TEA an antioxidant - A cupful of information

Now let’s be true to ourselves and consent to the fact that most of us cannot start their day without a cup of HOT, STEAMING tea and that no one can resist the nerve stimulating smell of tea that whirls up with steam and makes you feel refreshed.

Now we all know how refreshing ‘CHAI’ (TEA) is at all times but did you all know healthy chai is? It is well known that fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants, however what is less well known is the amount of antioxidants present in tea. Lets together have a sip of a cupful of information on tea…

The Legendary Origin of Tea

The origin of tea began in China. Tea was discovered by the emperor Sheng Nung when dried tealeaves accidently fell into the boiling water and a brown liquid was infused into the water. The emperor drank some of this new liquid and found it very revitalizing. This myth bears such a realistic narrative that many believe it may be related to the actual events.

Difference between green Tea & Black Tea

Green tea and black tea both come from the leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant. The leaves for Black tea are fully oxidised and those for green teas are lightly steamed before being dried.

What is Herbal tea all about?

Technically speaking herbal tea is not really a type of tea, simply because it is not made from leaves from tea plant. Herbal tea is named so only because it is made in a similar fashion as is tea. Herbal teas are made from a wide assortment of plants and herbs.

Your cup of tea contains

Antioxidants: It is well known that fruits and vegetables are fine sources of antioxidants, however what is less well known is the amount of antioxidants present in tea. Antioxidants are one of the key necessities for human nutrition. The major groups of antioxidants in tea are flavonoids. Flavonoids reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancers, cataracts, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, alzheimers and liver diseases. Flavonoids also have a favorable effect in changing intestinal bacterial growth.

Fluorides: Tea provides most of our daily flouride intake.

Vitamins & Minerals: Tea provides a number of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B1, B2, B6, C and potassium.

Other Benefits

Studies have shown green tea has anti-inflammatory, cholesterol lowering, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Based on results mainly from animal studies, many companies are supplementing their skin care products with green tea extracts. Additional research is required before conclusions about green tea and weight loss can be drawn. However, preliminary research suggests extract from green tea may help with weight loss by speeding up fat oxidation. Bleeding can be checked if a tea bag is applied on a wound. The tannin in tea activates the thrombocytes for rapid clotting.

Thus it seems rational to conclude that drinking both green and black tea is compatible with healthy eating dietary advice t help reduce the risk of developing cancer helping to maintain overall health and well-being.