 The drinking of tea can easily be traced back into ancient times, as long as 5000 years ago in China. As long as people have been consuming tea, there have been stories of its’ healthful benefits. Tea for Thee Studies that support the health benefits of tea drinking keep filling the headlines. There’s simply no denying that a daily spot of tea does the body good. Even though researchers can’t quite agree on every aspect, facts support that a few cups a day will do their best to protect one from heart disease, stroke, cancer, and more. Remember, all tea comes from the same plant, regardless if it is green, white, black, oolong, or pu-erh. Cancer Fighting: The most definitive component evidenced to date is teas’ level of antioxidants resulting from polyphenols found naturally occuring in the tea leaves. Polyphenols have numerous antioxidant properties that are forceful in attacking free radicals that are present in the human body, if not attacked, they would otherwise cause many diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular. Some laboratory reports have found polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. It has long been known that the Japanese consume large quantities of green tea and have very low rates of cancer. The National Cancer Research Institute in Tokyo also recommends green tea as a form of cancer prevention. Immunity Booster: It does not matter whether you drink green, black, or white; all tea originates from the same plant, camellia sinensis. The tea types change in color from green to black as a result of longer processing times. Green is the least processed with a very high level of antioxidants, yet white has exceedingly high levels due to the leaves being “hand-picked” before the new buds are even open, therefore, limited in scale and minimally processed. White tea is believed to have somewhat higher levels of antioxidants than green tea and also shown to destroy bacteria and organisms that cause disease. Blood cells from tea drinkers responded 5 times faster to germs than did coffee drinkers, according to a study at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA thus improving one’s immune system. Promotes Mental Health: Theanine is an amino acid found in tea that promotes mental relaxation, reducing anxiety without causing drowsiness and improves one’s mood by effecting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters. Dieting: Tea has also been found to reduce blood sugar and the activity of amylase (an enzyme that converts starch to sugar). This is helpful to reduce sugar absorption for dieters. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported green tea extract increased metabolism while also impacting fat oxidation. Tea also serves as a diuretic and scientific research suggests Oolong and Yerba Mate as well as being the most effective for weight loss due to increasing metabolism, while energizing the body, providing minerals, antioxidants and natural herbs. Digestion: Pu-erh tea has historically been used to aid primarily in digestion and sipped as an after meal beverage. Herbal teas containing ginger, cinnamon, fennel and chamomile all offer aid in digestion as well as many others. Rooibos is considered the primary choice for mother’s trying to settle their infant child’s stomach. Potential HIV Therapy: The major component of green tea prevents the binding of HIV to human T cells, the first step in HIV infection, according to a study and an accompanying editorial published in the November 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Green tea is the non-oxidized, unfermented product of the leaves from the evergreen plant, camellia sinensis. It is made up of catechins, the most abundant of which is Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). It is believed that EGCG is responsible for the vast array of presumed health benefits green tea possesses, such as the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Several studies have reported that EGCG may also have a protective effect against HIV infection. Kuzushige Kawai, MD, and colleagues from the University of Tokyo demonstrated in laboratory studies that EGCG blocked the binding of HIV envelope glycoprotein to human CD4 molecules on human T cells. The CD4 molecule acts as a binding target for HIV vesicles and plays an important role in the aggressive infection process. Researchers found that EGCG showed a strong affinity for the CD4 molecule, and by binding them, could effectively prevent the binding of the HIV glycoprotein envelope. These findings open new doors for the clinical application of EGCG as a new anti-HIV drug. Regardless of the exciting research, please do not consider tea to be a protection or prevention for the HIV virus. Although much remains to be learned about all of the healthful benefits of tea, it is clearly an excellent choice of beverage and offers many options for flavor whether you prefer a more traditional tea or one of the many blends. ROOIBOS – Considered “red tea” due to its’ red vibrant color when steeped; Rooibos is from an herbal plant native only to South Africa and not from the camellia sinensis plant. It is believed to have even higher levels of antioxidants than leaves from the tea plant. Inner Body: Compounds in Rooibos strengthens the immune system to fight viral infections including HIV. Flavanoids found in Rooibos assist in anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Rooibos also relieves nervous tension, stomach cramps and digestive problems. Rooibos contains magnesium which supports the nervous system and potassium and copper minerals necessary for many metabolic functions. Rooibos does not contain oxalic acid; therefore, it can be enjoyed by persons suffering with kidney stones. It also benefits circulatory disorders (which is especially important, for your legs and feet!). One more bonus, it strengthens teeth and bones too. Outer Body: Rooibos has many anti-aging antioxidants and assists in destroying free radicals that attack and damage healthy cells. Rooibos also fights asthma and eczema, due to its’ alpha hydroxyl and zinc properties known to maintain healthy and smooth skin. While research advances and studies conclude much of the science behind tea, all tea types will eventually undergo evaluation. But for as much as we know today, tea is one of, if not the most all-natural healthful beverage currently available in many flavors of tradition while also blended for whimsical, flavorful, and aromatic tones. Tea is an experience of serenity and tranquility, utilized for centuries in tea houses and social settings inspiring the body and spirit. |
