Ananda Mahony
NaomiFoods that heal...Tea
September 26th 2006 00:24
Green tea
In more recent times there has been a lot of publicity surrounding the benefits of tea. But in fact, claims date back to as far as 5000 years ago in China.
Tea contains an antioxidant that slows down the growth of cancer cells in the body quite significantly, even after drinking just two or three cups.
Tea also has shown to raise the metabolic rate and speed up fat oxidation, which is beneficial to those trying to lose weight. There is some evidence that drinking tea may help prevent diabetes.
The most popular finding is the way in which tea assists the body's immune fighting function by increasing the level of gamma delta T cells (cells responsible for fighting against infection). Studies were carried out with an equal amount of coffee to tea drinkers over a one month period. Blood taken from the tea drinkers reported an increase of antibacterial protein by five times more than the coffee drinkers.
Other claims attributed to tea:
- Leads to fewer signs of aging.
- Fights against allergies
- Improves memory
- Helps to reduce inflammation.
- Reduces tumours
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Treat rosacea
- May regulate blood pressure
- Protects transplanted livers
People often ask which tea is the most effective and in general it is white tea. Green and black tea are about the same.
It is important to not drink too many cups per dayas some of the ingredients (caffiene and the binding properties of polyphenols), may prevent the absoption of essential vitamins and minerals.
Four cups a day is the maximum suggested intake. the only time you may wish to drink more is if you are suffering from a viral infection and not eating very much. At this time tea consumed alternately with water, may help to fight against the symptoms and speed up recovery( no more then two days).
But don't go crazy!!!
How about putting the kettle on and treating yourself to a refreshing brew?
Resources
www.adagio.com
www.wikipedia.org
image: www.dreamstime.com
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