Tea & Your Health

Since tea was discovered over 5,000 years ago, it has been used for medicinal purpose and has been believed by many to help purify the body and sustain mental equilibrium. Over the past few decades, however, research has begun to show that much of the myth surrounding tea s health benefits may actually be true. The exact extent of teas health benefits are still unknown but scientists do agree that tea contributes positively to a healthy lifestyle and should be incorporated into our daily lives. 

If you are curious about the health benefits of tea, the information below will help you learn about the many benefits of tea.Please use the following links to read more about a specific topic.

Tea is a healthy and complex beverage composed of essential oils, polyphenols, micro-nutrients, enzymes and methylxanthines.Most of the health benefits of tea are derived from falvonoids, a type of polyphenol which contains naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties.It is believed that teas antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, which over time, damage cells, tissues and lipids while contributing to chronic disease.To put it simply, the antioxidants in tea help fight the aging process.With such beneficial properties, its no wonder tea is highly prized and sought after.

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Resent research has been conducted on the role of tea in boosting immune functionScientists have identified an amino acid called, L-thiamine, which boosts the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T-cells, meaning tea helps ward off infection, bacteria, viruses and fungi.

In a recent clinical trial, participants who drank five cups of black tea a day, for two to four weeks, had up to four times more interferon, an important part of the bodys immune defense, than before they started drinking tea. The study suggests that drinking black tea provides the immune system with natural resistance to microbial infections.

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Scientists are beginning to discover that tea falvonoids may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease According to the Tea Council of the USA,Human population studies have found that people who regularly consume three or more cups of Black Tea per day have a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.Clinical studies suggest that the risk reduction associated with Black Tea consumption may be due to improvement in some risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including cholesterol levels, blood vessel function and a reduction in oxidative damage.

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Obesity is a growing problem plaguing the US.As we have evolved as a society, we have ignored our own bodies and nutrition in exchange for fast food and convenience.Fortunately, it doesn t have to be that way.Tea is quick and easy to make and preliminary research suggests, drinking tea may positively affect body weight, fat accumulation and insulin activity.though, not proven, oolong teas seem to be particularly beneficial for weight management.owever, whether you drink black, green or oolong tea, with zero calories, no sugar, a great taste and potential weight management benefits, it seems that you would be silly not to drink tea to benefit your health.

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Research regarding a correlation between tea and a reduced risk of cancer is in the preliminary stages.Although there are no definitive conclusions as of yet, recent findings have shown that tea contains, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin polyphenol which is an extremely powerful anti-oxidant.This is promising because EGCG is known not only to inhibit the growth of cancer cells but it kills the cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.With such promising benefits regarding cancer prevention and treatment, scientists are scrambling to research tea s effects on cancer.

All tea has caffeine in it, no matter how minute the amount may be. Many factors can alter the amount of caffeine in your cup of tea.The first is what type of tea you use.The more processed and oxidized the leaf is, the higher the caffeine content. In general, black tea typically has the most caffeine and white tea has the least.Water temperature and steeping time can also effect the amount of caffeine released into your cup of tea.To release more caffeine, simply steep your tea at a higher temperature and for a longer amount of time.For less caffeine, use a lower temperature and a shorter amount of time. The effect that the caffeine in tea has on your body is much different than that of coffee or most energy drinks.Unlike the immediate rush and peak of an espresso/coffee high which can leave you drowsier than before, the caffeine in tea will gradually build up and plateau to keep you energized long after the effects of coffees caffeine have worn off.The difference between the caffeine in tea and other caffeinated beverages is that caffeine is only one of the three methylxanthines found in tea.The other two are theophylline and theobromine, both of which are respiratory stimulants and smooth muscle relaxants.The combination of the three methylxanthines produces a smooth tea buzz that gives you sustained energy by gradually building up and then plateauing while all the while calming your nerves.In other words, try to think of a tea buzz as energized moment of mental clarity.

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Not only does tea delight your taste buds and leave your mouth feeling utterly satisfied, but research shows drinking tea could be good for your oral health as well. The falvonoids found in tea might inhibit oral bacteria from forming plaque and the natural occurring fluoride in tea may also support healthy tooth enamel.

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Currently, there is no research being conducted on the effects tea has on fighting a hangover. Call it a legend, folklore or myth but tea has been reputed to help after a night of over indulgence. It is thought that tea helps to detoxify your body, clear your mind and help your liver process the excess alcohol in your system. In fact, some believe tea blends containing ginger or ginseng are the best hangover cures and prevention tools. So when youre head is  throbbing and you feel toxic inside, why not try a cup of tea, it can t hurt!

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We at Kokomo Tea think its time to evaluate the way we live and make a conscious change to alter our lives for the better.Small, simple steps like implementing the consumption of tea into your daily routine can have a profound effect on your body, mind and spirit.With all the health benefits tea has to offer, why not give it a try? Wed like you to ask yourself this: If you had the opportunity to choose between something delicious but terrible for you or something delicious that has as many health benefits as tea does, what would you choose?We think the answer is simple  Drink more Tea!