Health Benefits of Tea

Black, green, white and oolong are all teas that contain antioxidant benefits.  Some say tea has more antioxidants than fruit, however it does have to be tea (from a camellia plant - not herbal).  Herbal teas have benefits as well, but herbal teas are not really tea at all.  They are herbal infusions.  However many herbal teas do provide benefits of their own; they just can’t be put in the same category as tea which provides antioxidant properties.

Here are a few helpful facts about each type of tea:

• Green Tea may protect against cancer especially stomach or colon.  It also benefits the immune system and has also been known to kill natural killer cells.
• Oolong & Black Tea are known to help decrease blood pressure, decrease cholesterol & protect the heart.  Black tea does go through more processing than green tea though, so you will get increased health benefits from green vs black.
• White Tea is considered to be more beneficial since it comes from baby or young tea leaves.  There isn’t any chlorophyll in white tea, however the polyphenols are known to be greater.

Freshly brewed tea is healthier than tea from a bottle, previously brewed or instant.  High quality loose tea is recommended to gain the most health benefits.  I like organic tea from Teavana, Republic of Tea, & Organic India.  There are many websites and health food stores that sell high quality organic loose tea - these three just happen to be my favorite.

All tea does provide antioxidant benefits, however you do want to pay attention to the processing as more processing decreases the health benefits.  Decreased color or lighter color tea means less processing.

Think about all the advantages of drinking a high quality cup of tea at least twice per day.  It is extremely powerful to be drinking antioxidants that are alive and actively benefitting your body.  I am a tea fanatic because I was raised drinking tea, but also because I understand and appreciate all the ways it can benefit the human body.

MAIN BENEFITS OF TEA

Fights Cancer & Heart Disease
Tea contains antioxidant compounds of polyphenols that help the body fight harmful free radicals. It is believed that harmful free radicals can lead to cancer and heart disease. Tea also contains flavonoids that restricts the build-up of cholesterols and help with blood vessel functionality.

Protects Teeth & Strengthens Bones
Polyphenols found in tea may reduce plaque, which lowers your chance of cavity and gum disease. Tea also contains fluoride that helps protect against tooth decay. Fluoride is extracted from the soil by the tea plant. This identified mineral also strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.

Improves Digestion
The polyphenols in tea help with digestion of fatty food by increasing the flow of digestive juices.

Prevents Food Poisoning
The catechins in tea are a powerful sterilizing agent, which kills germs and bacteria. Tea prevents food poisoning by fighting against stomach diseases caused by harmful bacteria.

Makes You Look and Feel Younger
Studies suggested that the high concentration of antioxidants in tea have an anti-aging effect.

Strengthens the Immune System
Vitamin C in green tea helps to treat the flu and the common cold. Moreover, the polyphenols in tea have shown to increase the number of white blood cells in our immune system.

Prevents Dehydration
Tea is a good source of fluid intake that replenishes lost body liquid. Tea is low in calories, and it can be a great thirst quencher.

VITAMINS & MINERALS IN TEA

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):
Thiamin helps to build energy by converting energy from food. It is also needed for growth and reproduction. Furthermore, it promotes better appetite and digestion.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):
Riboflavin is used for maintenance of healthy skin, eyes, and nerves. It also is an essential vitamin for proteins and energy metabolism.

Vitamin B6:
This vitamin helps to release energy from food and enhances the metabolism of proteins. It also helps the red blood cells formation and is an important compound in the regulation of the central nervous system.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):
This vitamin helps to heal wounds and mend fractures. It also fights some common types of virus and bacterial infections.

Vitamin K:
This to helps build bone metabolism and is essential for preventing blood clotting.

Carotene (precursor of vitamin A):
Carotene is converted to vitamin A upon digestion. Vitamin A promotes good eyesight and healthy skin.

Folic Acid:
This acid is essential for the red blood cell formation and gene formation.

Manganese:
It is vital for growth and the body’s development.

Potassium:
It is essential for maintaining normal fluid level and a normal heart rhythm.

Zinc:
Zinc is essential for the development of the reproduction organs and protein synthesis. It also helps in wound healing.

Fluorine:
As you may know, Fluorine protects the teeth and strengthens the bones.

The above does not address all of the wonderful and beneficial herbal teas.  There are so many variations of herbal teas out there now that it is difficult to address each one, however be aware that only green, black, oolong and white teas possess the benefits discussed above.