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Tea and Health
Chai Tea Benefits
Tea and Cancer
In animal studies of both green and black teas, a molecule found in all teas called a polyphenol appear to be effective in reducing lung, breast, colon and skin cancer risk. Polyphenols may protect DNA in a cell’s genes from damage by blocking carcinogen action and may also limit cell multiplication in cancer cells.
Green Tea and Skin Protection According to research collected by the Tea Council, “A number of animal studies have shown that topical treatment or oral consumption of green tea polyphenols, inhibit chemical carcinogen or ultraviolet radiation induced skin tumors in different animal models.”
Cardiovascular Disease
Recent animal and in-vitro studies suggest that antioxidant polyphenols called flavinoids obtained from
drinking three cups of either green or black tea per day can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and may be
instrumental in
- Prevention of LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation
- Reduction in blood lipids>
- Anti-inflammatory actions
- Improvements in blood vessel functions
- Inhibition of platelet aggregation
Oral Health
Tea is loaded with fluoride, an element that can strengthen tooth enamel. Tea can also reduce plaque that causes gum disease.
Hydration
Recent studies have demonstrated that tea can contribute to an individuals hydration needs when less than 250 – 300 milligrams of caffeine are ingested at one sitting. Since teas contain between 4 – 60 milligrams, it’s a safe bet.
Green versus Black Tea
Early researchers noted that American and Europeans in general died of different things than Asians. Types of cancer and cardiovascular health varied between the populations, which led to research that identified differences in diet between the two groups. Since Asians are predominantly green tea drinkers, the health benefits of green tea were first examined. Black teas were included in later studies. Recent research appears to indicate that the total polyphenol content of either is about equal and benefits from consumption of either green or black tea appears to be about the same.
Caffeine
The consumption of 300 mg per day of caffeine has no adverse effects in most adults. Tea and coffee, per pound, have about the same amount of caffeine with some teas having almost twice as much as coffee. Tea, however, yields about 200 cups compared to about 40 cups for a pound of coffee. The difference in caffeine levels in tea types is due to the steep time. A white tea steeps for only 30 seconds yielding only 4 mg of caffeine per cup while black teas steeping 3 – 5 minutes will yield as little as 25 mg to as much as 110 mg per cup.
Evidence is pretty convincing that a tea diet, a sensible diet that includes tea, is highly effective, affordable and enjoyable.
*Health information gathered from the Tea Council web site and numerous other sources.
Chai Tea Benefits
Chai tea benefits can be attributed to the polyphenol content found in the black tea
base used in chai. In addition, the spices used in chai have numerous health benefits
associated with them, including ancient ayurvedic properties. In addition,
Indonique's authentic Indian Masala Chai can be made traditionally with whole milk
and sugar or with any dairy and sugar substitute.
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