Tea is a very healthy drink, infact it is the most popular and widely drunk energy drink on the planet. Tea drinkers are afforded a multitude of health benefits which range from anti-aging properties through to helping prevent several types of cancers.
In general, teas undergoing the least amount of processing such as white teas contain more antioxidants and less caffeine than any other teas, however regardless of the processing time all types of leaf tea will retain basic and significant level of healthy properties.
Traditional leaf teas are free of calories (where consumed without milk or sugar) and can therefore play an active part in maintaining bodily fluid balance, in addition these teas provide a wide range of additional health promoting properties, including;
|Flouride||Tea contains Flouride which strengthens tooth enamel and can assist with reducing the formation of plaque|
|Polyphenols||Tea contains Polyphenols which are thought to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream and help to prevent the formation of blood clots|
|Antioxidants||Tea contains Antioxidants in varying degrees (primarily in green and white tea but also in black tea in smaller quantities) which may help to reduce the risk of a range of cancers, such as lung, skin and colon cancer|
|Caffeine||Tea contains varying levels of Caffeine, presenting as a mild stimulant which increases the activity of the digestive juices. Caffeine assists the body to stimulate the heart and circulatory system, which inturn aids in keeping the walls of blood vessels soft (reducing the likelihood of atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries)|
|Tannin||This is the origin of astringency in tea. It has been shown that it is the Tannin which fights bacteria and lowers cholesterol|
It has been suggested by medial research that black tea helps the body to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Drinking black tea has also been linked to the poromotion of healthy teeth, skin and bones.
Fruit teas are growing in popularity, they provide a great option for people who are health conscious. They comprise of a sublime mixture of Blossoms, Fruits and Berries, which are blended into delicious creations, served hot or cold. No actual tea leaves are included, so caffeine and tannin are not found in these brews. Ideal as analternative to the caffeine and sugar enriched drinks that dominate the consumer market today.
Drinking green tea provides multiple health benefits. Green tea has the highest concentration of EGCG complex* which is good for the metabolism. Polyphenols are also present in green tea which the body uses in the prevention of cancer and has been known to protect against or decrease the spread of bladder cancer, breast cancer, lung and ovarian cancer to name a few. Antioxidants found in green tea boosts the immune system and helps to regulate blood sugar.
Herbs have been transformed into tea since time began, Many of the worlds diverse cultures soon realised the health benefits that could be found in Natures Herb Garden, and we have refined this practice all throughout the time. Herbal teas contain no caffeine or tannin at all, the reason for this stems from the fact that absolutely no leaf tea is included. Herbal teas are widely used for medicinal purposes or merely as an enjoyable, healthy and refreshing beverage.
Oolong tea is best known for its ability to assist the body to burn fat. Drinking Oolong tea during or directly after a high-cholesterol meal has been shown to lower the intake of fat content in the blood. Oolong tea contains the most tannic acid, which is good for lowering cholesterol.
Rooibos tea is continuing to grow in popularity amongst the health conscious due to the high levels of antioxidants such as Aspalathin and Nothofagin. Rooibos tea is caffeine free and also contains a number of beneficial compunds such as Flavanoids. This beverage has been known to assist with nervous tension, allergies, headaches and digestive problems while providing a boost to the immune.
White tea is great for your health as is it contains the highest levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants aid in the detoxifying of the body and are well known for their role in the fight against cancer and increasing the funtion of the metabolism. White tea has the added benefit of its ability to improve the look and feel of the complexion.
* ECGC Complex = Epigallocatechin gallate. ECGC is one of the 6 types of catechins found in green tea.