The less processing the tea undergoes, the higher its polyphenol content, which is why research suggests green tea has so many potential health benefits.
by Dr. Nicholas Warner —
From a health perspective, you can’t talk about tea without also talking about polyphenols, the compounds found in tea leaves and other plants. The less processing the tea undergoes, the higher its polyphenol content, which is why research suggests green tea has so many potential health benefits.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants, the same compounds that give fruits and vegetables their disease-fighting capabilities. Antioxidants reduce damage to cells, which reduces the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 75 percent of all tea produced worldwide is of the black variety, while only 23 percent is green and 2 percent is oolong. But those percentages may change as research continues to link polyphenols to better health outcomes. That’s not to say tea, in general (regardless of the type/color), doesn’t have potential health benefits. Below are a few examples to consider:
Cancer: Numerous studies suggest that green tea protects against a range of cancers, including of the lung, breast and prostate. The Iowa Women’s Study noted a substantial reduced risk of digestive and urinary tract cancers in postmenopausal women who consumed two or more cups of tea daily for eight years. Another study found a 42 percent reduced risk of colon cancer in tea drinkers compared to non-tea drinkers.
Heart health: In one study, people who consumed five cups of black tea daily for three weeks reduced their blood lipid levels (high levels of which contribute to heart disease) by up to 10 percent. In another study, people who drank green tea had better blood vessel function 30 minutes after consumption.
Metabolism: Studies, including those published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest green tea raises metabolism and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, all of which is good news for obesity and diabetes prevention. Compounds in green tea also may increase the body’s ability to burn calories, thus increasing overall energy expenditure. Tea was more effective than caffeinated water, suggesting polyphenols (rather than caffeine, a known stimulant) were the key compounds involved.
Oral health: Two specific polyphenols (catechins and theaflavins) inhibit growth of oral bacteria, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry. The compounds are found in green and particularly black tea. Another study supports this health benefit, suggesting that green tea extracts discourage the growth of bacteria and may help with infections such as strep throat.
Bear in mind that tea contains caffeine, which can have negative health effects, and decaffeination tends to reduce polyphenol content. Certain medications can also interact with tea, so it is important to communicate with your doctor. Next time you sit down to enjoy a nice cup of tea, take a moment to realize that you may be accomplishing a whole lot more in terms of improving your overall health.
Dr. Nicholas Warner is a certified massage therapist and a doctor of chiropractic with Wellness in Motion, Inc., in Phoenix. He is an instructor for The Southern California University of Health Sciences and Utah College of Massage Therapy. 602-863-4252 or www.wellness-in-motion.com.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 28, Number 3, Jun/July 2009.
February 28, 2012
Cancer, Dental, Diabetes, Healing, Health, Heart disease