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~ The Health Benefits of Tea
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In ancient China, tea was
considered an elixir and initially consumed for its perceived
medicinal properties.
Today, more and more scientific evidence contributes to the belief
that tea, indeed, is a healthy beverage. The following provides a summary
of the health benefits associated with tea: |
- Cancer
Prevention– All tea contains flavonoids, which act as
antioxidants that help protect the cells of the body against damage
caused by free radicals. Free radicals form naturally as a result
of chemical reactions during normal cellular activity and
contribute to tissue damage over time. Laboratory and animal studies
have demonstrated that tea flavonoids can block the action of
enzymes that cancers need for growth and can deactivate substances
that promote the growth of cancers. Some (but not all) studies have
shown a connection between drinking tea (especially green tea) and
lower rates of cancer.
- Heart Health– A
number of recent studies suggest that tea may help to decrease the
incidence of heart attack by reducing cholesterol in the blood,
improving the function of blood vessels, and inhibiting
inflammation that contributes to arteriosclerosis.
- Oral Health–
Several studies have suggested that regular tea drinking may reduce
the number of dental cavities, partly as a result of its high
fluoride content. Tea
has also been shown to increase the acid resistance of both tooth
enamel and to help prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the
teeth.
- Bone Health- A
study conducted in Taiwan showed that habitual tea consumption for
more than a decade increased total bone mineral density in both men
and women.
Additionally, a study among older women has linked tea to greater
bone density and a lower risk of hip fractures.
- Gastrointestinal
Health– Long-term tea drinking may flush out bacteria that
aren’t so good for the digestive system and could allow more
helpful bacteria to flourish.
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Tea and Caffeine Chemically, caffeine is a member of the
xanthene family. Caffeine is odorless, has a bitter taste, and is
highly soluble in hot water. Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee,
tea, cocoa, kola nuts and a variety of other plants. In moderation, caffeine has beneficial
effects on the body; it increases alertness, stimulates metabolism,
and contributes to an increase in dopamine levels in the blood,
which improves mood.
A Department of Nutritional
Services™ report provides the following information on
caffeine contents for tea made with loose leaves:
·
Black Tea:
23 – 110 mg ·
Oolong Tea: 12 – 55
mg ·
Green Tea:
8 – 36 mg ·
White Tea:
6 – 25 mg |
For those who are sensitive to
caffeine, we recommend using a little less and brewing your teas
with slightly cooler water for a shorter period of time. Green,
white, and lightly oxidized oolong teas are good choices, as they
tend to benefit from lower water temperatures and shorter steeping
times. Since nearly 80% of the caffeine will be
extracted within 30 seconds of steeping, you can easily remove most
of the caffeine in any tea by following these guidelines:
·
Steep the tea in hot water for 45 seconds. Discard the liquid.
Then, add water to the leaves and brew for the amount of time that
is appropriate for that particular tea. |
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| Tea Time |
1 Riverside Square
Hackensack, NJ 07601-6307
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