Quick Reference Guide

HEALTH BENEFITS of TEA

One of the main reasons for Teas popularity is because of its possible health benefits! The ‘tea plant’ known as Camellia sinensis is a warm weathered ever-green where all tea is derived from and is believed to have cancer fighting properties. This includes all green tea, black tea and red (oolong) teas.  

Tea is full of antioxidants that are believed to be3 beneficial to your body by helping to promote healthy cholesterol levels, increase metabolism, and improve mental performance. Tea also contains fluoride which benefits your teeth and has bacteria killing properties which helps control bad breath and the formation of plaque. Research shows that freshly brewed teas have more polyphenol antioxidants than instant or bottled teas and more researchers seem to agree that brewed (cold or hot) or caffeinated tea has more antioxidants than instant teas. Today a handful of tea purveyors market and sell their teas according to health needs.  Antioxidants in the tea are water-soluble and should be drunk at different intervals throughout the day.  The best time to drink tea is on an empty stomach; first thing in the morning and/or between meals.  The reason behind this theory is that antioxidants are best absorbed in the absence of food and tea can interfere with the absorption of nutrients; iron in particular.  Green teas are considered by many to be the most healthful and have been believed to help your body deal with stress.  Other possible health benefits believed by the drinking of Green tea are the slowing down and spread of prostate cancer and may lower stomach cancer risk. Studies also indicate that a green tea component could possibly help kill leukemia cells. Green tea and white tea have been believed to help fight colon cancer as well.  Green and oolong teas can possibly reduce risk of hypertension. People in China and Japan consider drinking green tea daily not only necessary but also practical as it is thought to aid digestion. Many Americans today consume green tea as a companion to a diet or weight loss plan. Green tea has about 1/3 the caffeine of black tea so it is a great choice for people who are concerned about caffeine intake. It is commonly said that peppermint tea or ginger tea are suggested for curing upset stomachs and lavender tea is sold to promote drowsiness. A common home remedy from tea is drinking hot tea with honey (honey sticks) to help soothe a sore throat. The combination of the tea with the honey allows a sore throat to heal without having to resort to prescriptions or over the counter medications.