Discovering Tea
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TEA & HEALTH
According to a German study green tea reduces toxic plaque in Parkinson's & Alzheimer's. Researchers at the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin-Buch, Germany, have found that green tea can prevent the formation of deadly plaque in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Learn more about this study.
Green Tea
A study suggests chemicals in green tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions. If found that caffeinated green tea was the best at fighting viruses.
It can lower bad cholesterol levels. Researchers at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, asked test subjects to eat low-fat, low-calorie meals and drink five cups of caffeinated green tea. Levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol dropped 10 percent among the test subjects who drank the green tea.
White Tea
White tea outrivals other teas. Studies indicate it is better for you. It contains more polyphenois, the powerful antioxidant that fights and kills cancer-causing cells. A 2004 study at Pace University concluded that white tea can help your immune system fight off viruses and dangerous infection-causing bacteria and the same study concluded that fluoride-rich white tea helps prevent the growth of dental plaque, the chief cause of tooth decay.
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TYPES of TEA
Green Tea
Tea leaves are heated by firing or steaming then dried immediately after plucking. Heating inactivates the enzymes which stops the natural oxidation process within the tea leaves. The result is a lighter yellow-green infusion.
Black Tea
Fresh tea leaves are rolled in order to disrupt cell structure, then exposed to air and allowed to oxidize before firing. The result is a darkening of the leaf colour caused by enzymes in the leaf, a change in aroma and a coppery-brown brew of tea.
Oolong Tea
The leaves are semi-oxidized, which gives them a flavour that is stronger than green teas, but more delicate than black teas. The process to yeild Oolong is a little complicated. Lots of repeated wilting and shaking in bamboo baskets to arrive at the perfect state that captures the fragrant essence of the leaf. Also known as Brown tea.
White Tea
The new buds and sometimes the two leaves at the top of the plant are plucked before they open, usually when still young and while the morning dew coats the leaves. They are then withered to allow the natural moisture to evaporate and then are gently dried. The curled up buds have a silvery/white appearance and give a pale straw colored liquor. Because processing is minimal, white tea is higher in anti-oxidants than other teas.
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TEA HEADLINES
We love interesting stories. Recently we found this article from the New York Times called Tea & Sympathy. The story is told by the chief executive of the well known California Closets Company. Maybe tea can save our life more than one way. Also an article from Japan.
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