Although known to the Chinese for centuries, the benefits of Chinese Tea has only been recently studied by scientists and some amazing results have been discovered. Chinese Tea is helpful in the fight against cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, eczema, and much more. New studies are constantly being executed and we anticipate even more medical benefits to be discovered in the near future.
Free Radicals are molecules which are linked to diseases and signs of aging, including cancers, wrinkles, and dark spots. Antioxidants are molecules which are capable of preventing, or at least slowing down the oxidation of cells. Oxidation can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions which damage cells and cause the above mentioned problems. The high levels of antioxidants found in Yellow Tea also promote dental health and the fight against the weakening of bones. People who experience pain in their joints are advised to drink four to five cups of Yellow Tea every day to help alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with bone problems.
Recent studies have shown that the catechins, another group of antioxidant, found in Yellow Tea can reduce cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad cholesterol. Yellow Tea increases the good, while decreasing the bad. This helps prevent the hardening of arteries.
A study done in Taiwan in 2003 found that drinking tea is beneficial for diabetes patients. The 20 participants suffered from type 2 diabetes. All participants continued their hyperglycemic drug intake during the study. Some of the participants drank 1.5 liters water or Oolong Tea daily for 30 days. The participants who drank tea experienced 30% reductions in plasma glucose and 20% reductions in fructosamine concentrations. The control group who drank water experienced no changes. It was concluded that tea combined compliment oral agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The trace element fluoride is found in Red Tea. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, so drinking Red Tea can inhibit tooth decay. Drinking the Tea can also fight bacteria in the mouth which cause gum disease.Recently the Tea Trade Health Research Association funded a study which found that drinking Red Tea daily can help reduce plaque build-up and fight bacteria.A recent study done by the University of Illinois announced that Red Tea can inhibit the growth of bacteria that promotes cavities.
It has recently been discovered that one of White Tea health benefits is its effectivness in the fight against cancer. Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant found in White Tea inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones. It is believed that the drinking White Tea can help in the fight against colon, prostate, and stomach cancers. In some cases White Tea has been found to be as effective as some prescription drugs, without the side effects.
Red Tea contains the element theophylline, which is often used by doctors to help fight respiratory diseases such as asthma. It expands airways making it easier to breath.
Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is a skin disease which causes skin to become red, flaky, and itchy. Recalcitrant Atopic Dermatitis does not respond to conventional treatment, but a 2001 study by the Shiga University in Japan has shown that drinking Oolong Tea is good for Recalcitrant Atopic Dermatitis. The study had 118 participants. They continued their normal dermatological treatment, and in addition drank one liter of Oolong Tea a day. In 1 to 2 weeks effects were observed and 63% of the participants had moderate improvements after drinking the tea for one month.
Recent studies have shown that Green Tea health benefits include the ability to lower cholesterol and help in the battle for weight loss. Green tea and its extract have been shown to fight obesity and lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, two risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, but there have been very limited studies into this. One study in the Netherlands and a study in Japan showed that green tea did both.In the Dutch study, the participants who drank caffeinated Green Tea lost weight. Researchers theorized that caffeine helps with fat oxidation. The Japanese Study had 240 participants. Over a period of three months they were given varying amounts of Green Tea extract. The participants who had the highest amount lost weight and fat and had lower cholesterol and blood pressure.