Tea Research

In September 1998 a group of scientists from around the world met at the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC for an International Symposium on Tea and Human Health, co-sponsored by The American Cancer Society, the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association, the American Health Foundation, and others. Dozens of new studies re-affirmed earlier work done in Europe and Asia that three or more 6 oz. cups of tea a day help fend off cancer, reduce heart disease, fight the negative effects of aging, and promote elimination of dietary fats, among other health benefits.

Polyphenols in Tea

• Experts believe that the health benefits of tea come mainly from polyphenols, natural compounds found in green tea, and black tea at lower levels. Among the polyphenols are water-soluble antioxidants, which have antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. According to the USDA the antioxidant activity of tea is more potent than that found in 22 fruits and vegetables including orange juice, carrots, and broccoli.

• Some polyphenols act as powerful antioxidants, which combat damage from "free radicals" and make DNA more resistant to mutation. This prevents some cancers from forming and inhibits the growth of some tumors already in existence. Green tea shows special promise against cancers of the skin, lymph, mouth, stomach, esophagus, liver, bladder, colon, prostate, and lung.

Tea As An Immune Booster

• Tea may also enhance immune system components including "B" cells, "T" cells, and "killer" cells. Heart Disease and Stroke Studies show that tea can lower fatty deposits in artery walls, decrease blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and reduce the clotting tendency of blood.

Tea As A Cavity Fighter

• Tea inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth associated with plaque formation, is an excellent source of fluoride, and can be used as a mouth rinse.

Bottom Line Health

"Researchers have identified many different antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, and the mineral selenium. Until recently, however, no one knew which antioxidant had the most potent disease-fighting effect. Now one clear winner has emerged. It's epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound that belongs to a family of antioxidants known as polyphenols. EGCG and other polyphenols are constituents of tea -- especially of green tea."

How does tea affect the brain?

“Regular consumption of tea throughout the day has been associated with a more alert state of mind and a more consistent mood. The recent studies of John Fox (professor of neuroscience, biology and psychology at City College of the City University of New York) and others have shown that when people drink L-theanine in combination with caffeine, you see alpha wave patterns in the brain that are associated with improved ability to perform cognitive tasks.”

from:World Tea News, 1/21/09

What is L-Theanine? 

Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea (infusions of Camellia sinensis), and also in the basidiomycete mushroom Boletus badius. In 1950 the Tea laboratory of Kyoto successfully separated theanine from Gyokuro leaf, which has the highest theanine content among all teas. Theanine is related to glutamine, and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Because it can enter the brain, theanine has psychoactive properties. Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, may produce feelings of relaxation and improves cognition and mood when taken in combination with caffeine.

L-theanine may help the body's immune response to infection by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells. The study, published in 2003 by the Brigham and Women's Hospital, included a four-week trial with 11 coffee drinkers and 10 tea drinkers, who consumed 600 milliliters of coffee or black tea daily. Blood sample analysis found that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the tea-drinkers, an indicator of a stronger immune response.

From Wikipedia

Red Tea - The Anti Aging Tea?

It has been found that Red Tea contains a substantial amount of a very special enzyme, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) which is a prime preventer of Free Radical Damage. SOD also has the capability of preventing fats from changing into harmful lipid peroxide. As Red Tea also contains natural antioxidants, which help to remove or neutralize these toxins, there is growing acceptance that Red Tea could assist in countering the aging process and boost the immune system. Red Tea is also rich in Quercetin, the flavonol that has beneficial effects on numerous ailments. It is well known for increasing capillary strength, which aids in circulation, prevents hemorrhaging, and protects against infections.

In the late 1920's, Dr. Nortier, a well-known medical doctor and nature lover, discovered the Red Tea and began to promote its value. Since then, Red Tea has gone from strength to strength and is currently being exported to several countries such as Germany, Switzerland, England, and even Japan, a country renowned for it's almost sacred regard for the art of tea making.

Red Tea is a Tea of Purity

• Red Tea contains no additives, preservatives or colorants. It is completely pure and natural and contains no caffeine.

• Red Tea contains little tannin, a substance that affects the metabolism by decreasing absorption of certain nutrients like iron and protein.
  

• Growing children and especially women require added iron, so the decreased tannin can play an important role in improving the iron level of the diet.

Benefits and Uses of Red Tea

• Red Tea is the ideal drink for people with a busy lifestyle. It can be enjoyed in unlimited quantities throughout the day. It is a great thirst quencher for athletes as iced tea, or mixed with fruit juice. For the diet conscious, who are experiencing the stress of a restricted diet, Red Tea is a soothing drink, without adding calories. Because of its lower tannin content, Red Tea is less bitter than regular tea and can be enjoyed without sugar.
• Red Tea is not just for making drinks. It can also be used in baking and cooking. Red Tea can be used in any recipe. Just replace the liquid content in the recipe with ready made Red Tea. It may be used as base for soups, stews, marinades, and sauces. Red Tea is also a natural meat tenderizer.
• Red Tea helps to relieve stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation, and heartburn. Have a cup of Red Tea before you get ready for bed to ensure a good night's sleep! Red Tea has been found to help with insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches. It contains no caffeine and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. Red Tea helps to give you strong bones and teeth because of its calcium, manganese and fluoride content.
• Red Tea contains alpha hydroxyl acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin. This wonder tea is especially useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, and sunburns, diaper rash and acne.
• Red Tea helps delay the aging process! The aging of our bodies is caused by toxic compounds called free radicals, which are produced as a by-product of normal cell function. These free radicals attack our healthy cells. Over our lifetime this damage contributes to aging and our immune system weakens.

Red Tea for Mothers and Babies

• Many desperate mothers have found that Red Tea relieves colic and stomach cramps in babies, when given in addition to their normal feeding. Some mothers have great faith in Red Tea to alleviate diaper rash. It has a soothing effect when applied to the affected area with every diaper change. Others believe it is useful in the treatment of certain skin irritations or eczema. Mothers will also tell you that this health drink relieves symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and asthma in babies and toddlers.
• Red Tea helps pacify infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems. Simply mix some Red Tea with breast milk or formula. It is 100% natural with no colorants or preservatives. It is a mother's miracle.
• Babies love the natural sweet taste of Red Tea. Red Tea is often given to infants who are prone to colic and stomach cramps as it is considered to have significant antispasmodic properties. Its anti-allergic properties help relieve skin irritations and diaper rash.
  
• Anemia is a common problem during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Red Tea contains low levels of tannin -- the ingredient in other teas that prevents your body from absorbing the iron you need. Red Tea therefore increases iron absorption and also contains iron, potassium and copper - all vital for metabolic functions.

Red Tea For Children

• Red Tea is excellent for hyperactive children and relieves insomnia, as it contains no caffeine. Red Tea is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It can be used as a natural supplement as it contains calcium, magnesium and fluoride, which are essential for the development of strong teeth and bones. The minerals build healthy strong blood vessels, aid digestion and prevent tooth decay.
• Red Tea is also an excellent thirst quencher for school children and can be drunk throughout the day.

 Japanese Research into Red Tea

Perhaps the highest testimony of the benefits of this pure and natural beverage comes from Japan, a society famous for its age-old devotion to the art of tea making. Here, Red Tea has been promoted as a healthy alternative to other cold and warm beverages.

• Japanese scientist Matatoshi Nakano, has discovered that the effect of free radicals - a by-product of normal cell function - in the process of aging and decline of the immune system is limited by the antioxidants in Red Tea. If the product is brewed/boiled for longer than 10 minutes, the antioxidant activity becomes much higher.
• They also found Red Tea to be beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, mellitus, atherosclerosis, allergic diseases, various dermatus diseases, liver diseases and cataracts.

Health Benefits of Red Tea

The enormous health potential of Red Tea is becoming increasingly evident through studies done by The AICHI Medical University, Japan. The Japanese are calling it "Long Life Tea" Studies show Red Tea contains natural anti oxidants, minerals, Vitamin C, alpha-hydroxyl acid, no caffeine, no oxalic acid and very low tannin content. The health properties and healing power of Red Tea are furthermore ascribed to the low tannin content and the variety of minerals it contains.

Ayurveda, "the Science of Life': is a system of holistic healthcare which has evolved through some 4,500 years of time-tested experience in India.   It uses a range of natural methods of health care including meditation, exercise, massage, dietary recommendations, as well as daily and seasonal disciplines.

By combining these methods, a state of physical and psychological well-being is promoted by balancing the mind, body and behaviour in harmony with nature and the surrounding environment.   According to Ayurveda, good health depends on the balanced state of the human body, which consists of five elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Aether (Spirit).

For more information on Ayurvedic Tea, click here