The first of these I would like to futher discuss is White tea. White tea comes from the Camellia Sinenis Plant. White tea is havested from the buds and young tea leaves, shortly before the buds have fully opened. This tea is minimally processed by lightly steaming or sometimes just drying the leaves. For this reason, white tea retains the greatest levels of antioxidants and the lowest levels of caffeine than any other tea from the camellia sinenis plant. It is very effective in ridding the body of free radicals and it is known for its anti-aging and skin protecting properties.
Next on the list is Green tea. Green tea is also made by steaming, rather than fermenting the tea leaves, and because of that it is able to retain the powerful antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, or (EGCG). EGCG has been proven to inhibit cancer cell growth as well as kill active cancer cells without harming any healthy tissue. It is effective in lowering cholestrol levels, reducing the risk of Heart Attacks and strokes. Research also supports that drinking green tea also improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholestrol to bad (LDL) cholestrol. Green tea also contains fluoride helping to prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria that causes plaque.
Oolong tea comes between Green tea and Black tea. Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea and contains the flavor and health benefits of both Green tea and Black tea. One distinct difference is that during the final stage of processing, the leaves are twisted giving them a larger, stringyer appearance than black teas. Some true tea lovers often rave over Oolong partly because is contains qualities of both Black and Green tea. Recent studies done on Oolong tea were most interesting. In comparison, Oolong appeared to increase energy expenditure by 10%, green tea by 4% and water not at all. The conclusion drawn was that you burn more fat when you drink oolong tea versus green tea after a meal. This is mainly due to the higher levels of polyphenols found in oolong tea than those found in green tea. The study also found that oolong tea has half the caffeine of green tea and only half the levels of EGCG, green teas cancer killing compound. Oolong tea still has high number of antioxidants, which help to protect healthy skin cells and slow the aging pocess.
What could then be said of Black tea? Well, for staters regular consumption of black tea reduces the risk of stroke. High levels of antioxidants in Black tea have been found to not only improve artery function, but also to lower the risks of cancers. They have the ability to stop oxidation which damages DNA and turns normal cells into cancer cells. Black tea can also help prevent tooth decay. It contains fluoride and works better than the antibiotic tetracycline. Tea also fights bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease and cavity causing bacteria. Black tea is known for its therapuetic effects on gastric and intestinal illnesses. The longer processing of black tea generates a full bodied, robustier flavor than those of Green tea and Oolong tea. The oxidation that the leaves undergo to make black tea converts the simple flavonoids into more complex varieties called theaflavins and thearubigins.
Last of all we come to Roobios tea. Roobios comes from a shrub in South Africa. It is naturally caffeine free making it an excellent choice for Pregnant and Nursing mothers. Studies have shown that it has anti HIV activity, has the potential to protect the body from tumors and may protect against brain damage. Roobios contains almost no oxalic acid, which makes it good for people prone to kidney stones. Roobios contains the following minerals: fluoride, zinc, copper, potassium, iron, calcium, alphahydroxy, manganese and magnesium. The tea can also be applied to help alleviate the following skin conditions: itchy skin, eczema, acne, diaper rash and sunburns. It contains antioxidants which help to slow the aging process and boost the immune system. Roobios has also been shown to aid in some health issues like irritability, nervous tension, insomnia, headaches and hypertension. More studies have also shown this tea contains antispasmodic agents which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in infants. Since Roobios contains no colors, additives or preservatives it makes and excellent all around good natural beverage.
Looking at the effects and benefits tea has on our bodies, I’ve come to believe it was designed by God for our use. I almost can’t believe how much good comes out of just a couple of plants. It will definetly be our life long drink. Here’s to tea!
time spent in Japan introduced me to their abundance of oolong tea and green tea, to name a few, which is drank at nearly every meal. it’s a great habit to get into!