Health Benefits of Tea
Tea was originally used as a medicine in China. Although it is also consumed for relaxation, contemplation, and flavor, there are many studies demonstrating and validating the health benefits of tea.
With each cup of our tea, you are getting more than a soothing and exceptional flavor. Western science is finally catching up to what the Chinese have known for centuries - that tea, white tea especially, offers numerous and significant health benefits. Known for it's powerful disease fighting antioxidants, tea offers an array of other benefits to the body. From a metabolism booster to a wrinkle-fighter, research has shown that tea serves as both an effective health enhancer and an anti-aging ally.
From internal to external, the believed health benefits of tea are far-ranging and could possibly include:
Protection against cancer
Lower cholesterol
Weight loss
Immune system stimulation
Reduced risk of inflammation
Reduced tendency for blood clotting
Help regulate blood sugar
Help regulate insulin levels
Help fight mental fatigue
Delay onset of atherosclerosis
Good for asthma
Possibly help prevent enlarged prostate
Improved sleep quality
The basic differences in appearance, flavor, and heath benefits between white, green, red and black tea come from the difference in how they are naturally processed.
Generally speaking, because white tea is the least processed of all teas, it retains most of the active compounds that benefit health. Green tea is the second least processed, followed by Wu-long, and then red and black teas.
What makes tea so good for you?
Tea contains a number of active compounds, including EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, theanine, theobromine and theophylline, all which offer different benefits in terms of health.
Of great interest to scientists are the catechins (EGCG), which may reduce stroke, heart failure, cancer, and diabetes. Green tea contains approximately 30 percent catechins, and amounts are even higher in white tea. The lowest levels are in black tea.
For more details about how tea benefits health, read on…
Cancer Fighter
White tea is the most abundant in polyphenols. Green tea is the second highest in terms of containing polyphenols; however, wu-long tea and black tea also contain polyphenols. High quality wu-long or black may contain more polyphenols than low quality green.
Polyphenols, which are beneficial as an antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and all-around health promoter, are found in tea. They can help to reduce free radicals, which are known to damage cells and possibly lead to things such as heart disease and cancer.
According to some studies, EGCG in white and green tea are potent against cancer-causing cells and against many different types of cancer, such as colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancers. Flavanoids, which are another type of antioxidant, have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones.
Heart Health
In some studies, EGCG in tea has been shown to relax arteries, thereby improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Some studies suggest that EGCG in tea not only relaxes arteries, it can also help make arteries more elastic. Tea can also work to protect the entire circulatory system as it can thin the blood, which lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol.
Bone Health
Research has shown that people who drink tea on a regular basis have stronger bones with greater bone density as compared to non-drinkers. This lends itself to the belief that tea could prove beneficial to those suffering from osteoporosis and arthritis.
Immunity Booster
Tea's collection of antioxidants can help strengthen your entire immune system, in turn helping you fight off bacterial and viral attackers like the common cold and flu, among others.
Skin Health
Free radicals can damage your skin, causing wrinkles and premature aging. Tea's antioxidant properties can help fight the free radicals, protecting your skin's health and appearance.
Weight Loss
Most people associate wu-long (oolong) and green tea with weight loss. This association remains true, but because white tea is the least processed and therefore retains the most antioxidants and natural compounds, white tea can potentially be more beneficial in helping with weight loss.
How can tea effect weight loss?
First, the polyphenols activate an enzyme responsible for dissolving excess triglycerides in your body, which are an energy source your liver produces as it synthesizes food. Excess triglycerides can create problems because they are typically stored as fat in the body, so in this manner the polyphenols work on the issue at its source.
Second, EGCG in tea has been shown to stimulate metabolism. Combined with the caffeine naturally found in tea, the EGCG stimulates your metabolism, causing fat to be released into the body for fuel. This further burns fat while also creating extra energy.
Caffeine alone can burn fat, but research has shown the addition of EGCG greatly increases the burning of fat. Tea's relatively low caffeine content also provides enough caffeine for the aforementioned benefit without the jittery side effects of excess caffeine.
… And Many More
Tea's ability to increase energy and alleviate stress can help support an active lifestyle that, combined with a healthy overall diet, can help maintain your fitness for the long haul.
PLEASE NOTE: All information presented above is for informational purpose only. This information is generic and not specific medical advice for any individual. You should consult with your doctor or health care provider before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.