Sound like
your Cup of Tea?
by Suzi van Middelkoop
Tea by the Sea
Time for a "tea change"?
Ever thought about what the humble cup of tea and what it has to offer? Isn't it nice to be able to enjoy a cuppa with a loved one? Or to relax and drink in some well-earned "me time" with your favorite hot beverage? Surely it's even more satisfying knowing that we're doing our bodies a favour, not to mention soothing our spirit. So if you're looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, something to calm your nerves, or to get away from it all for just 10 minutes, there may just be more to tea than meets the leaf.
What's your flavour?
Tea and the art of drinking tea have been around for centuries and for many reasons it's now very much in fashion. With the emergence of "white tea" (not the kind with milk added!), green tea, herbal tea and fruit tea into our worlds of English Breakfast and Earl Gray we venture into a new era of sipping for health and harmony, bringing with it a whole new meaning to having a drink!
Tea is ACE!
Nutrients found in tea are called flavonoids. Flavonoids have an antioxidant function meaning they are able to soak up and deactivate potentially harmful free radicals which damage healthy cells and tissues escalating the aging process. These are formed in the body as a product of radiation, pollution, smoking and other sources. If left to their own devices roaming our bodies, free radical attack can set off chronic health problems, premature aging and strokes.
The most commonly known antioxidants are Vitamins C, E and beta carotene (Vitamin A), found in fruit, vegetables, cereals and some vegetable oils otherwise known as the ACE vitamins. Two cups of true tea are as rich in flavonoids as one serving of vegetables – without the hassle of peeling and cooking them! The antioxidant power in tea is said to be about 100 times greater than that of vitamin C and 20 times greater than that of vitamin E in protecting the body's cells from free radical damage. The best teas to gain the most health benefits are those brewed from loose leaves.
Pure white
Like other teas, white tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but the harvesting process happens before the leaves are fully open, when the buds are still covered by silver coating and when steamed turn white. White tea leaves are harvested in Spring and undergo less processing than green or black tea leaves translating into higher levels of polyphenols – which are cancer fighting antioxidants particularly effective against colon cancer. Believed to also improve general immunity, with antibacterial qualities said to fight off virus and bacteria and the ability to improve dental and gum health due its natural levels of fluoride, it seems like we are definitely on a winner!
Going green
Research about green tea has been extensive and it is known to help reduce the risk of cancer, especially beneficial to smokers as it has been shown to counteract both the onset and development of carcinogenesis. Some studies have shown that green tea blocks the formation of certain tumors as well. Green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke as it inhibits the oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries. It also exhibits similar qualities to aspirin (but works differently) to thin the blood so therefore minimises the threat of heart disease, thrombosis and strokes. Green tea is also said to help lower blood pressure. Clinical trials as well as large population studies have found that regular tea drinkers are up to 44 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack than the general population.
Antioxidant-rich properties help delay the aging process, and may assist in minimising sunburn and even skin cancer. Green tea compounds also found in skin lotions may protect against and reverse sun damage. If only we'd known about this earlier and we'd all be drinking and slathering on green tea by the teapot full! This is really the time to "go green"!
Black the old green but still to be seen
Black tea comes next to green tea in terms of antioxidant properties. The most commonly used and the most popular tea in the West, black tea is actually green tea with its leaves further dried – changing its color and taste. Black tea undergoes full oxidation and fermentation which means the leaves turn black and get their strong, typical tea flavor. Black tea has half the caffeine of one cup of coffee; white and green tea slightly less, while herbal and rooibos teas are caffeine free.
"Tea is beating all scientific expectations as the most potent health beverage ever," says researcher John Weisburger at the American Health Foundation. "The many ways tea can promote health is truly astonishing." Recent studies have revealed that black tea is a potential heart tonic, cancer blocker, fat buster, immune stimulant, arthritis soother, virus fighter and cholesterol detoxifier.
Herby goes bananas
Herbal tea is completely different from other varieties of tea. Not being tea in the true sense, herbal tea is made from dried fresh herbs. Like aromatherapy and herbalism, herbal tea offers drinkers different types of therapeutic qualities. By infusing a teaspoon of these fresh herbs for example, mint, thyme, chamomile, dandelion etc into hot water, their medicinal properties seep into the water giving a cleansing, uplifting, sedative or digestive effects to name just a few. Next time you grab some herbs from the garden for your cooking, remember you may also like to enjoy and benefit from them as a drink.
Reddest red
Rooibos tea is extremely rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids. In fact, it has been found to have the highest level of anti-oxidants including ones not found in other teas. Rooibos tea is completely pure and natural, as it contains no additives, preservatives or colorants. Rooibos tea is recommended for people watching their weight, and great for irritability, headaches, disturbed sleep, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression and hypertension. Rooibos tea is also low in tannin and therefore does not have a negative effect on the absorption of iron and proteins into the body.
Medicine in a pot
Rooibos tea has anti-spasmodic properties, thus relieving stomach cramps and digestive complaints, as well as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation. Furthermore it is suitable for children with colic and is both tasty and refreshing served hot or cold. Rooibos tea also contains calcium, manganese and natural fluoride like white tea which can help developing teeth and bones. It contains zinc and alpha-hydroxy acid, which promotes healthy skin and magnesium which is important to maintain a healthy nervous system.
Rooibos tea also has a soothing effect on the skin, so is ideal in treating itchy skin irritations like eczema, nappy rash and acne when directly applied to the affected area. Rooibos tea is very versatile and appeals to all ages. It's an all day drink which can be used as a pick-me-up in the morning and much better for you than a caffeine loaded cup of coffee, a delicious thirst-quencher during the day, and as a night cap - can help you relax and sleep soundly.
Storm in a teacup
So whether we like our tea black, green, white or red, the evidence is obvious that we should be drinking up! Tea is definitely hot.
Written by Suzi van Middelkoop, Proprietor of Tea by the Sea from various reference sources.
Tea by the Sea is a Specialty Tea House set up in the homestead and gardens of the 1950's Post office and residence in Stanwell Park. It serves 13 specialty teas including green, white and rooibos teas which are also available for purchase.
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