| Three Teas for Your Health
Tea has been used as a health-promoting beverage for
over 5,000 years. Modern research is now confirming tea’s extensive
range of health benefits such as increased metabolism and energy
levels, antioxidant protection, and cardiovascular and cellular
health.* The source of these benefits is the phytonutrient-rich
leaves, which naturally contain many health positive characteristics,
including polyphenols, catechins (especially EGCG - an antioxidant
that is about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E), L-theanine
and caffeine.
Three of the most health-beneficial tea extracts
come from Organic White Tea, Organic Green Tea from
minimally-processed Camellia leaves, and Organic Black Tea derived
from a delicate fermentation process. Here’s the scoop on these three
teas and where you can find them.
White Tea
White tea is made from new growth buds of the
Camellia sinensis plant that are covered with little silver hairs
giving the young leaves a white appearance. These young leaves are
then steamed or fried to preserve the powerful antioxidants from
oxidation and maintain high concentrations of catechins. White tea
involves the least amount of processing.
Sophisticated processing techniques of the Camellia
sinensis plant, which teas are made from, led to green tea, which are
steamed and/or dried, and black teas, which are fermented.
Green Tea
Green tea is made from more mature Camellia sinensis
leaves than white tea. Quality green tea contains high amounts
polyphenols and powerful antioxidant catechins. Of all the
antioxidants known to mankind, some scientists believe the components
of green tea are the most potent.
Black Tea
Black tea is generally stronger in flavor and
retains its flavor for several years. Black tea leaves undergo a
crushing and fermenting process. Because of its durability, black tea
has long been an article of trade. It also contains more caffeine than
white and green teas. In China, black tea is known as red tea, which
is a more accurate description of the color of the liquid.
Liquid or Capsule?
In 2004, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
looked at whether body's absorption of polyphenols is affected by
drinking tea or taking tea extract supplements. The study by
researcher Susanne M. Henning, with the Center for Human Nutrition at
the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los
Angeles examined absorption of liquid green or black tea, and green
tea extract supplements in a group of 30 healthy men and women under
the age of 40. For a week at a time, each person was assigned to
either drinking green tea, drinking black tea, or taking green tea
extract supplements. Even though liquid black and green teas had more
polyphenols to start than the supplements and overall antioxidant
activity over eight hours was low, her study found that green tea
supplements produced the highest levels of antioxidants in the blood
compared with liquid black or green tea.1
* These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1. Green Tea Capsules Loaded With Antioxidants.
December 15, 2004. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
September 7, 2006
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