What Makes Tea Healthy?

Over 500 studies have been preformed on green tea alone, and the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that drinking tea (white, green or black) is good for your health and the more tea you drink, the more your benefits multiply. Studies indicate 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.

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?

Although researchers are still do not completely understand all of the reasons why tea is so good for you, we do know that (1) tea contains some of the most powerful antioxidants and (2) tea is one of the only sources for an important amino acid called l-theanine.

Another important fact is that tea is also healthy for what it does NOT contain - no fat, sodium, and virtually no calories (around 2 calories per cup). Tea also 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.

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. Oxidative stress on a cellular level can damage DNA and has been linked to the onset of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. 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. Tea's 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.

RARE AMINO ACID

Theanine (or L-theanine) is a rare amino acid found almost exclusively in tea. 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. Theanine also improves mood through its positive effect on neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Scientists believe that theanine may also increase concentration, improve 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!

HEART HEALTH

Tea's 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 ratio 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.