bottled water, and healthy snacks in your office breakroom. Whether you prefer to use vending machines, pantry service, or a micro-market, The Vending Station can help develop a customized plan that will meet your needs. Contact us at (407) 891.7632 to learn more.

 

Reference

Wu, C.M., Wu, A.M., Tseng, V.L., Yu, F., & Coleman, A.L. (14 December 2017). Frequency of a diagnosis of glaucoma in individuals who consume coffee, tea and/or soft drinks. British Journal of Ophthalmology. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-310924

It’s only March, and 2018 food trends have made their way into the Orlando and Central Florida’s office coffee service. New flavors, unique plant-based ingredients, and eye-catching colors are creating a healthier, tastier, and more visually intriguing experience.

Color

Just as with food, eye-catching color in coffee is being sourced from natural ingredients. For example, charcoal, the key ingredient in goth food such as pizza and ice cream, can be also be used to create goth coffee. But gray isn’t the only new coffee color you’ll find.

Vegetables such as beets and sweet potatoes provide natural red/purple and orange-ish dyes. In fact, pink, green, and purple gourmet coffee has already been seen. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for latte art. A rainbow of colors is used to create beautiful designs in the latte’s foam. It’s beautiful and tastes great.

Healthier Choices

The move toward including plant-based ingredients, alternative sweeteners, and  antioxidant-rich botanicals in one’s coffee is upping the potential for coffee’s health benefits. Chicory, green coffee extract, or moringa is replacing some of the caffeine in coffee creating a beverage that offers a more moderate energy boost. Other trending botanical ingredients include turmeric (an anti-inflammatory), mushrooms, and hibiscus/floral infusions.

Including better-for-you sweeteners such as maple syrup and raw honey in your coffee service not only offers new flavors but also provides alternative sweeteners that offer a variety of health benefits. Maple syrup provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; is low on the Glycemic index; and has anti-inflammatory properties while honey is a natural energy source, cough syrup, and has beneficial antioxidants.

New Flavors

2018 food trends will see new flavors such as cracked pepper, figs, pistachios, and east meets west flavor combinations. In demand flavors to enjoy with coffee or tea are quite different. Orlando and Central Florida consumers are looking for fresh, less processed techniques and flavors when it comes to their coffee service. In other words, coffee should be more nutritious and have a smoother and less bitter taste.

Better-for-you-fats such as coconut oil or grass-fed butter are believed to provide sought after health benefits such as brain function support when mixed with hot coffee. Fresh and less processed also remain at the forefront of new flavors. Nut and seed milks, raw honey, raw cacao, and other natural flavors combined with coffee or tea create a more natural and nutritious beverage.  

Whether your Orlando and Central Florida employees are looking for 2018’s new flavors in their snacks or in their coffee, consider including a micro-market and coffee service in the office break room. It’s quick, easy, and potentially available to your employees at a zero or reduced cost. To add a variety of snack, food, and beverage flavors to your Orlando and Central Florida office break room, call The Vending Station at (407) 891.7632.