Tea is an extraordinary beverage when it comes to your health, with each type offering unique and significant health-promoting properties.
Teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant include green, black, white, and oolong. These teas contain antioxidants known as flavonoids--the most powerful of which is known as ECGC which may help fight against disease-causing free radicals. These teas also contain caffeine and theanine which affect the brain and appear to heighten mental alertness. Additionally, these teas contain varying amounts of polyphenols (which include disease-fighting flavonoids)--the more processed the tea leaves, usually the less polyphenol content. Oolong and black teas are oxidized or fermented, so they have lower concentrations of polyphenols than green tea; but their antioxidizing power is still quite high.Black Tea
- Has the highest caffeine content.
- May protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.
- May reduce the risk of stroke.
- Contributes to fresh breath due to polyphenols stopping plaque from clinging to teeth and inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria.
- Helps stop belly fat before it starts.
- Polysaccharides in black tea have glucose-inhibiting properties which may help prevent diabetes.
- Contains antioxidants that may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.
- May help prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and reduce risk of stroke.
- May help guard against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure.
- May promote dental health by staving off tooth decay (contains cavity-fighting fluoride) and helping to heal gum infections.
- Because it contains astringent tannin compounds, green tea in moderation can ease indigestion, diarrhea, and other forms of stomach upset.
- The antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) present in green tea may help prevent cancer. It sets in motion cell death in cancer cells, not healthy ones. EGCG may well enhance the body's natural antioxidant system as well, encouraging the elimination of damaging oxygen molecules called free radicals. Other preliminary research indicates that green tea can help to combat breast, stomach, and skin cancer. EGCG also appears to protect the heart and arteries from oxidative damage.
- Antioxidants in green tea may prevent and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that consuming approximately four cups of green tea a day can help protect against developing arthritis, and in those who already have arthritis, can help to diminish the inflammation it causes.
- Contains antioxidants that may help lower bad cholesterol.
- Contains polyphenols that help block fat-building enzymes, and so may help with weight loss.
- Appears to have the most potent anticancer properties due to high concentration of polyphenols. Especially effective against colon cancer.
- Contains ECGC, an antioxidant that prevents new fat cells from forming and fights wrinkles.
Herbal and floral teas also have health benefits: Chamomile Tea
- Its antioxidants may help prevent complications from diabetes, like loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage.
- May help stunt the growth of cancer cells.
- Works as an anti-inflammatory agent blocking prostagladins – the chemical messengers that cause a slight swelling in the brain--so effective in fighting headaches.
- Helps combat nausea.
- May help lower blood pressure in people with modestly elevated levels.
- Contains the flavone chrysin which has anti-anxiety benefits. Especially effective for those with obsessive thoughts.
Rooibos (red tea)
- Has flavonoids with cancer-fighting properties.
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The information provided on the WellBaskets.com site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Allergy statements (gluten free, dairy free, etc) are based on statements from individual food manufacturers. Well Baskets LLC assumes no liability for claims made by food companies. Always read labels to check ingredients if severely allergic.