Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water.
It is widely known that tea, regardless of black tea, green tea or red (oolong) tea contains polyphenols which give tea its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect our body from free radical damage.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of polyphenols. Some studies indeed suggested that tea's polyphenols may reduce risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers if one consumes 4 to 6 cups daily. Other laboratory studies have found that polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels.
Thus tea is a healthy drink to be consumed to many.
As with all things novel, herbal tea, which is making its entry into the supermarkets are considered by many to be a healthy drink owning to its 'herbal' naming.
Black tea, green tea and red tea derive their leaves from a warm-weather evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contains polyphenols. Herbal tea is not derived from this leaf and so does not have this particular health-promoting properties. Indeed, some herbal teas in the market are NOT tea at all. They are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of some plants. The proper term for this type of beverage is "tisane". More info
Recently there has been a study which reveals that tea does have its side effects.However, regular tea drinkers should not be alarmed at the results of the aforementioned study. It is common for researchers to come out with studies to debunk common perceptions of the many advantages of certain healthy foods or healthy practices.
One should live life in moderation, and that will be the best practice.
It is widely known that tea, regardless of black tea, green tea or red (oolong) tea contains polyphenols which give tea its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect our body from free radical damage.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of polyphenols. Some studies indeed suggested that tea's polyphenols may reduce risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers if one consumes 4 to 6 cups daily. Other laboratory studies have found that polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels.
Thus tea is a healthy drink to be consumed to many.
As with all things novel, herbal tea, which is making its entry into the supermarkets are considered by many to be a healthy drink owning to its 'herbal' naming.
Black tea, green tea and red tea derive their leaves from a warm-weather evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contains polyphenols. Herbal tea is not derived from this leaf and so does not have this particular health-promoting properties. Indeed, some herbal teas in the market are NOT tea at all. They are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of some plants. The proper term for this type of beverage is "tisane". More info
Recently there has been a study which reveals that tea does have its side effects.However, regular tea drinkers should not be alarmed at the results of the aforementioned study. It is common for researchers to come out with studies to debunk common perceptions of the many advantages of certain healthy foods or healthy practices.
One should live life in moderation, and that will be the best practice.
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