Health
Benefits of Tea
 Tea
is the most commonly consumed beverage in the
world after water. Whether it is black, green
or red (oolong) tea, they all contain polyphenols
which give tea its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants
may help protect our body from free radical
damage. Indeed, tea ranks as high as or higher
than many fruits and vegetables in the ORAC
score, a score which measures antioxidant potential
of plant-based foods.
Benefits of Tea
Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer
properties of polyphenols. Some studies indeed
suggested that tea's polyphenols may reduce
risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers
if one consumes 4 to 6 cups daily. Other laboratory
studies have found that polyphenols help prevent
blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels.
Tea: Black, green or
red?
The more processing tea leaves undergo, the
darker they will turn. Green tea is the least
processed tea. They are simply steamed quickly.
Black and red teas are partially dried, crushed
and fermented. As we have mentioned before,
regardless of the processing method, all teas
contain polyphenols.
Tea: Caffeine content
According to the American Dietetic Association,
a cup of tea contains an average of 40mg of
caffeine, compared to 85mg as found in a cup
of freshly brewed coffee.
What about Herbal Tea?
Black, green and red teas derive their leaves
from a warm-weather evergreen tree known as
Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree
contains polyphenols. Herbal tea is not derived
from this leaf and so does not have this particular
health-promoting properties. Indeed, some herbal
teas in the market are NOT tea at all. They
are only infusions made with herbs, flowers,
roots, spices or other parts of some plants.
The proper term for this type of beverage is
"tisane". Therefore, read the labels
properly. Although tisane does not contain as
much polyphenols, it does promote other various
health qualities such as relaxation and calming
effects.
What about Decaf Tea?
We do not know whether decaf teas have the same
polyphenols, and thus the same health benefits.
It is not yet known if removing caffeine also
removes polyphenols in the decaffeinating process.
Written by Gloria Tsang R.D.
http://www.healthcastle.com/tea.shtml
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