Hi! Just thought I'd share a great article that appeared in the December 1 issue of Bottom Line Personal. The article is the result of an interview with Lester A. Mitscher, PhD, who teaches medicinal chemistry at U. Kansas, Lawrence. He has also written a book (which I am in hot pursuit of) called "The Green Tea Book: China's Fountain of Youth" (Avery publishing).
Quote:
You know that green tea is good for you. But did you know that green and black teas help ward off many types of cancer, fight heart disease and colds, even prevent cavities?
A Chinese emperor first touted the health benefits of green tea more than 4,000 years ago. Here's what the latest scientific research shows...
WHY TEA HELPS
Green and black teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves contain catechins, antioxidants that block the action of free radicals (harmful molecules).
The most powerful catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A study conducted at the University of Shizuoka in Japan showed that the antioxidant power of EGCG in green tea was 200 times stronger than that of Vitamin E, another antioxidant.
Green tea is made from fresh, young leaves, which are steamed right away to preserve catechins and then dried. Black tea contains about half the catechins as green tea because it undergoes more processing before the leaves are dried.
SPECIFIC BENEFITS
The health benefits of catechins in tea include...
- Reducing risk of certain types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, breast and digestive tract. In a University of Minnesota study of more than 35,000 women over eight years, those who drank two or more cups of green or black tea daily had a 10% lower risk of developing any cancer than those who seldom drank tea.
- Reducing heart disease by blocking the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. A four-year study conducted at Harvard Medical School showed that participants who drank 14 cups or more of green or black tea weekly had a 44% lower death rate after a heart attack than people who didn't drink tea.
- Fewer colds and other illnesses. Tea keeps free radicals from undermining the immune system. In a 2002 report, researchers at Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan confirmed reports that catechins in green tea extract inhibit the growth of the influenza virus. Scientists at SUNY Health Science Center, University Hospital in Syracuse, New York, reviewed the literature and concluded that green tea enhances immunity.
- Building bone density. One study of more than 1,000 participants showed that drinking two or more cups of tea a day for at least six years strengthened bone density.
- Preventing cavities by blocking growth of Streptococcus mutans, bacterium associated with dental plaque.
- Aiding digestion by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
HOW MUCH TEA?
Aim for four cups of green tea or six cups of black tea daily. Expensive teas may taste better, but they don't necessarily provide more health benefits.
Brew tea for three minutes to ensure the release of antioxidants. Longer steeping only produces more tannins, which taste bitter.
Iced tea yields the same benefits, but antioxidants degrade with time, so drink the tea soon after brewing.
Tea contains less caffeine than coffee -- up to 30 mg per cup of green tea... up to 90 mg for black, versus 160 mg for brewed coffee. People who are sensitive to caffeine may prefer decaffeinated tea. The process that removes caffeine from tea does not interfere with its health benefits.
Alternative: Try caffeine-free green tea capsules, available at health-food stores. Look for a brand that is organic, free of preservatives and has an expiration date to ensure freshness. The usual dose is two 250-mg capsules daily.
I'm off to pour myself another cup now
-Linda
-----
And I'll have one with you, Linda.
I switched from coffee to green tea a few years ago but drink only one 14oz mug a day........will have to go for a "second cup" after reading this.
Thanks............
Em
-----
That is very interesting information! Maybe I should start drinking green tea. I don't like coffee but drink Diet Pepsi. Maybe I will try to get some tea instead.
Jane
-----
I switched from sodas (even diet ones) to reg sweet tea, and I drink green tea at night. I get a lot more fluids (I hate drinking plain water) than I would sucking down cokes and pepsi. More acids and artifical coloring anyways!
-----
I have to admit I don't quite get the whole "free radicals" thing, but this is some interesting information you have passed along which may spark me to do some additional research. I do drink decafe green tea, I can't imagine how a cafeinated one could impact a body positively, but like Em, I only drink about 1 big mug of it a day (20ozs).
Thanks again for the info!
BSQ
-----
I love my green tea!! Start the morning off with a big cup (decaff of course!) and have one in the evening usually when I'm on the computer at Hystersisters! Surferbabe, thanks for putting the info up on the site...I bet they'll be a whole lot more green tea drinkers by the weekend.
-----
Today I got up and went downstairs and grabbed my Diet Pepsi and drank it. After that I though I should have had green tea. I then fixed a mug of green tea. I had some because my sister in law had bought me some and it was in my pantry. It was good! I put half a packet of sweet and low in it. I made another mug later in the morning with the same tea bag. What is the best brand of green tea to buy? The kind I had was Celestial Seasons Misty Jasmine Green Tea. I am definately going to be drinking it now that the cold weather is here!
Jane
-----
Jane, green tea with Jasmine is my favorite! My #1 choice is The Republic of Tea's Jasmine Jazz... it says "the romancer enhancer" on the label but you couldn't prove it by me, it just tastes and smells delicious! It's a loose tea... I make two pots a day and drink all of it!
For plain green tea, I go to a Japanese grocery store and buy that both loose and in bags. It's wonderful when they get the new crop each year, it has a great fresh aroma.
Time for another cup!
Linda
-----
Thanks for this article, Linda!
As a tea lover, it makes me happy to see evidence that something so enjoyable to me is so good for me!
I grew up drinking black tea, almost daily, but for the last couple of years I've been making pots of half black/half green because I prefer the taste of black. I have come to enjoy green, too, over time, but I still prefer the mixed pot.
Just a suggestion in case any of you ladies out there are like me with a taste preference for black! It's a painless way to get your green.
LInda, I needed this push to be sure I drink enough of it everyday. I must admit tht some mornings I brew the pot, fill my mug & leave the house. I do not always go back to tea when I return.
Your post will make me more committed to doing that!
Thanks again!
-----
Many of you have heard my green tea with ginger remedy for queasy tummies. I probably drink about a pot of this a day. I'd even give up my coffee in the morning for this, except it doesn't taste very good with the "Nutz Over Chocolate" Luna bar I eat for my breakfast!
Thanks, Linda, for taking the time to post this...s
Audrey
-----
xenapw, I, too, prefer the taste of black tea. I got the mix of green and black and I like that better. I am trying to get myself to like just green. I don't think it is strong enough, but reading surferbabe's article makes me want to go out and make myself a cuppa!
Love,
Maggie
(We need some scones!)
-----
I totally agree. I do a green tea w/lemon every morning, a green tea mint decaf for lunch or my black tea (it has a lot of caffeine), and for bedtime a sleepytime green tea. It is very relaxing, plus afterwork while making dinner sometimes I do chammoile to replace my after work wine. I don't drink and found it a great subsitute. I have been doing this for years and don't drink sodas.
-----
I go to local Asian market and buy tea!
I have been using green tea for a few months now. I don't much perfer hot teas but I make a gallon jug of sun tea about twice a week. The sun tea never comes out bitter or cloudy.
If you don't like just plain green you can buy it with all types of different flavors too (usually more expensive). Sometimes I just toss in other flavored teas with the green and it helps in giving it different flavor while still getting the benefits of the catechins. Right now my sister and I are into Chai tea. I have also purchased from Plymouth Teas online.
I live in an area with a large Asian population so I have the convenience of going to one of several large markets to buy the tea and it is really reasonably priced.
A great big tea glass of homemade tea beats the pants off soda pop any day!
Patsy
-----
Oolong is 1/2 fermented green tea, black is fully fermented green tea.
I love reading all this tea talk. I used to make my tea in the microwave because it is quicker(I still do when in a rush) but I bought a pretty kettle and got out my teapot and have been brewing a pot of tea at least once a day. It is so much nicer and makes me feel like ai am doing something nice for myself.
love,
Maggie
-----
love green tea
I started drinking green tea daily (3 - 6 cups a day) over a year ago and just love it. Recently, I took a teapot to work and I make my little pot of hot tea and keep it on my desk. I also drink some black tea.
I believe that the green tea has helped keep me healthy. Over the past few months I just haven't gotten a cold. I used to get a cold 3-4 times a year. I work at a university and encounter a lot of run-down, sick students - but I have escaped the pestilence!
My favorite green tea is Jasmine Gree Tea made by Republic of Tea. Its a little pricey - but it smells heavenly (aroma therapy) and tastes divine. I also like their Grapefruit green tea, Orange & Spice green tea, Blackberry Sage black tea, and Ginger Peach black tea.
To your health!
Vickie
-----
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooGrapefruit Green Tea sounds yummy Vicster. I will have to look for Republic of Tea. Right now I am drinking just lipton Green Tea with Orange, Passionfruit and Jasmine. It is very good. I love anything citrus-ie.
Love,
Maggie
-----
Hello sisters.
Wow ,these praises about the benefits of green tea makes me feel... ashamed of myself.
Here I am ,living here in Japan with the abundance of green tea,and what am I doing about it?Nothing..
Yeah,I serve green tea to guests,as this is the custom here,but I rarely drink it.
In the back of my mind,I know that it is beneficial to ones health,but,stubborn me,refused to acknowledge it.
Reading all your praises though has enlightened me.Im now about to renew relationships with the good old green tea.
THANKS<sisters.
auri
-----
Green Tea ?
I have never been one to drink hot tea but I love Iced Tea and drink at least a pot of coffee a day. Can you make the hot green tea and then mix cream and sugar into it like coffee? Maybe I could trick my mind into thinking it is a weaker version of my coffee. I am new to all of this since I just had my TAH with BSO on the 19th of Feb 2003. Does green tea help with the healing process? Thanks to all of you for your wonderful posts here and for this forum as well as Hyster Sisters!
allbright1
-----
Hi Allbright1,
Sure, why not? I usually make 1/2 black & 1/2 green tea instead of all green. You may want to try that because I think it tastes stronger than green alone. Besides, I think they've determined that there are benefits to both kinds.
Don't the Brits add milk & sugar to their tea? I think so, maybe some of our English sisters will be along with tea tips!
Just remember, pinkie out!
-----
Hey Xenapw,
Thanks for the reply! I will try the mixing of both black and green! You know I think the British do use both cream and sugar at teatime! Maybe I will get some crumpets to go with my tea!!!
allbright1
-----
I just read in the April Prevention magazine of another benefit of green tea. Researchers have found that the anti-oxidant compound in green tea blocks the biochemical process that causes allergic responses to pollen. It could ease the sneezers this spring and summer!
Love,
Maggie
-----
Thanks (((Maggie))), that's great news... one more reason to go brew another pot right now!
-Linda
-----
Gatorade tea
I have found a tasty way to replenish carbs after execising on a cold day. Microwave gatorade (I prefer Lime Ice flavor; good taste, no added coloring) until hot, then steep green tea in the hot gatorade. You get carbs, electrolytes, and the goodness of green tea all in one drink!
Oriole
-----
Oriole, I just made some. That is good!
Maggie
-----
OK, now you've all got me intrigued... I am having another surgery real soon here and I think that green tea in lime ice Gatorade concoction just might be the 'clear liquid' of choice for me! Sounds perfect for soothing the psyche and replacing those lost electrolytes at the same time. Great suggestion!
-Linda
-----
Green Tea
I've been drinking tea for years. I started with black tea with sugar and milk. ( No I'am not English);-) Then I went to black with honey and milk. Now I drink green decaf with buckwheat honey and fat free half and half. The fat free half and half is really good. It maybe just me but didn't notice a big difference when I switched from black to green. Don't know if it helps but figure it can't hurt. Haven't tried it iced yet but I'am sure I'll like it. If I could just cut down on the sugar I put in iced tea!
-----
green tea
I am now an official green tea drinker - but find it very weak - and since I have never been a tea drinker before - have no idea what black tea is - I like the idea of mixing it, and buying it loose at the asia grocery store - i assume that if you brew your own, it can be made stronger (for added benefits too?)-when I mix green and black, do I just make one cup with the 2 tea bags (once I figure out what black tea is?) thanks
-----
ljblank, Tetley has a teabag that is a combination of green and black teas, if you want a stronger taste. It is called Tetley Green Blend. It is good, I think! Actually, as I understand it, black tea is green tea that has undergone some other process in the tea making. We don't have an Asian store around here to buy the loose tea, but my current favorite is Lipton Green Tea with Orange, Passionfruit, and Jasmine.
Also, remember that green tea has the same amount of caffeine as black tea, if you are watching that. I always thought until recently that green did not have caffeine because it is lighter. ( like coke vs 7up) But it does.
Love,
Maggie
-----
I have been surfing in the Celestial Seasonings web site and looking at the caffeine levels in their various teas. Generally speaking, their green teas have 30-35 mg per 8 oz., whereas their black teas have around 60 mg per 8 oz. (although some of their black teas had less, as low as 45 mg). I am pretty sensitive to caffeine, and I am able to drink 2 cups of caffeinated green tea in the morning without problems. I admit that later in the day I drink decaf green tea just to play it safe.
Oriole
-----
Green teas is great but white teas may be even greater!
Hi everyone! I have been drinking green tea for a few years now and I believe that it has been a healthy habit that has kept me healthy and has helped keep my skin looking great. Recently I have begun drinking white tea which may even be more beneficial than green tea but it is more rare and more expensive (where I get it in loose form it costs 69.99/pound). Anyway I drink green tea by the gallon each day, plain w/out any sweetener or lemon, which I prefer the clean crisp flavor of the green. I am 43 years old and have been an iced tea drinker since I was about 10 years old (the instant powdered type, no lemon, no sweetener) and continue to drink iced tea made in this way to this very day. Although the instant powdered tea mix may not be as potent with antioxidants as teas freshly brewed with tea bags, there still are antioxidants in the tea mix, but more likely to a lesser degree. I have always worn sunscreen and never been a smoker: I believe that these along with the tea drinking have preserved my skin! Hurray for tea!
-----
green tea
I have been drinking green tea for several months now i really feel like it's good for you and i haven't had a cold in a long time.
-----
If you thought you heard the last of green tea, you haven't!
I am now drinking really delicious iced tea I made out of Lipton Green Tea with Orange, Passionfruit, and Jasmine. I put a fresh lemon wedge in a glass and it is soooo refreshing. We all know the health benefits. This is good for a hot summer day.
Maggie
Use 7 teabags.
Pour about a quart of boiling water over the teabags.
Cover and let steep about 10 minutes.
Pour tea in a 2 quart pitcher and fill with water to make 2 quarts.
Serve over ice with a squeeze of fresh lemon. (sugar or honey if you like it sweet)
Store »
Hysterectomy Checkpoints
Hysterectomy News [Read More]
What 100,000 Women Know About Hysterectomy
Quote:
