Tea and Your Health

As if the huge variety of exquisite, sensory pleasures that fine tea affords us weren’t enough, the medical community continues to shower praise in the form of reports about the positive effects tea has on health and well being. As you continue reading you will find a brief summary of the more substantiated accounts. Many of the studies were conducted in Japan and China, predominantly green tea-drinking countries, and are therefore based on green tea. Currently there are, however, countless research programs being run in Europe and America to examine the benefits of black tea - so we can expect new results in the near future.

To understand the health benefits of tea, we must look at the properties of teas that are most frequently referred to in the reports:

Polyphenols - the primary biological active ingredients of (green) tea are powerful antioxidants (catechins). Antioxidants counteract free radicals in the body, which are thought to contribute to cancer. 

Essential Oils - they develop during the production process from the active substances in the leaves and give tea much of its aroma and fragrance.

Vitamins and Nutrients - Vitamin C makes an impressive appearance in green teas. It is stated that 2 small cups of green tea have as much Vitamin C as a large glass of orange juice. Tea is also a good source of manganese, potassium, niacin, folic acid and trace amounts of Vitamins B1, B2 and K.  

Summary of Health Benefits of Tea

Cancer - Laboratory studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of tea have an effect against cancer by inhibiting formation of cancer causing substances. This is one of the most important and widely studied areas of the health benefits of tea.

Immunity - Polyphenols have been shown to help increase the white blood cell count which is responsible for fighting infection. The high vitamin C content found in green tea also contributes, as it is a well studied and accepted use in helping prevent and fight colds.

Cardiovascular - Cardiovascular research suggests that a diet rich in the antioxidants found in tea, is able to prevent heart disease and stroke. The tea constituents have been shown to stimulate the circulatory system, to strengthen the blood vessels and to decrease the cholesterol level in the blood stream.

Digestion - Essential oils and polyphenols aid digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices. Drinking tea during or after a high-cholesterol meal has been shown to lower the increase in the fat content of the blood.

Body Weight - There are indications that certain teas such as Pu-Erh can assist in reducing weight by having an effect on the fats in the blood stream and in the tissues.

Teeth and Bones - Many dentists recommend drinking tea because it is rich in fluorides, a mineral that strengthens both tooth enamel and bones in a fight against osteoporosis. The Polyphenols in tea were shown to affect the bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the formation of plaque.

Germicide & Antibacterial - Some studies indicate that tea acts as a mild germicide. In the digestive tract it helps fight food poisoning and diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. (Did you say that you were going to Bangladesh this year?). Its antibacterial properties help to inhibit certain throat infections. In China, green tea is being used as a home remedy to disinfect cuts and abrasions and to cure or prevent skin disease and athletes foot.

Mental Activity - Tests have shown that tea drinking improves concentration, alertness and problem-solving ability.

Longevity - The sum of the curative and preventive health benefits of tea tends to indicate a healthier and longer life. Research continues to work at finding more evidence by studying the different tea drinking cultures.

To a long and healthy life!

Note: We only present these findings from researchers and institutions. We are surrounded here by tea pots and tasting cups, not test tubes and petri dishes. And while researchers work toward resolutions, we will simply continue to enjoy all the pleasures fine tea offers us.

Additional Resources

"Put the kettle on: Tea is steeped in health benefits"
(USAToday.com, 2007)

  "The Proof is in: Drinking Tea is Healthy" 
(Harvard Health Publications, 2005)

"Antioxidants in Green and Black Tea"
(WebMd.com, Diet and Nutrition, 2005)

"Green Tea May Fight Alzheimer's"
(MSN.com, Health, Reuters, Sept. 20 2005)

"Healing Foods Pyramid"
(MSN.com, Digestive Health and Wellness 2005)

"Six Body Benefits of Tea"
(Lifetimetv.com, Health 2005)

"Green Tea May Lower Risk of Lung Cancer"
(Prevention.com, Health 2005)