It’s easy to be charmed by little girls sitting around a small table wearing fancy hats and serving tea to their dolls. But, as heartwarming as these images are, drinking tea is more than child’s play. For years, respected researchers and institutions have studied the health benefits of teas, attempting to replace old wives tales with hard scientific facts. The findings vary in scope and detail, but one thing is clear: The positives outweigh any negatives.
With the recent increase in tea rooms, tea shops, and an expanded availability in tea offerings, the public has become exposed to a wider choice of teas. Those who drink tea as part of a healthy regime are often aware of the potential benefits, but aren’t sure of the technicalities. And tea novices may feel overwhelmed when selecting from the many varieties of teas being sold today. So what are the basics for tea drinkers?
Tea is mainly produced in four countries – China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka, although there are other locations that support the growth of the delicate Camellia bush. One species of the waist high evergreen bush, the Camellia sinensis, is inherent to China and most tea is derived from this plant. India gleans its tea from the bush called Camellia assamica. The quality of tea is affected by many natural factors including the richness of soil, the frequency of rain, the hours of sunlight, and harshness of the wind. Although there are over 1,500 varieties, all have their origin in four distinct tea groups – Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong and White Tea. The difference between the teas is in the processing. For instance, Black Tea is encouraged to oxidize before it is sold, while White Tea is harvested during the plant’s most tender time, the two weeks that it is budding, and brought to market almost immediately.
What is the key behind tea’s potential for healing? In one word – antioxidants. Simply put, flavonoids contained within each brew are thought to encourage the destruction of free radicals, which negatively affect our body’s healthy blood cells. Diets rich in flavonoids, therefore, provide a platform for the body to fight or discourage the onset of a variety of ailments.
If you’ve ever noticed that you feel more relaxed after drinking tea, it’s because you probably are experiencing actual physical changes. Theanine is an amino acid in tea that is thought to assist the body in producing ‘alpha brain waves’ equal to those found in individuals who practice yoga and meditation. This powerful brain action can settle you by spurring alertness, a sense of calmness and well-being.
As far as hard facts and numbers, the jury is still out as world-wide universities and scientists conduct research on the mysteries behind tea’s healing principles. However, preliminary studies are showing great promise. It appears, for instance, that regular consumption of White Tea allows the body to fight diseases, especially colon cancer. Black Tea may promote heart health by reducing heart attack risk, and although more research is pending, it could possibly direct cholesterol to lower levels and assist in the easing of the work required by blood vessels, ultimately resulting in the lowering of blood pressure. Lately, Green Tea has captured the public’s fascination, causing it to rise in popularity. Again, while studies show differing results, the regular consumption of Green Tea may provide a protection of bone density and correct the breakdown of cartilage. Other encouraging reports seem to indicate that regular Green Tea consumption might assist with a clear memory, particularly among older people, as well as reduce arthritic inflammation. There’s been a lot of chatter recently about Green Tea and weight loss, and although definite answers maybe years away, positive testimonials seem to be flooding the air waves and print media.
So how do you take your tea? If you skip the spot of milk and sugary additives, tea is a remarkably healthy calorie free beverage. A recent study found that milk protein binds to the tea’s antioxidants, shutting off their healing benefits. Each cup of plain tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee. To maintain good health, it’s imperative to drink adequate fluids daily, and calorie free tea adds to your body’s natural hydration. One thing to note, there are no substitutions for the real thing. Products such as tea extracts, capsules, and supplements do not contain the level of antioxidants found in the good old fashioned brewed mug or teacup.
Probably one of the greatest myths surrounding tea is the herbal tea phenomena. In fact, herbal teas do not contain any tea, but are made from a mixture of herbs, fruits and berries. Although these ingredients can provide benefits, they are not the same as those found in tea brewed from the Camellia bush.
Besides the potential for physical gain, perhaps the most under considered aspect of drinking tea is the fact that many share their tea time with family and friends. This camaraderie adds to one’s positive mental attitude as we share a cup a tea with those we love.
