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From FountainofLight.net Health
From Just for Health Summary: Long term tea drinking helps prevent plaque in coronary arteries, fights cancer, strengthens immunity, helps digestion, cuts down on cavities and increases bone mineral density. It's the free radical quenchers in the tea that does this. Green, black and oolong tea are discussed. I'm sure you've been reading a lot about the merits of tea these days. After water, tea (Camellia sinensis) is the most common beverage consumed on a world-wide basis. This might seem strange to us in our coffee and soft drink-addicted country, but it is nevertheless, true. Tea is also getting more popular, with more kinds and brands available all the time. Tea is categorized into three types: Green (non-fermented), oolong (partially fermented) and black (fermented). Tea contains several hundred compounds that may affect the body. Some of the most famous ones are the catechins, antioxidants that block the action of harmful free radicals which can cause cell alteration and harm to almost every tissue in the body. This can manifest on the skin as wrinkles or cause cancer almost anywhere. The most powerful antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea is 200 times stronger than vitamin E, another antioxidant. Green tea is made from fresh young leaves which are steamed after picking to preserve the catechins and then dried. Black tea contains about half the catechins as green tea because it undergoes more processing before the leaves are dried. Here are some of the many benefits of tea: Cardiac: Blocks the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. A four-year study at Harvard Medical School showed that participants who drank 14 cups of green or black tea weekly had a 44% lower death rate after a heart attack than people who did not drink tea. Cancer: Including cancers of the lung, breast and digestive tract. A University of Minnesota study of 35,000 women over 15 years showed those who drank two or more cups of green or black tea daily had a 10% lower risk of developing any cancer than those who seldom drank tea. Better Immunity: A Japanese study showed that tea keeps free radical from weakening the immune system. In a flu virus study, the catechins in green tea extract inhibited the growth of the influenza virus. Digestion: Tea seems to foster the growth of "friendly" bacteria in the gut, thereby helping digestion. Cavities: "Look, ma, no cavities!" Tea blocks the growth of Streptococcus mutans, bacterium associated with dental plaque. (Sure beats a sugary soda pop.) Increased Bone Mineral Density: A new study reported in Herbalgram reported a positive correlation between 10 year habitual tea drinkers and bone density of the lumbar spine and hip regions. The protection was attributed to the floride and flavonoid content in the tea. There was no difference between any of the three types, green, black or oolong. So add this to your osteoporosis prevention regeime. How much tea should I drink? It seems that a few cups a day (4-6) over many years makes the most difference. Therefore, becoming a tea drinker is a lifestyle change, not a fast miracle cure. It could even replace coffee. Drink black, green and oolong. Brew tea for at least 3 minutes to ensure release of antioxidants. Longer steeping brings out more tannins, making it bitter with no added benefit. Iced tea is just as good. What about caffeine? Tea contains very little caffeine compared to coffee. Unless there is a significant effect in blood pressure or general edginess, it should not be harmful, its benefits outweighing the harm. However, there is also non-caffeinated green tea available these days in the super markets. Green and black teas are sometimes combined with other flavors such as orange spice or peach as well. Your local tea aisle has expanded greatly. Check it out. © Fair Use. No Copyright Intended by Fountain of Light |
