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Different teas provide different health benefits

Tea leaves are not only a rich source of minerals but also of antioxidants. Tea contains manganese, potassium, zinc and fluorine: beneficial for growth and development, maintaining normal fluid levels and heart rhythms, protein synthesis and wound healing, and protecting teeth and strengthening bones. Most notably, tea contains a specific type of antioxidant called polyphenols.

Tea also contains three antioxidant flavonoids known as thearubigins, catechins and epicatechins, all of which work to combat harmful free radicals which can damage cells. Studies show that virtually all varieties of tea offer some antioxidant protection, but the two blockbusters are green tea and black tea. (Some other popular types are white tea, rooibos, oolong, chamomile and hibiscus., to name just a few.)

Both black and green teas have been linked to significantly decreasing harmful tumor growth, boosting metabolism to aid weight loss, improving skin and bone strength, and even warding off chronic diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Green tea is the most popular brew in Japan and China while black tea is the most popular brew in North America and Europe.

Benefits of green tea
Researchers at the Institute for Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, New York note that both green and black teas originate from the tea plant called camellia sinensi. Lab studies have shown that both black and green teas contain similar amounts of polyphenols that help block damage from tobacco and other environmental toxins. However, studies from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicate that as far as polyphenols go, green tea contains more of an active and specific catechin, known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (or EGCG). The NCI study also links green tea specifically to improved memory and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center found that people who drank three or more cups of green tea daily reduced their total risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additional studies from the University of Maryland note that green tea, and green tea extract, significantly lowered the multiplication rate of cancer cells in the skin, stomach, esophagus, colon, lungs, bladder pancreas, ovaries, and breasts. Their study was conducted on males, and indicated those who drank green tea regularly increased their survival rates by five years as compared to men who didn’t sip green tea. Yet another study on premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer, found that green-tea-drinking of up to five cups daily, slowed the spread of cancer and lowered rates of cancer returning after treatment.




Benefits of black tea
Black tea, on the other hand, while low in concentrations of EGCG, is richer in the polyphenols known as thearubigins and theaflavins. These two polyphenols have been linked to reduced risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. According to the findings in a report from the National Cancer Institute, consuming black tea, and not green tea, significantly reduces the overall risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, black tea contains more caffeine (about 64-112 milligrams per eight ounce cup) than green tea (about 24-39 milligrams per cup). According to research done by WebMD, black tea not only has the most caffeine boost but also has a higher content of a substance called theophylline, which helps accelerate heart rate, boost metabolism, and promote energy. Studies published by the National Institutes of Health note that black tea produces significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad) cholesterol, which aids the overall prevention of cardiovascular disease.

What about decaf tea?
If you’re concerned about caffeine intake, drink decaffeinated tea. Decaf or full caf—it doesn’t affect the flavonoid content—so you get the benefits one way or another! However, if you have an existing condition or are taking prescribed medication, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider as sipping large amounts of green or black tea with caffeine can cause lack of sleep, heart palpitations, irritability, and dizziness.

Remember that antioxidants in any form are beneficial to your health. And when you have your “cuppa” in the morning and/or evening, don’t forget to include Immune+++: It’s full of powerful antioxidants and flavonoids to give your defense system a boost year round!