This compilation of tea and health information has been taken from scientific studies and articles. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease.
Tea is beating all scientific expectations as the most potent health beverage ever, says researcher John Weisburger at the American Health Foundation. The many ways tea can promote health is truly astonishing.
Researchers around the world have discovered that tea contains powerful chemicals and antioxidants that show great potential in preventing the top 2 major causes of death in the United States heart disease and cancer as well as promoting health throughout the body. Over 500 studies have been preformed on green tea alone, and the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that drinking tea--whether green, black, oolong or white--is good for health and that the more tea you drink, the more your benefits multiply.
Here are just a few of the health benefits gaining evidence through research:
- Tea may reduce the risk of heart disease
- Tea may reduce the risk and growth of cancer
- Tea aids digestion
- Tea improves concentration and reduces fatigue
- Tea fights allergies
- Tea wipes out the germs that cause bad breath
- Tea may improve immune system functioning
- Tea relaxes and revives the body and mind
- Tea prevents cavities and improves overall bone density
- Tea may be helpful in combating arthritis and rheumatism
- Tea may aid in weight-loss
WHAT MAKES TEA SO HEALTHY?
What makes tea so healthy? Researchers are working around the globe trying to answer this very question! Although we do not have all the answers, we do know that tea contains potent antioxidants that are more than 10 times stronger than antioxidant-powerhouses vitamins C and E. Tea is also the only source for a remarkable amino acid called L-Theanine, which is known to reduce anxiety, improve mood and lower blood pressure.
Of course, tea is also healthy for what it does NOT contain. . . which is no fat, sodium, and virtually no calories (around 2 calories per cup). Tea contains several B vitamins that are water soluble and quickly release into the cup as well as riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, manganese, fluoride, carotene, vitamin C, iron, zinc, chlorophyll, and calcium. Drinking 2 cups of tea per day is said to provide the same bone health benefits as 2-3 servings of dairy.
TEA & STRESS RELIEF
You may have noticed that drinking a cup of tea feels nurturing and comforting. This is not your imagination! Scientists have discovered that Theanine, a rare amino acid found exclusively in high-quality tea, has beneficial effects on the body. Theanine is known to promote mental and physical relaxation, improve mood and reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness. This important amino acid directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. It also positively affects neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, in the brain. Scientists believe that Theanine may also increase concentration and memory, combat PMS, and regulate blood pressure.
In a society that spends over 700 million dollars on antidepressants, the stress relief brought by a cup of tea may be much needed!
POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS
Tea contains high levels of specific organic compounds known as polyphenols, which are very potent antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining health by preventing free radicals (unstable molecules) from causing damage to cells which can lead to disease, aging, and cancer. Antioxidants prevent free radicals, the unstable molecules that result from oxidation, from damaging cells.
Researchers have discovered that green tea contains 200 times the antioxidant levels as vitamin E, making it 25 times more effective at neutralizing free radicals. Teas antioxidant capacity may also be 100 times more effective than vitamin C. In fact, tea appears to contain some of the most potent disease-fighting substances found in food.
The American Cancer Society suggests that two thirds of cancers can be prevented by improving diet and stopping unhealthy lifestyle habits. Therefore, adding tea to your daily routine is a simple and pleasurable way to improve your diet. . . and could potentially add years to your life.
HEART
Teas antioxidants may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in several ways: by maintaining artery and vein health, lowering total cholesterol, improving the ration of LDL to HDL cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of blood clots. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and also increases the risk of stroke.
WHICH TEA IS HEALTHIEST?
Although Green and White teas are reported to have higher antioxidant levels than Black Teas, all true teas are rich in antioxidants and health-promoting properties. We encourage customers to select teas based on taste. After all, the tea that is healthiest for you is the one you will drink the most!
Also, different types of tea contain different types of antioxidants, so, just as you wouldn't eat only one kind of vegetable, drinking a variety of teas may provide an increased spectrum of healthy benefits.
