Noted tea drinker, Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, LD who is also te spokeswoman of the AMA (American Dietetic Association) states that “there doesn’t seem to be a downside to tea.” She goes on to say how much better tea is for you than say coffee, a very popular morning beverage. A major reason for this is how tea is good for your heart, but also because it contains much less caffeine.
It’s also interesting to note that different teas appear to have different health benefits, even though they’re all derived from the same plant, Camellia sinesis. There’s not much more that they have in common though, as they all use different flavonoids. The antioxidants are in the flavonoids, so differentiating can make for drastic changes to healthiness.
In green tea, which is made with steamed leaves, has a high EGCG (an antioxidant). EGCG has been linked to the prevention of swelling of organs, such as the bladder, stomach, lungs and the breasts. EGCG seems to be the healthiest thing ever (hyperbole) because it also helps to burn fat, prevent clogging of the arteries. It also even can help prevent Alzheimer to Parkinson, and even help prevent stroke. It’s a real wonder drink.
The other tea blends aren’t necessarily as healthy. They’re also not as well studied, so it isn’t easy to say. That isn’t to dismiss their unique benefits though. Rather than steaming the leaves, to make black tea, the leaves are fermented. The fermenting process is what gives black tea the highest caffeine content of all the tea blends. It’s also interesting to note that black tea is the basis for most instant teas and flavored teas (think chai). Black tea can also reduce the risk of stroke, but this next bit is the most interesting. Black tea ‘may’ protect lungs from damage caused by cigarette smoke. So if you’re going to smoke, black tea might be a good idea for you.
The other tea blends are even less studied. White tea, being both uncured and unfermented has the strongest anticancer ability – when compared to the other teas. Oolong and Pu-erh teas have shown that they may reduce LDL cholesterol. Herbal teas are even less studied. While some have been done, all that’s been shown is a reduced amount of antioxidants, and scientist are unable to support the claims made by the beverage industry that herbal teas can help you lose weight or keep you from catching the cold. This is not without exception though. Chamomile tea can help prevent nerve and kidney damage. Hibiscus has been shown in one study, that when consumed three times daily, lowers your blood pressure. Instant tea is not included in anything that I’ve said thus far. Most of the time, instant tea will be 99% sugar, 1% tea (hyperbole). So, be sure to check the label to avoid falling into that trap.
Almost as great as it’s health benefits, are its lack of health risks. Literally, with tea, there are only a few potentially unhealthy things. The FDA actually warns against “dietary” teas, and teas that claim to kill pain. The teas that make those claims have often lead to come with harsh negative effects, such as kidney problems, liver problems and bowel problems. Sometimes even death. To keep yourself safe, keep on the lookout for these ingredients: Lobelia, Chaparral, Germander, Willow bark, Ephedra and Comfrey.
Overall, tea is an excellent beverage for any diet. It’s absolutely amazing antioxidant properties, combined with its benign negative effects; make it a must-drink for anyone concerned with their healthiness. Be it by reducing your cholesterol, protecting you from stroke, keeping your liver healthy, or any of the other positive effects that tea boasts, drinking tea will make you live longer.
