 Studies
Suggest Health Benefits of Tea
Green, black and oolong teas contain
antioxidants called polyphenols. Research
studies indicate that drinking tea may
protect against cancer, heart disease
and stroke. Tea drinkers in the studies
consumed between 1 and 8 cups of tea
a day.
|
| • |
Does it make a difference
if a person chooses black versus green tea?
Although most of the studies have looked
at green tea, black tea has also been studied.
Both contain polyphenols but with different
chemical structures. It is felt that both
types of tea have the same benefits.
|
| • |
Does decaffeinated tea have the same health
benefits?
Decaffeinated tea contains fewer polyphenols,
so it might not have the same health benefits.
Also, instant powdered tea loses polyphenols
in processing, I recommend brewed tea.
|
| • |
Can I take a supplement with green tea
extract instead of drinking tea?
Research has been completed on tea, but
not on tea extracts. There is no evidence
that extracts or pills will have the same
health benefits as drinking tea.
|
| • |
I like herbal tea. Can it be substituted
for green or black tea?
Most herbal teas are a blend of leaves,
flowers and roots from plants, so they are
not real tea; however, some herbal teas
may have other health benefits.
|
| • |
Will drinking tea interfere with iron
absorption?
The flavonoids in tea partially reduce the
absorption of non-heme iron (iron from plant
sources). The negative effect on iron absorption
can be partially counteracted by using lemon,
which is rich in vitamin C, in your tea.
There is no loss of iron absorption from
heme iron (iron from animal sources). |
