erised
Rookie Author
Orange County
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Message Posted: May 27, 2006 9:20:25 PM
Well after reading Honolulu Codytreats, I'm convinced that it could lead to health improvement. Teas in general do not make the body have a cortisol response like the caffiene in coffee. So less wear and tear. KMRN
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MstrKink
Champion Author
Winnipeg
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Message Posted: May 27, 2006 2:55:09 PM
I really guess it boils down to what you put in your tea. I usually like the "Blackcurrant" tea, but then again I put some liqueurs in it, so that, I guess is kind of cheating.
But I do know that tea is good for you, probably better than coffee, (event though coffee is proving to be a good drink for you too.)
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praizen42
Champion Author
West Virginia
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Message Posted: May 26, 2006 7:54:07 AM
My great grandmother was from england...she observed "tea time" religiously and daily...she lived to be 103!!!!
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Codytreats
All-Star Author
Honolulu
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Message Posted: Mar 26, 2006 5:12:36 PM
I started in April 2005 drinking tons of GREEN TEA daily (plain without anything added)! I kept reading how HEALTHFUL it is. Supposed to help decrease your chances of digestive cancer by 32%, atherosclerosis by 46%, and lower your risk of a heart attack by 42%! My BP has gone from the high normal range to the low normal range ( I really didn't change anything else).
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Codytreats
All-Star Author
Honolulu
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Message Posted: Mar 26, 2006 5:10:25 PM
I read this in another thread.
"A Cup of Good Health?
Are you reading this over a cup of coffee? Why not try tea? According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the latest news is that this simple, soothing drink may be beneficial to your health.
As legend has it, one day in the year 2737 B.C. a Chinese Emperor was boiling drinking water over an open fire, believing that those who drank boiled water were healthier. Some leaves from a nearby Camellia sinensis plant floated into the pot. The Emperor drank the mixture and declared that it gave one "vigor of body, contentment of mind, and determination of purpose."
According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), tea is the second most common drink in the world, water being the first. Drinking tea is a ritual in Great Britain and many other parts of the world. In America, folk medicine valued tea as a remedy for sore throats and upset stomachs. Now researchers are studying tea for possible use in prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases.
Green, Black, and Oolong Tea
According to the FDA, tea comes in black, green, and oolong varieties, all produced from the leaves of Camilla sinensis, a white-flowered evergreen. All tea leaves are picked, rolled, dried, and heated. The method of processing the tea distinguishes the three types:
* Black tea allows the leaves to ferment and oxidize.
* Green tea is less processed, made by steaming or heating the harvested leaves immediately to prevent fermentation. This process gives green tea higher levels of antioxidants than black tea.
* Oolong tea is fermented only partially – to a point between black and green.
Antioxidants in Tea
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that studies are currently being done on the antioxidants found in tea to determine if they may help to prevent diseases. These antioxidants include:
* Flavonoids. Black and green teas contain similar amounts of flavonoids but they differ in their chemical structure. Flavonoids are also found in certain fruits and vegetables, including apples, onions, and broccoli. Flavonoids may play a protective role in certain conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Flavonoids can prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized and may also have an anti-clotting effect.
* Cathechins. Green tea contains the highest amount of these simple flavonoids. Although tea is consumed in a variety of ways and varies in its chemical makeup, one study showed that steeping green or black tea for about five minutes releases over 80 percent of its catechins. Researchers are currently investigating the therapeutic and preventive use of cathechins against a variety of cancers.
Research Studies
While the research is still preliminary, the NCI reports that studies show some benefit from consuming tea, both green and black, in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. The following are some of the current research studies and findings about the possible health benefits of tea:
* According to a study from the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, drinking at least two cups of tea a day may reduce a person’s chance of dying following a heart attack. Researchers believe flavonoids found in black and green tea may protect the heart by relaxing the blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
* According to the NCI, one study in China, where green tea is a mainstay of the diet, showed interesting results. The study involved over 18,000 men and found regular tea drinkers were about half as likely to develop stomach or esophageal cancer as men who drank little or no tea.
* Other ongoing NCI studies are testing green tea as protection against skin cancer. For example, one study is investigating the protective effects of a pill form of green tea against skin damage. Another study is exploring the use of green tea on the skin to shrink precancerous skin conditions. For more information on green tea research, visit the following web site: http://www.cancer.gov/clinical_trials/.
Although there are a lot of studies about tea consumption, it is still not known whether tea can help combat any diseases.
Tea and Caffeine
While tea may have some health benefits, it is a source of caffeine. Although the American Dietetic Association (ADA) reports no scientific evidence linking moderate caffeine intake to risk of disease, caffeine affects the central nervous system and increases heart rate, possibly causing restlessness, sleeping difficulties, and increased urination. An 8-ounce cup of black or green tea contains 40 milligrams of caffeine and an 8-ounce cup of decaffeinated tea contains 4 milligrams of caffeine. Although a cup of tea contains half the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee, tea-drinkers may decide to consume decaffeinated tea, or regular tea in moderation. Brewing tea for less time reduces the amount of caffeine. The ADA recommends that women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not drink tea in large amounts and should avoid caffeine.
What about Herbal Teas?
Herbal teas are made from leaves of various plants. The FDA requires that an herbal tea must list the name of the plant the product derives from, such as chamomile. Herbal teas, such as apple cinnamon, mint, and ginger zest sound relaxing and inspiring but the health benefits are not known. Most herbal teas are just that – herbs that are used for enjoyment and flavor. Not all herbs are safe and some could cause allergic reactions. Women should talk to their doctors about drinking herbal teas during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist if you are unsure about a certain kind of herbal tea. "
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ram77
Champion Author
College Station
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Message Posted: Mar 24, 2006 9:27:18 PM
white tea is supposed to be better
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Sallycat
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Toronto
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Message Posted: Mar 24, 2006 10:30:55 AM
Green Tea has been proven to prevent some cancers. I have at least 2 cups of green tea a day. With the many specialty flavored green teas available these days I am able to enjoy my tea without getting bored with the same flavor every day.
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westover
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New Jersey
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Message Posted: Mar 15, 2006 6:39:23 PM
Tea is good. Green Tea is better. Without sugar and Milk even better. Ask Japanese and Chinese. They have observed it over centuries.
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BlackGumTree
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Virginia
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Message Posted: Mar 15, 2006 8:39:29 AM
It depends on what kind of tea and what else you consume. You cannot live on only a cup of tea.
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