The Benefits of Tea

The 'cuppa' not only tastes good, it may help prevent disease

White tea

• Growing in popularity
• Least-processed variety
• Highest antioxidant level
• Boosts immune system, protects against certain cancers, reduces skin cell damage, prevents dental plaque

Green tea

• Most widely studied for health benefits
• Minimal processing
• High antioxidant level
• Protects against certain cancers and heart disease, may prevent or slow arthritis, natural fluoride helps prevent tooth decay

Black tea

• Highest caffeine level
• High antioxidant level
• Common varieties: Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast
• Same health benefits as above

Oolong tea

• A refreshing mix of green and black tea
• Similar health benefit

Whether you drink tea as an afternoon pick-me-up or use it to relax at bedtime, you may be surprised to learn that this familiar beverage might actually prevent heart disease and cancer.

“Several common types of tea have high amounts of polyphenols, which act as diseasefighting antioxidants in your body,” says registered dietitian Karen Yerger of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Antioxidants help prevent free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) from damaging your cells.

The leaves of green, black, white and oolong tea all come from the same species of plant. “It’s the way they’re processed that accounts for their difference in flavor, color and antioxidant levels,” Yerger says. Which teas pack the most benefit? Here’s a breakdown:

“To get the maximum advantage from any of these teas, try to drink 4-6 cups a day,” Yerger says. An 8-ounce cup of tea has only 50 milligrams of caffeine (versus 80-135 for a cup of coffee). If you’re sensitive to caffeine choose decaffeinated varieties. And watch the sugar and cream, which can add calories to an otherwise calorie-free beverage.

What about herbal teas? These usually aren’t tea but rather infusions of herbs, spices, roots, flowers and other parts of plants. They don’t have the same health benefits as regular teas, but since they’re naturally decaffeinated and luscious-tasting, they can soothe and relax you.

Want to Know More about the health benefits of other drinks? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, September-October 2008

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