Did You Know... A cup of tea may contain up to 3 times less
caffeine than a cup of coffee - a release from the U.S. FDA. There is
an impression that tea has more caffeine than coffee. It is true as far
as a pound of loose tea to a pound of ground coffee. But when brewed,
you can brew up to 150-200 cups of tea with a pound of loose tea, but
with a pound of coffee only can make 60-80 cups. So, the per cup
content of caffeine in tea is far less than a cup of coffee. A six
ounce serving of coffee has about 110-140 mg of caffeine, whereas a 6
oz serving of black tea brewed for 3-minutes has only about 36 mg of
caffeine. Green tea is generally thought to contain less caffeine per
cup than black tea, this is only true if it is brewed in the
traditional green tea method because more caffeine is released with
higher water temperature.
Polyphenols - the primary biological active ingredients of (green) tea are powerful antioxidants (catechins). Antioxidants counteract free radicals in the body, which are thought to contribute to cancer.
Essential Oils - they develoduring the production process from the active substances in the leaves and give tea much of its aroma and fragrance.
Vitamins and Nutrients - Vitamin C makes an impressive appearance in green teas. It is stated that 2 small cups of green tea have as much Vitamin C as a large glass of orange juice. Tea is also a good source of manganese, potassium, niacin, folic acid and trace amounts of Vitamins B1, B2 and K.
Summary of Health Benefits of Tea
Cancer - Laboratory studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of tea have an effect against cancer by inhibiting formation of cancer causing substances. This is one of the most important and widely studied areas of the health benefits of tea.
Immunity - Polyphenols have been shown to helincrease the white blood cell count which is responsible for fighting infection. The high vitamin C content found in green tea also contributes, as it is a well studied and accepted use in helping prevent and fight colds.
Cardiovascular - Cardiovascular research suggests that a diet rich in the antioxidants found in tea, is able to prevent heart disease and stroke. The tea constituents have been shown to stimulate the circulatory system, to strengthen the blood vessels and to decrease the cholesterol level in the blood stream.
Digestion - Essential oils and polyphenols aid digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices. Drinking tea during or after a high-cholesterol meal has been shown to lower the increase in the fat content of the blood.
Body Weight - There are indications that certain teas such as Pu-Erh can assist in reducing weight by having an effect on the fats in the blood stream and in the tissues.
Teeth and Bones - Many dentists recommend drinking tea because it is rich in fluorides, a mineral that strengthens both tooth enamel and bones in a fight against osteoporosis. The Polyphenols in tea were shown to affect the bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the formation of plaque.
Germicide and Antibacterial - Some studies indicate that tea acts as a mild germicide. In the digestive tract it helps fight food poisoning and diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. (Did you say that you were going to Bangladesh this year?). Its antibacterial properties inhibit certain throat infections. In China, green tea is being used as a home remedy to disinfect cuts and abrasions and to cure or prevent skin disease and athletes foot.
Mental Activity - Tests have shown that tea drinking improves concentration, alertness and problem-solving ability.
Longevity - The sum of the curative and preventive health benefits of tea tends to indicate a healthier and longer life. Research continues to work at finding more evidence by studying the different tea drinking cultures.
