What's Actually in that Cup of Tea? Is it Really Healthy?

Teas are the most basic of all natural healing mediums and no doubt one the best drinks on earth. They are easily absorbed into the body; they have almost no calories, and are filled with healthy antioxidants. The brewing water the tea is prepared in release the healing energies contained within the tea, in addition to the volatile oils it also contained. When released within your body this combination produces flushing actions for cleansing toxic wastes that are loosened and dissolved by the teas natural ingredients.

Teas are sold in bulk (un-bagged) and individually bagged. We are all familiar with the tea bag in hot water method of making a cup of tea but there are other methods as well. A few of the other ways to prepare tea are; infusion, made from bulk tea, boiling water is poured over the bulk tea; cold infusion, the bulk tea is allowed to stand in cool water for an hour or more; sun tea, similar to cold infusion, the bulk is placed in a covered container with cool water and allowed to sit in the sun; and decoction, also made from bulk tea, the tea is place in cool water, which is brought to a boil, then removed from the heat and allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

The popularity of tea has made it the subject of lots of scientific research, which is constantly on going. Of the five most popular brands of tea here are some of the reason findings;

There is still quite a bit of conflicting evidence as to whether Black Tea truly wards off cancer and heart disease. There is no question that it contains compounds that fight these maladies, however, science has not been able to confirm or deny there effectiveness. Yerba Mate' Tea combined with guarana and rosemary, in pill form proved to be an effective appetite suppressive. Science is unsure if it will have the same affect when drunk.

There was no evidence found which confirms Chamomile Tea helps you fall asleep. But one study did discover it contains extracts that may possess anti cancer properties. Consumption of the most popular tea, Green Tea, was positively affirmed to lower rates of heart disease. Green tea was also found to help shield smokers from lung cancer. Its antioxidants seem to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Rooibos Tea from South Africa revealed it contains immunity boosting properties and a number of other health benefits during animal studies. Large scale human studies are slated to be conducted soon.

There is no need to put your tea cup away. Of all the tea studies completed, no adverse properties were discovered about any of them, so tea remains one of the best of all natural healing mediums, the scientist are just unable to figure out why.

Resource: Herbal Tea Preparation Methods, Healthy Healing by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D