|
|
 |
|
Properties and Uses of Tea
|
|
A refreshing alternative to coffee
There’s a great debate as to which contains more caffeine: coffee or tea? Actually, the answer depends on your perspective. Tealeaves contain twice as much caffeine by weight as coffee beans. However, tea that is consumed as liquid is only half as caffeinated as brewed coffee. This is because coffee is more completely extracted from the grounds than the tea is from the leaves. So drinking tea will provide you with a pick-me-up, but not make you as jittery as coffee or keep you sleepless at night.
Heavy on the benefits, low on the calories
Tea contains antioxidants, which are substances such as certain enzymes, and vitamins C and E, reduce oxidation that causes cell damage due to damaging effects of oxidation. The bioflavonoids (also known as flavanoids) in tea are plant pigments that provide excellent cellular protection for our bodies. Because our bodies can’t produce them, we get them from the foods we eat.
Most varieties are caffeinated but it is possible to find decaffeinated blends. Tea, like water, has no calories.
Anti-inflammatory benefits
Alternative health expert, Dr. Andrew Weil, author of many natural healing books, has said that good quality tea, especially white, green or oolong, are sources of anti-inflammatory compounds (the tannins) and thus a natural pain fighter. But remember, the benefits of tannins are lessoned when tea is consumed with meals.
Dr Weil also recommends green tea instead of coffee as a morning beverage. While he discourages high caffeine consumption, he does make an exception with green tea because of its wonderful cancer fighting properties and other health benefits.
Important: A few cautions:
Tannins, an astringent compound in tea that can help prevent tooth decay by blocking the development of plaque, can also decrease iron absorption into the bloodstream when consumed with meals. Compensate by including iron-rich foods, such as fish, raisins or dried apricots in your meals or snacks.
Tea, like coffee, has a diuretic effect, which increases the kidneys’ output of urine. Excessive urination can upset the body’s fluid and chemical balance by depleting potassium. You can counter this by eating potassium-rich foods like bananas.
Even though caffeinated varieties of tea have less caffeine than coffee, tea can still cause restlessness and insomnia if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Stop plaque in its tracks
Tea contains substances called tannins that account for the distinct sensation tea creates when you taste it. While these pleasant sensations are occurring, the tannins are binding proteins inside your mouth. This incapacitates plaque-forming bacteria, thus keeping your gums and teeth healthy.
Make sure cuts and scrapes stop bleeding
Black tea can help keep blood clots from forming, which can lead to strokes or heart attacks. When you cut yourself or break the skin in any way, your blood will begin to thicken and clot to stop the bleeding. One important substance that allows this to occur is vitamin K. Tea is an excellent source of vitamin K.
Breathe easy
Want to breathe a little easier and more freely? Have a cup of tea. Substances called theophyllines that occur naturally in tea and are medically used as bronchodilators, can help dilate the airways in the lungs. It’s a great aid for people with asthma and other breathing disorders.
Heal infections
Certain food substances have natural antibacterial properties. Tea is one of them. Drinking tea can help destroy bacteria that cause illnesses such as strep throat, or infections from injuries.
Green is the way to go
If you lived in a country where green tea was a daily beverage, you would have a lower risk of developing many different forms of cancer. Tea is one of those beverages that can intercept the cancer process.
Green tealeaves have the antioxidant properties of bioflavinoids and catechins (an antioxidant) that have been linked to protection against cancer. It has been suggested that two to four cups a day can bring all these benefits to you. Black tea and oolong teas also have cancer-fighting bioflavonoids, but green tea has the most.
Chase the blues away
I call them “good mood foods.” Certain foods increase the production of serotonin, a chemical produced in the body that controls mood. Too little serotonin can lead to depression. Drinking tea can help lift spirits by regulating serotonin levels.
Stop diarrhea
Tea can stop diarrhea by draining water away from the intestines and decreasing contractions that push contents through the intestines.
A lift for tired eyes
If a long day has left your eyes tired and strained, lie down with a cool, damp tea bag over your closed eyelids for a few minutes. It will ease your tired muscles and rejuvenate your eyes. It will also reduce puffiness under your eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Post Office
Bingo
Prayer
Feng Shui
Love
Market
Angel
Money Saver
Gift Shoppe
