TEA & HEALTH

 

All tea has health benefits, but green and white teas are high in antioxidants which protect your body from the ravages of aging, the effects of pollution, neutralize free radical damage to tissues and cells and reduce the risk of certain cancers.  Tea also reduces the risk of heart disease by relaxing blood vessels and inhibiting blood clots which can trigger heart attacks and strokes.  Because the caffeine in tea is slower to be absorbed and lasts longer, tea improves concentration, reaction time and general alertness as well as memory.  Because tea contains both fluoride and phytoestrogens, it increases bone density, reduces the amount of oral plaque and counters bad breath better than mint, parsley or chewing gum.  Tea is a satisfying, calorie-free beverage which increases metabolic rate and reduces the amount of dietary carbohydrates absorbed by the body in addition to contributing to maintaining daily fluids.  In addition, tea may be gargled to help prevent the onset of flu or a teabag can be soaked and placed on an aching tooth for relief.

 

 

Pu’erh tea has some additional health benefits due to its aged processing.  It helps to improve cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol as well as lowering triglycerides.  Because it is lower in tannin, Pu’erh aids the digestion of heavy or fatty foods and prevents ulcers of the stomach, esophagus and small intestine.  It also has thermogenic properties that promote fat oxidation and is often called “slim tea.”

 

 

 

The herbal teas or tisanes from South Africa, Rooibos and Honeybush, also have numerous health benefits in addition to being caffeine free and low in tannin, a substance which affects absorption of iron.  Rooibos has more antioxidants than green or white tea, which eliminate the toxic by-products of natural biological processes that can damage cells and lead to cancer.  Rooibos also contains minerals needed for strong teeth & bones and a healthy nervous system, plus alpha hydroxy acid which promotes a healthy skin.  However, Rooibos contains no oxalic acid responsible for kidney stones.  In addition, Rooibos may be used to relieve skin irritations such as diaper rash, eczema or acne.  High in vitamin C, Honeybush has been used to treat colds and flu for a long time.  It also contains phytoestrogens used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms as well as prevention of certain cancers and reduction of the risk of osteoporosis.  New research shows that a substance, pinitol, in Honeybush may be useful in regulating blood sugar in diabetes.

 

TEA TIDBITS
Tea may be used as a soothing foot soak
and Pu'erh tea cures hangovers!

 

Rooibos can be used as a meat tenderizer
and an isotonic sports drink.

 

 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8