Black, green, herbal, Chinese – no matter what your cup of tea, this ancient brew could be the remedy to many of your health problems, including hypertension, heart disease and cancer.
The health benefits of tea have been known since it was created in China more than 5000 years ago. Today tea comes second only to water as the most commonly drunk beverage on earth.
Researchers have found significant evidence that the Chinese, world-renowned for their culture of tea-drinking, have the lowest levels of prostate cancer and heart disease.
Lowers the risk of cancer due to high levels of antioxidants that prevent the oxidation that damages DNA and turns normal cells cancerous
When combined with a diet high in soy, like that of the Chinese, black tea has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, a process in which cancerous tumours grow blood vessels to stay alive
Antioxidants such as flavonoids reduce cholesterol that clogs up your blood vessels and prevents blood from reaching the heart
Flavonoids are linked with the reduction of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol, in the blood
Studies show that 150 milligrams of flavinoids - the amount in an average cup of tea - produced immediate health effects on the heart, while 500 milligrams - or roughly three-and-a-half cups of tea - produced a more sustained effect
Studies show that heart patients who drink four cups of black tea a day for a month have greatly improved blood circulation
Compounds found in black tea leaves fight cavities and can reduce plaque
Downsides?
Tea has half the amount of caffeine than coffee and far less than coke, nevertheless, too much of a good thing CAN cause insomnia and nervousness. Note that out of the three main types of tea, black tea contains the most caffeine.
Extensive research shows that up to 300 milligrams of caffeine (about eight cups of tea) is not a health risk.
Anaemics should avoid excessive tea drinking with meals because the antioxidant properties of tea can reduce an individual's ability to absorb iron.
Too much tea can discolour your teeth
Advertisement
Interesting facts
Most of the tea on our shelves today is black tea, in fact 94% of all tea that is consumed is black.
A study conducted by the American Heart Foundation in New Orleans found that tea drinkers have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. This is because black tea relaxes and expands the arteries thereby increasing blood flow to the heart.
