Mormonism is a faith that abides strictly by dietary and lifestyle choices as prescribed by the Church of Latter-day Saints. Coffee, with its stimulant effects, is considered an unhealthy choice by the church and is often prohibited by Mormon leadership. To combat the temptation of drinking coffee, Mormons have developed healthier alternatives to coffee, such as herbal teas, that offer similar flavor without the unhealthy side-effects.
Herbal teas come in a variety of flavors and can serve as a tasty substitution for coffee. Herbals teas have naturally occurring antioxidants and are caffeine-free, so they are an optimal choice for members of the Mormon faith. Some popular herbals teas for Mormons include chamomile, hibiscus, and rooibos. These herbs carry many health benefits, and can be found in ready-made tea blends sold in stores, or made at home. Other ready-made teas available in stores that are often opted for by Mormons include Tulsi and Nettle teas. Additionally, many Mormons switch out coffee for green tea, due to the lower caffeine content.
Oftentimes, Mormons do not want substitutes for coffee all together, and instead opt for decaf coffee or espresso options. This allows these individuals to still enjoy the flavour of coffee without the unhealthy effects. While decaf coffee is a potential option, most Mormons still feel this to be an unhealthy choice and opt to avoid it all together. The Church of Latter-day Saints generally believe that, when it comes to tea, the less-caffeinated the better. Decaf is not completely off-limits, however, it is seldom opted for over herbal teas.
Some Mormons have chosen to go a step further and opt for brewed grain beverages, such as Roasted Yerba Mate, as an alternative. Before being consumed, Yerba Mate is dried and roasted, so it maintains its flavor and contains numerous antioxidants. Roasted Yerba Mate was often enjoyed as an alternative to coffee in Latin America, and because of its low caffeine levels it is considered an optimal choice for people of all faiths, including Mormons. Other grain beverages, such as roasted barley and chicory, can also be brewed to give a similar effect as coffee, minus the harmful effects of actual coffee.
Mormons look for healthier alternatives to preserved, artificial beverages and additives like coffee. Many Mormons instead choose to create tea blends by mixing malt barley infusion, honeybush, dandelion root, and rooibos. This mix is filled with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, and is also caffeine-free. Mormons also use honey and other sweeteners in their tea to give it a more naturally sweet flavor. All natural spices like cinnamon, ginger, and lemon can also be used for seasoning and added flavor to the teas.
Cultivating Healthier Habits
Mormons commonly drink postum, as it is considered a healthier beverage that replicates the flavor and texture of coffee without any caffeine. Postum is made up of nearly ninety percent wheat bran and it boasts of a natural sweet flavor. It is considered the go-to beverage for Mormons who wish to eliminate any traces of caffeine in their diets. Postum is often served hot or cold with the addition of spices or flavoring.
Mormon faith recommends drinking a variety of healthy and nutrient-dense drinks, such as water, herbal tea and fresh fruit juice. Common fruit juice options include apple, citrus and cranberry juice, as they all contain natural sweetness. Milk, especially chocolate milk, is also consumed as an alternative. While energy drinks are popular among people of all backgrounds, these are frowned upon by the church and not considered a healthy option for Mormons.
It is common for members of the Mormon faith to substitute coffee for a healthier beverage to ensure the beverages align with the guidelines set forth by the church. The Church of Latter-Day Saints specifically encourages members to avoid beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and coffee due to the health risks often associated with them. While Mormons can enjoy coffee, it is not recommended due to its stimulant effects.
Qualtiy vs. Quantity
For those interested in healthy tea, quality is of primary importance. Quality essential-oil-rich teas are fresh and consists of many herbal constituents that give the tea its health benefits. These teas serve as a good, healthy and balanced beverage to replace coffee. Additionally, fresh food, as opposed to canned or processed food, is often preferred among members of the Mormon faith. When it comes to tea, farmers or local stores can provide higher quality, fresher tea blends when compared to grocery-store tea.
In order to achieve the desired taste, some Mormons will search for the highest quality teas available, just as coffee connoisseurs would do for coffee. For example, green tea from Japan is considered the high-grade choice among green tea drinkers, and might be opted for over Chinese green tea. Similarly, white tea and herbal tea is picked and evaluated with “grades” rated by quality. Even within the lowest of grades, quality tea is still preferable, whereas higher grades are sometimes overly expensive.
Depending on the options available and preferences, there are endless varieties of tea that can serve as a much healthier replacement for coffee. Mormons may wish to try a variety of tea blends, as tasting the tea is often a great way to determine if it is a preferred drink.
Supporting Local
When exploring tea-drinking options many Mormons prefer to purchase tea from local stores. Shopping local often supports small business and sustainability, which is important to the Mormon faith. On average, when shopping locally, individuals can use less energy, as large shipping vessels and companies are not required. Additionally, Mormon faith encourages its members to avoid supporting large companies when possible, and instead support other faith members and their businesses, making local purchases a great option.
In addition to purchasing tea through local merchants, Mormons might be interested in preparing teas in their own home. This can be an exciting way to learn more about tea varieties and the science behind blending herbs. It can also be a fun way to craft unique mixtures and be creative with flavors. Additionally, it can be more affordable, as buying dried herbs in bulk can often times be less expensive.
Mormon faith encourages individuals to make healthy choices, and to avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking coffee. This faith promotes conscious choice-making, and the elimination of unhealthy habits from one’s life. To continue living a healthy lifestyle, it is important for members to be aware of the beverages they consume and to choose alternatives that are healthy.
Propogating a Consciousness of Care
In a sense, Mormons are promoting an overall consciousness of care for individuals, as well as for the environment. Call it eco-spirituality, if you will. This consciousness of care extends to a common care of the planet through responsible stewardship of the resources available. This includes respecting the land where the crops are grown and the natural processes of cultivating tea and other crops that are grown.
Mormons have a strong connection to nature and strive to make their lifestyle decisions consistent with their spiritual beliefs. As a part of that connection, members of the faith often extend their respect to the land and the creatures that occupy the planet. This sense of respect for the land can lead to an appreciation for the gift of tea and other herbal beverages, and helps fuel the choices that Mormons make to remain healthy, focused and energized.
Mormon faith also promotes making conscious and responsible lifestyle choices; this includes ethical farming practices and environmentally – friendly methods. To ensure sustainability and a healthy lifestyle, many look for organic tea and herbal tea rather than conventional options. Organic tea is produced with methods that require natural cultivators, unlike conventional tea methods, which involve the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
When purchasing teas, many Mormans choose the organic options, as they contain higher concentrations of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, organic options often result in less water and air pollution, maintain biodiversity, and are GMO-free. Many of these tea options can also help support the local economy and environment, as many of the crops used to make an organic tea blend are grown locally.
Sustainable Practices
Mormonism is a strong proponent for sustainable lifestyle practices and looks to cultivate conscious decision-making when it comes to what goes into one’s body. Mormons create their own tea blends to find a healthier and more sustainable substitute to coffee, but sometimes will purchase ready-made herbal teas from the store. Fair Trade Certified products are often chosen for production and consumption, as this commitment to Fair Trade acknowledges and supports the farmers, workers and land.
As many members of the Church of Latter-day Saints reside in Utah and other western states, it is important to adhere to sustainable practices and to conserve the natural resources in these surroundings. The church also believes that convenience should not take priority over sustainability when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, so tea and other beverages are often homemade and fresh.
Mormons have developed a sense of respect for the earth and strive to reduce the human impact on natural resources. Tea harvesting is no different, and the Church promotes organic farming and various practices to fight climate change. Traditional farming practices and organic tea are often encouraged at the Church of Latter-day Saints, and Mormons are supported in their strive to live a sustainable and ethical lifestyle.
Preserving Cultural Identity
Aside from the health benefits associated with their tea choices, Mormons also enjoy tea as a way to preserve their cultural identity. Tea traditions and tea ceremonies are an important part of many cultures, and Mormons look to both embrace their heritage and enjoy a healthier beverage. Tea ceremonies, for example, are an important part of many cultures, and Mormons may look to embrace their heritage and tradition by continuing such tea rituals.
Mormons particularly love rooibos tea and yerba mate, as they both symbolize a communal tradition that binds the whole community together. As such, tea ceremonies connect individuals and cultures, while offering members of the faith the opportunity to enjoy a healthier hot beverage. Tea often serves as a base for spiritual and meditative practices, and it can be used as a way to connect with one another and ground oneself.
Members of the Church of Latter-day Saints often look to create a community, and drinking a tea can be both reflective of this and a way to connect with others. Teas can also be prepared for occasions such as a funeral, a gathering of family members or a church meeting. For example, in a Vietnamese ceremony, green tea is commonly served to honor and thank guests.
Tea is a perfect healthy beverage for Mormons to drink, as it is free of caffeine and other unhealthy additives. Teas, when consumed in moderation, can provide many benefits such as a boost in energy and improvements to the central nervous system. In addition to the many health benefits that come with tea, it can also provide members of the faith an opportunity to honor their cultural heritage and celebrate life as a whole.
