The health benefits of tea are ancient, widespread and well-publicized. From fighting cancer, to lowering cholesterol, fighting allergies to lowering blood pressure not to mention slowing the aging process! By far the most publicized of all tea’s health benefits is its role as a cancer fighter, due to its anti-oxidant content. White and Green teas contain the highest levels of anti-oxidants, known to fight free radicals that can cause both cancer and heart disease. However the anti-oxidant compounds are also present in varying degrees in Oolongs and black teas. Tea also has well-documented effects in helping to combat the ageing process; from helping to delay lines and wrinkles, to helping reduce inflammation in arthritis sufferers and even improving memory to help prevent Alzheimer’s.
Tea helps in the daily maintenance of fluid balance while administering important vitamins and minerals. Tea contains Carotene, a precursor to vitamin A; Thiamin (vitamin B1); Riboflavin (vitamin B2); Nicotinic acid, Pantothenic acid, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin B6; Folic acid; Manganese, Potassium, and Fluoride.
The Caffeine Question?
In moderation caffeine can be a benefit – stimulating the metabolism, increasing brain function and alertness. The typical cup of coffee has approximately 125-185 milligrams of caffeine. Drinking loose leaf tea you can expect a range of about 45-60 milligrams of caffeine for black teas, 35-45 milligrams for Oolong teas, and 15-20 milligrams for green teas. Please remember that these are typical levels. Depending upon the type of tea and how it is prepared, caffeine levels will vary.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, removing the majority from tea is simple. Decaffeinating our leaf teas can be done easily with minimal effect on flavor and enjoyment. Simply steep the tea for 10-30 seconds in hot water and then pour off the liquid. Then, add hot water and steep in the manner you would normally use to brew a cup of that tea. Up to 80% of the caffeine will be released into the brief infusion, the subsequent infusions will have minimal amounts of caffeine. Comparatively little of the flavor or aroma will be sacrificed.
Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols such as tannins (a nutrient antioxidant) catchins (EGCG which is a powerful antioxidant), and flavenoids, as well as other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C. The antioxidants help your body fight against free radicals, which can mutate cells and make you sick.
Here are just a few known health benefits of drinking green tea:
- Boosts your immune system
- Lowers blood sugar
- Helps prevent cavities and tooth decay
- Slows the aging process
- Helps reduce the risk of cancer
- Lowers cholesterol
- Aids in weight loss by burning calories
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Prevents arthritis
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Reduces the risk of stroke
- Lowers the risk of blood clot
Rooibos
The antioxidants in Rooibos, as well as its vitamin and mineral content, have a significantly beneficial effect on general health. Drinking Rooibos daily will:
- help fight the free radicals that contribute to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
- help decrease cholesterol levels in the blood.
- strengthen veins and lymph vessels, and help relieve tired legs, muscle cramps and various circulatory disorders.
- help protect the liver.
- maintain healthy bones and teeth.
- help improve memory.
- counteract anxiety and aid restful sleep.
- soothe stomach cramps and colic in infants.
- improve appetite.
- regulate bowel movements.
- enhance metabolism.
- help fight allergies.
- support healthy skin and ease numerous skin disease
Rooibos Contains Essential Minerals
The fast-moving pace of modern life depletes our bodies of essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and sodium, as well as trace elements – copper and manganese. Rooibos contains all these minerals, as well as fluoride, vital for healthy bones and teeth.
Rooibos and your skin
A study carried out by Masatoshi Nakano of the Aichi Medical University in Japan established that patients with dermatitis showed a significant decrease in their itching when drinking Rooibos tea. Similarly, acne and psoriasis sufferers showed a marked improvement after drinking the tea.
Rooibos and Ageing
In the same study at Aichi Medical University, Masatoshi Nakano established that, because of its high antioxidant properties, Rooibos tea contributes to longevity by maintaining skin and organ health. He also reported that patients with liver disease and diabetes showed significant improvements after drinking the tea. Remember: brew the tea for 5-10 minutes for optimal antioxidant effect.