Green, Black and Rooibos Tea Health Benefits

Green Tea Health Benefits

Through the ages, green tea has been regularly consumed in India, China, Japan, and Thailand. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners have used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic and astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include regulating blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental performance.

Over the last few decades green tea has been the subject of many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits. Early evidence suggests that regular green tea drinkers may have lower risk of heart disease, specifically heart attack or atherosclerosis by preventing the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol, which can consequently reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries.

Green tea contains many antioxidants, including those known as flavonoids that can protect against free radical damage to the brain. Research indicates green tea could be beneficial in reducing inflammation related to arthritis and slowing cartilage breakdown as well as improve bone mineral density in older women. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body as well as boost metabolism and help burn fat.

Catechins are the major group of polyphenols in green tea, the most important of which seems to be epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG helps suppress inflammation and has been widely studied for its reported protection against certain cancers.

Black Tea Health Benefits

Since more research is done on green tea in regard to health benefits, it is easy to believe that green is the only tea worth drinking. This simply is not true! Black tea is a powerful source of anti-oxidants that slow down the aging process and prevent a wide variety of diseases. It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, providing protection against tooth decay and infection as well as relief from arthritis.

Though some of the most important anti-oxidants in the tea plant are compromised during the black tea fermentation process, studies show that black tea still provides an abundance of antioxidant activity. Among the most important anti-oxidants in the tea plant, those known as theaflavins remain intact even after fermentation. Theaflavins in black tea have been shown to scavenge abnormal cells, helping to rid them from the body before they can do damage or mutate into cancer cells. Theaflavins have also been shown to have the power to inhibit oxidation, in particular the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, giving black tea the potential to significantly reduce blood cholesterol and thereby reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease.

Drinking tea on a regular basis may even help patients who have existing cardiovascular disease, according to a study in one issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, which finds that tea consumption is associated with an increased rate of survival following a heart attack.

Yet another study in Germany found that drinking black tea significantly improved the ability of arteries to relax and expand to maintain healthy blood pressure. They showed molecules in the tea called catechins helped dilate the blood vessels by producing a chemical called nitric oxide.

So, as you can see, green tea isn't the only tea that is good for you. Drinking black tea can also be a very healthy and welcome addition to your diet. And, that's good news since 80% of the tea consumed in the world is black tea!

Rooibos Tea Health Benefits

Rooibos has been known for centuries in South Africa for its unique medicinal properties - from soothing upset stomachs and aiding with digestion, calming nervous tension and lowering blood pressure, to providing relief from allergies such as eczema. The many health benefits of this unique beverage are just beginning to be validated and appreciated. An herbal infusion rather than an actual tea, rooibos has many of the benefits of Camellia Sinensis without the caffeine.

Rooibos tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, which appear to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases including cancer. It is also packed with health-boosting polyphenols and contains a unique antioxidant called aspalathin, which counteracts the atherosclerotic processes that result in heart disease. Rooibos is a rich source of flavonoids, which in addition to their antioxidant capabilities have antiviral and anti-tumor properties.

Furthermore, Rooibos is popular among athletes, as it is a rich source of depleted minerals after a workout. Three grams of Rooibos in 8-ounces of water contain: 1.09 mg of calcium, 0.22 mg of fluoride, 0.07 mg of iron, 1.67 mg of manganese, 7.12 mg of potassium, 6.16 mg of sodium and 0.04 mg of zinc. Rooibos is also very low in tannins, which are said to inhibit the absorption of protein and iron.

Besides having none of the negative effects of caffeine, rooibos is even thought to have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Some people report that drinking a cup prior to bedtime helps with insomnia. Rooibos tea is believed to have anti-aging properties and recent studies point to its potential in protecting against age related damage to the brain. An unpublished study by the Institute for Medical Science of Aging at the Aichi Medical University in Japan called Rooibos the "Anti-Aging Beverage" (see pg. 35, Tea Almanac 2001 Fresh Cup Magazine). The anti-aging properties are said to stem predominantly from Rooibos' ability to remove free radicals.

Rooibos is completely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children. Researchers know of no adverse side effects associated with the use of rooibos tea, so it can be drunk regularly and freely. You could say that this is one case where more is better!

To a long and healthy life! Enjoy!

Please note: We only present these findings from researchers and institutions. And while researchers work toward resolutions, we will simply continue to enjoy all the pleasures fine tea offers us.