The Benefit from Tea

Tea and Health: There has been much research lately that explores the potential health benefits of drinking tea daily. Researchers are finding that all teas -- white, green, oolong and black teas from the Camellia sinensis plant(台灣山茶 右圖) -- may aid in achieving a long and healthy life.

Tea contains flavonoids(是富含於蔬果,紅酒及綠茶中天然抗氧化物質), which are compounds that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work to neutralize (中和)free radicals(自由基), which can damage the body and contribute to chronic diseases. White and green teas (the least processed) contain the most antioxidant properties, followed by Oolong and then Black teas.

Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins(兒茶素). In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.

Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea.Tea and Health: There has been much research lately that explores the potential health benefits of drinking tea daily. Researchers are finding that all teas -- white, green, oolong and black teas from the Camellia sinensis plant(台灣山茶) -- may aid in achieving a long and healthy life.