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May 08, 2008

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Historically, tea has been served as a part of various ceremonies and has been used to stay alert during long meditations. A legend in India describes the story of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who tore off his eyelids in frustration at his inability to stay awake during meditation while traveling through China. A tea plant is said to have sprouted from the spot where his eyelids fell, providing him with the ability to stay awake, meditate and reach enlightenment. Turkish traders reportedly introduced tea to Western cultures in the 6th Century.

I personally drink green tea for its antioxidant effects. Antioxidants help protect the body's cells from the damaging effects of molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are produced when the body fights against infections. Although free radicals are needed for the body to produce energy, maintain immunity, transmit nerve signals, produce hormones and contract muscles, they may also contribute to the process of aging. A diet rich in antioxidants has been suggested as a possible anti-aging treatment.

Several studies have explored a possible association between regular consumption of black tea and the risk of cancer. This research has yielded conflicting results, with some studies suggesting benefits and others reporting no effects. Laboratory and animal studies report that components of tea, such as polyphenols, have antioxidant properties and effects against tumors. However, effects in humans remain unclear, and these components may be more common in green tea than in black tea.

Some animal and laboratory research suggests that components of black tea may be carcinogenic, although effects in humans are not clear. Overall, the relationship of black tea consumption and human cancer remains undetermined.

It’s sort of reassuring to know that good old Lipton black tea (orange pekoe?) may have health benefits. I recently learned that it has been studied for the treatment of many health conditions from asthma to mouth cancer. While the jury is still out, studies like this one will likely spur researchers to pursue high-quality trials for these conditions to clarify the relationship between tea and health. I would be curious about two things: 1) How does one differentiate between the effects of caffeine in tea and other components? 2) Does adding anything to tea (milk, lemon, or honey, for example) have an effect on health? I remember a study that found that women on the west coast had improved bone density that was attributed to the milk in their lattes!

Mo - It's interesting you asked that question because some evidence has suggested that adding milk to tea actually negates the cardiovascular benefits of catechins (which are polyphenols). This effect is thought to occur because of the caseins found in milk. You might want to check out Brown et al.'s paper called "AN INVESTIGATION OF THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MILK PROTEINS AND TEA POLYPHENOLS," which was published in 1963, for an overview.

Good distinction - the effects dairy has on black tea and green tea is definitely an area of interest to researchers. In addition to adding milk to tea, the effect of infusion time is also important for extraction of polyphenols. There are several recent studies that have investigated both of these areas, notably: "Effects of infusion time and addition of milk on content and absorption of polyphenols from black tea." (Kyle, 2007); "Addition of milk prevents vascular protective effects of tea." (Pfeuffer, 2007); and "The effect of milk protein on the bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols" (Keogh,2007).

Another area that is of interest is the effect of soy milk on availability and absorption of polyphenols from black or green tea.

I was interested to learn that tea has been studied for its potential effects on asthma. I remember reading in one of those home-remedy books that used to be sold on TV that a natural remedy for an asthma attack was a “steaming cup of coffee.” Research has shown caffeine to improve airflow to the lungs (bronchodilation), but it’s unclear whether the causative agent is the tea or the caffeine.

As a Starbucks addict, I did a little research into my “coffee theory.” What I found is that it is likely the caffeine that has the intended beneficial effect. A recent study at Harvard School of Public Health found that caffeine intake was inversely related to breast cancer among post-menopausal women, meaning as caffeine intake goes up, breast cancers go down. Who would have thought that daily latte could be considered a health food?

I am not so sure if caffeine is beneficial for any condition or for overall health. It's especially important to consider the stress-induced response of caffeine and effects on cortisol and blood sugar levels. Glycosylation of proteins in patients with high blood sugar/diabetes has been linked to a variety of disorders, so caffeine's potentially harmful effects should not be overlooked.

Green tea has been touted as very good for our health, and so I began drinking it a couple of times a day. The only problem is that I didn’t know I was dealing with early stages of reflux, and all caffeine products, including green tea, are a definite no-no with that condition! I’m disappointed, but as soon as I heal the reflux, I intend to get back to drinking the tea.

Great post. I am not so sure if caffeine is beneficial for any condition or for overall health. It's especially important to consider the stress-induced response of caffeine and effects on cortisol and blood sugar levels.
http://www.blossomingleaf.com

There is a another supplement that has many of the same benefits as green tea. Oprah did a feature on it. It's called acai berry. They said it's a really powerful antioxidant. If anybody else is interested, I found a free trial at http://www.acaibodytreats.com

Whoa! this is very informative post. I always drink tea, but I never knew all this information. Hahaha.. I just enjoyed drinking tea. Thanks!

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