spa therapies
An Essential Guide to Tea And Health By Caroline Russell Ever since Chinese folklore told tales of leaves from an overhanging camellia sinensis plant that fell into Emperor Shennong’s cup of boiling water in 2737 B.C., tea has been known by cultures around the world for its power to soothe, restore, and refresh. Far from being a fictitious promise, tea has been extolled for a myriad of potential health advantages, from reducing heart disease to even improving dental health and aiding weight loss. Tea is undoubtedly an excellent source of nutrition for your health. First things first. Make sure your “tea” is indeed tea. True tea is derived from the camellia sinensis plant and has four main varieties, which are green, black, white, and oolong. Herbal teas are an infusion of a different plant and aren?t, technically, tea. Tea And Your Heart According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the antioxidants found in tea benefit heart health. You can help increase your daily antioxidant intake by drinking tea, widely known to be rich in a particular group of antioxidants called flavonoids. For example, there is about eight times the amount of antioxidant power in three cups of tea than there is in one apple. Research focused on the relationship of black tea consumption and heart health reported decreased incidences of heart attacks. Drinking green tea was linked to lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and higher HDL, which are the good cholesterol levels. It might also help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. Despite popular thinking, green tea does not always have less caffeine than black tea. The amount of caffeine content may vary depending on the plant varietal, processing, and brewing methods. According to research, the caffeine content of green tea ranges from 24 to 40 mg per cup and black tea ranges from 14 to 61 mg per cup. Both green and black tea contain antioxidants that are beneficial for health. Studies have shown that black tea has similar property benefits, as well. In each case oxidation or non-oxidation gives the tea a different set of antioxidant compounds. Tea and Your Teeth The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics stated that in 2010, Japanese researchers reported that at least
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one cup of green tea per day was associated with considerable decreased odds of tooth loss. Other research has stated that tea may lower the pH level of the tooth’s surface, which suppresses the growth of periodontal bacteria. Tea and Your Weight Studies that used tea extracts showed evidence of tea as a weight-loss aid. Though these results may not be directly applicable to brewed tea consumed in normal amounts, as stated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In another study, participants who regularly consumed hot tea had a lower waist circumference and a lower BMI than non-tea drinkers. Scientists speculate that drinking tea regularly lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of diabetes, artery disease, and stroke. It’s also essential to keep in mind that correlation does not always equal causation. Here is a list of additional health benefits according to Time magazine that are linked to tea consumption: •Scientists have found that tea can boost exercise endurance, as the antioxidants found in green tea extract increases the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel, which is responsible for improved muscle endurance. Green tea has also been found to improve bone mineral density and strength. •Although our bodies are designed to fight free radicals on their own, it’s not 100 percent effective. Tea helps to fight free radicals, as it is high in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), another way of saying it aids in destroying free radicals. •Despite the caffeine, tea can hydrate the body. •Drinking tea has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women. •Green tea may act as a backup sunscreen, as it can provide protection from ultraviolet rays. •It may also counteract some of the negative effects of smoking and may even lessen the risk of lung cancer, although this is not a justification to smoke. •Tea could be beneficial to those who have type 2 diabetes. Studies have suggested that compounds in green tea could help diabetics to process sugar better. •Tea might be an efficient agent in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, especially degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. While many factors influence brain health, polyphenols in green
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tea may help maintain the parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory. Although most research on tea is extremely positive, there are some things to keep in mind before embarking on your very own tea tale. Always give your cup of tea several minutes to cool down before taking a sip, because repeatedly drinking hot beverages may put you in risk of esophageal cancer. Also, all tea drinks are not created equally. The tea’s variety, canning, processing, and the way it was brewed might determine our bodies’ access to its positive attributes. •According to Boston’s School of Medicine, black tea reverses the abnormal functioning of blood vessels, which may lead to strokes and other cardiovascular conditions. •As hot brewed beverages can offer relief from asthma, so can black tea. It expands the air passage, thereby allowing patients to breathe more easily. •Black tea can aid digestion, as it is rich in abundant tannins, anti-inflammatory properties, and other chemicals that have a positive and relaxing effect on the digestive system. •Research conducted by the American Heart Association in New Orleans stated that people who consumed three to four cups of black tea a day showed fewer signs of heart problems than those who didn’t consume tea at all. If you needed some extra motivation for getting your kettle on the stove today, there you have it! Pour yourself a cup and bask in the plentiful health benefits of each sip. About Caroline Russell is the executive chairman of BOH Tea. A Malaysian citizen of British ancestry, Caroline was born in Kuala Lumpur. Her involvement with the family business began in1988 when she joined BOH’s marketing department.In 2017, she became the executive chairman.With BOH’s commitment to nurture a sustainable future, Caroline steered strategic collaborations on conservation and educational initiatives with local and regional environmental non-governmental organizations. To date, BOH has partnered with WWF-Malaysia, Malaysian Nature Society, Global Environment Centre, and Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre to drive public awareness on the environment.
