Health Benefits of Tea

The prospect of frequent tea consumption providing us with countless health benefits of tea is far from a new phenomenon. In fact, for thousands of years, almost dating back as far as the plant’s first discovery. Tea has been marvelled and enjoyed for this very same reason! Yet, a revival in health-conscious tea consumption is taking place, and it is largely due to modern science providing in-depth analysis of how and why these beverages are so good for us.

Drinking at least three cups of tea a day is believed to be as equally beneficial to the mind and body as water, according to many researchers. This is owing to a large quantity of compounds found within tea, including vital polyphenols, which have the ability to combat a number of ailments experienced every day.

The term ‘tea’ refers to any beverage that uses leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant, with anything else known as a ’tisane’. Despite this, the global tea industry has long since nurtured brews made with either herbal or fruit infusions, with many of these concoctions likewise providing outstanding health benefits when consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company caters to literally hundreds of different teas and tisanes (the latter often referred to as a ‘herbal tea’, despite the common misconception). Each one has the capability to offer benefits such as improved immune, cardiovascular or digestive systems health, as well as menstrual or anxiety relief, and even weight loss!

While studies are conducted on a yearly basis – including very early research as to how tea consumption can potentially prevent cancer. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company also aim to provide our customers with the latest, and most credible information on how tea can improve our lives.

History of Tea Consumption for Health Reason

A great mystery surrounds the origins of tea, with no definitive answer as to how or when it was first created. The most popular legend, however, dates back to 2737 BCE! It is believed that the Chinese emperor, Shen Nung, had come to rest underneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water.

He had fallen asleep in the afternoon sun, and when the emperor awoke, he discovered leaves from the tree had fallen into his water. An avid herbalist, Shen Nung decided to try the infusion. To his surprise it tasted absolutely delicious! Without fully realising it at the time, Shen Nung had created a beverage that would be enjoyed for thousands of years to come!

Whether or not there is any truth behind this tale is a subject of great debate, but despite this, tea has since remained an integral part of our society. The first records of tea consumption for the purpose of health benefits date to the late eighth century. It was published in a book titled ‘Ch’a Ching’ (or, ‘Tea Classic’) by the well-renowned writer, Lu Yu.

While the information on tea’s health benefits was limited, the publication would mark the beginning of an exciting journey that is still embarked upon to this day. It is also regarded as one of the most important books in the history of tea, for multiple reasons. Over the course of many centuries, Ch’a Ching’s legacy would inspire hundreds of publications on how tea could provide health benefits within Chinese society.

This would quickly spread, and as trade grew throughout Asia and beyond, so too did the knowledge surrounding tea’s consumption. During this time, the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine would ‘adopt’ tea, utilising its beneficial properties, as well as expanding its usage for combating many different conditions.

This, in turn, was followed by the similarly ancient practice of Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, which likewise saw tea’s true potential. However, both of these age-old practices are very different in their methods and belief systems, and both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic Medicine promoted the consumption of tea for very different reasons.

Tea and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Evolving over thousands of years to accommodate an ever-changing world, the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of wellness and medical practice, based on the holistic view of the human body operating within the energy of Nature. Historians largely believe it to be the third oldest form of medicine in the world.

It is deeply rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism, and dates back more than 3,000 years. An important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the concept of preventing diseases before their manifestation, similar to the modern use of preventive medicine.

Its unique diagnostic means, such as its use of acupuncture and herbs (including, of course, tea) have been greatly developed over time. However, while today’s medicine utilises science and technology, TCM instead bases its principles on classical literature. Despite this, it is believed that in the United States alone, there are an estimated 10,000 practitioners serving more than one million patients every year!

It is likewise very common in the United Kingdom, as well as around the world! Traditional Chinese Medicine relies heavily on herbal remedies to aid with mind, body, and soul. Perhaps most notably, this includes the frequent consumption of tea! While the leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant were often referenced in TCM texts, many of the ‘teas’ promoted for health beneficial purposes were, in fact, herbal teas.

Ingredients such as ginseng were particularly popular during the 3rd Century CE, as seen in the publication, ‘Shennong Ben Chao Jing’. Within the book, it states that ginseng is “used for repairing the ‘five viscera’ (reference to the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys), quieting the spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping agitation, removing noxious influence, brightening the eyes, enlightening the mind, and increasing wisdom.

Continuous use leads one to longevity with light weight”. When it comes to actual tea leaves, meanwhile – specifically green tea leaves, during this period – frequent consumption was believed to refresh the mind, enhance alertness, and boost concentration. Tea was likewise used to promote body fluid production, clear heat and phlegm, and improve digestion. Today, many of these benefits of tea have since been proven by modern scientific studies.

Tea and Indian Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda is an ancient belief system associated with holistic healing. Similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it can be dated back thousands of years. In fact, it is actually thought to be older than TCM, with historians suggesting it might have first been used 6,000 years ago! The term ‘Ayurveda’ can be broadly translated to mean life (‘ayur’) and knowledge (‘veda’), and it is known to have originated from the Indian subcontinent. The two main principles of Ayurveda are to first understand that the mind and body are inextricably connected, and secondly, that the mind has the most powerful ability to heal and transform the body.

The concept of preventing diseases before manifestation in Ayurvedic Medicine depends upon expanding one’s own awareness. This is followed by bringing the mind into a state of balance, and ultimately extending that balance to the body. It is still in practice today, and is considered a form of ‘complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)’ in the United States. Food and lifestyle routines are considered an integral part of Ayurvedic Medicine. A variety of herbs and spices are often used to help balance one’s ‘Doshas’, which are energies that make up every individual and work together to perform different physiological functions in the body.

There are three types of Dosha – the ‘Vata’ Dosha, the ‘Pitta’ Dosha, and the ‘Kapha’ Dosha. The Vata Dosha is the energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking and most importantly – the heartbeat. The Pitta Dosha, meanwhile, is the energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and your body’s temperature. The third and final Dosha, the Kapha Dosha, is the energy that controls growth in the body. It also supplies water to all the body parts, moisturises the skin, and maintains the immune system.

Tea is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic Medicine to maintain Dosha balance, and was quickly incorporated into the Ayurveda belief system upon tea’s arrival in India from China. This is in addition to ‘Ayurvedic Tea’, which predominantly consist of infused herbs and spices. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, there are three main teas considered ‘Ayurvedic Teas’.

These are ‘stimulating’ teas, ‘balancing’ teas, and ‘anti-strain’ teas. Each type of tea is promoted in accordance to the three Doshas, with the respective beverage applied to the Dosha that requires balancing. For example, stimulating teas are often used to support the Kapha Dosha, while balancing teas are consumed in aid of the Pitta Dosha. Finally, anti-strain teas are favoured beverages for the Vata Dosha.

Modern Health Benefits of Tea

“Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it’s got two things going for it.” says Public Health Nutritionist, Dr. Carrie Ruxton, of King’s College, London. Statistically, water remains the most popular drink in the world. A close second, however, is tea! This is for many different reasons, not least due to its incredible health benefits.

There are four main types of tea, which are Green Tea, Black Tea, White Tea, and Oolong Tea. Further to this, the UK tea industry has seen a 31% rise in herbal tea sales since 2012. Some of these more popular brews include Peppermint, Chamomile, Hibiscus, and Rooibos. Depending on which beverage you choose – and whether or not you eat healthily and exercise frequently, these teas and herbal teas have the potential to provide your life with an extra, and often much-needed boost.

It is important to note, however, that everyone is different, and no two individuals will ever obtain the exact same results. Many factors inevitably come into play – whether that be the type of tea you decide upon, or the sort of life you lead. Yet, one thing is for certain, and that is your morning cup of tea is, in truth, a wonderful blessing in disguise!

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

Broadly speaking, Green Tea is largely considered the healthiest beverage to use the leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The reason it isn’t quite that simple is because there are many different types of Green Tea with each one offering different, yet equally amazing benefits!

Despite this, every single Green Tea variety shares one crucial similarity – antioxidants. These incredible compounds found in all types of tea that means black teas, white teas, oolong teas, and herbal tisanes have the ability to combat free radicals found within the body. It is known that humans are especially susceptible to oxidation.

Oxygen molecules create stress on our organs and tissues by introducing these harmful free radicals to the body. Ultimately, this can lead to many complications, most notably heart disease and even cancer. Antioxidants, meanwhile, have the ability to slow down the damaging effects of oxidation through their work in neutralising free radicals.

Green Tea is rich in antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols – specifically polyphenolic catechins. These catechins within Green Tea can be further subcategorised, with the most vital compound referred to as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Not only is Epigallocatechin gallate the most important antioxidant compound within Green Tea, but it likewise provides the tea with its characteristic colour and flavour.

On average, one cup (approximately 240 ml) of brewed Green Tea contains up to 200mg of EGCG. While Black and other teas likewise offer antioxidant potential, the polyphenolic catechins in these beverages have different structures, and are not quite as effective.

Almost all of the Benefits of Green Tea are due to these marvellous compounds. In fact, within the last decade alone, significant progress has been made regarding the numerous benefits of drinking Green Tea as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. Studies published by reputable institutes such as the University of Maryland Medical Center in the United States have uncovered incredible benefits to the frequent consumption of this wonder-brew, including the lowering of ‘bad’ cholesterol, a reduced risk of diabetes, and even improved cardiovascular, digestive, and liver health.

As further knowledge reaches the public domain, the global tea industry has already noticed a substantial rise in Green Tea sales. Many individuals have already made the potentially life-changing switch from much-loved Coffee to Green Tea, according to statistics. Delving into further detail regarding the correlations between Green Tea consumption and the lower risks of Coronary Heart Disease, (i.e – an improved cardiovascular system,) a number of studies have recently been conducted that largely support this claim, in particular. Coronary Heart Disease is most prevalent in Western society, owing mostly to unhealthy lifestyles.

High diets in saturated fats coupled with low physical activity are two of the main contributors to Cardiovascular Disease, and other similar conditions. Smoking, meanwhile, likewise has a great effect on the heart, and is also responsible for high blood pressure. A recent meta-analysis of 13 Green Tea-related observational studies discovered that test subjects who drank the most Green Tea had a 28% lower risk of a coronary artery disease than those who drank the least Green Tea. In addition to this, studies using experimental animals have since established the preventive effect of Green Tea against atherosclerosis.

One particular type of Green Tea, known as Matcha Tea, has recently had the spotlight with regard to its incredible weight loss capabilities. It consists of a finely ground Green Tea powder, which enables you to consume the entire leaf within your morning brew, and ultimately obtain every single molecule of its beneficial potential. These days, it seems as if the internet is an unfortunate hub for ‘fake news’ stories such as “how these 7 steps can help you to lose 10 pounds in 1 week”. With Matcha Tea, however, there is honest and credible proof.

The EGCG concentration from consuming Matcha Tea is believed to be three times higher than a regular cup of Green Tea, according to a 2003 analysis from ‘The Journal of Chromatography’. Intricate research from many scientific institutes has suggested that this polyphenol within Matcha Green Tea may have the ability to boost the metabolism during moderate exercise routines. This, in turn, enhances the body’s capacity for weight loss. Providing the consumer eats healthily and remains active in his or her life, Matcha Tea may just be the answer to finally getting that desired ‘summer body’!

The Health Benefits of Black Tea

An estimated 78% of the world’s tea consumption is Black Tea, making it by far the largest. This is followed by Green Tea at 20%, and other teas at 2%. Black Tea is far from without its health benefits, despite the vast majority of studies usually being conducted on Green Tea. While Green Tea predominantly consists of catechins such as epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Black Tea contains major polyphenols known as theaflavin and thearubigin. Although believed to be less substantial for their beneficial properties in comparison with Green Tea, these constituents still have the capability of combating free radicals found within the body.

Some of the health benefits associated with frequent Black Tea consumption include improved cardiovascular health (similar to Green Tea) and mental alertness, as well as weight management (again, similar to Green Tea) and even a reduced risk of dementia in older generations. With the latter, in particular, studies have indicated that individuals who drink two or three cups of Black Tea a day are less than half as likely to exhibit early signs of dementia. In the UK alone, an estimated 750,000 people suffer from conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, with the number set to double in the next 40 years as Britain’s population ages.

According to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the latest study to uncover correlations between frequent Black Tea consumption and the reduced risk of cognitive decline was recently conducted by experts at the University of Singapore. It stated that 2,500 people aged 55 or over had undergone a test to measure their cognitive function. When the experiment was repeated 2 years later, results established that those who had drunk two to three cups of black tea a day during the 2 year period were 55% less likely to be subjected to cognitive decline.

Meanwhile, those who had drunk six to ten cups a day were up to 63% less likely. While further studies are, without a doubt, required before any confirmation can be made, this initial research suggests that frequent consumption of Black Tea may be the answer to the increasing cases of Dementia in the UK and around the world. Interestingly, another potential benefit now associated with Black Tea consumption is improved oral health!

New research has surfaced as part of a collaborative study conducted in conjunction with the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa and the Institute of Odontology at Göteborg University in Sweden. The results were, as of 2017, recently presented at a meeting of the American Society of Microbiology in Orlando, Florida. Leading the project was Professor Christine Wu, of the University of Illinois.

Her team had made the decision to focus on Black Tea, as opposed to Green Tea, to uncover its cavity-fighting potential. Participants in the U.S. division of the study were given Black Tea to rinse their mouth with for 30 seconds, five times, waiting three minutes between each rinse.

This concept was used to simulate the effect of sipping the average cup of tea. The Swedish division of the study, meanwhile, saw participants rinse their mouth with Black Tea for one minute, 10 times a day. Both co-operating studies discovered that the more participants rinsed, the more their plaque and bacteria levels fell. This is because the Polyphenolic compounds present in Black Tea can kill or suppress cavity-causing bacteria from either growing or producing acid. The tea also affected the bacterial enzymes and prevented the formation of the sticky-like material that binds plaque to teeth.

The Health Benefits of White Tea

White Teas are some of the least processed Teas currently available on the market. The Camellia Sinensis leaves used for these beverages are harvested before they are fully open, and while the young buds are still covered with fine, white hairs – hence the name, ‘White’ tea. It is known for its sweet, delicate flavour, with subtle floral undertones. However, until recently, it was relatively unknown in the Western world.

The limited oxidation period of White Tea enables it to retain most of the beneficial qualities occasionally lost in other, more oxidised teas. Levels of antioxidant compounds such as EGCG are notably high in White Tea, meaning it can provide many of the health benefits famously associated with Green Tea – sometimes more so!

This includes diabetes control and improved cardiovascular health, as well as relief from colds and flu, and even anti-aging properties! Furthermore, White Tea is a popular choice for those who wish to cut down their caffeine intake. This is because brewed White Tea – providing the appropriate brewing instructions are followed – contains less than 20mg of Caffeine compared with that of Green Tea (30 mg per cup), Oolong Tea (45 mg per cup), and Black Tea (50 mg per cup).

Most regular coffees, meanwhile, usually contain between 65 and 150 mg of caffeine per cup, which is largely the reason that White Tea has recently seen a spike in sales. Choosing to make the switch to White Tea over Coffee can reduce the side effects associated with caffeine over-consumption. A high caffeine intake can occasionally result in jitteriness, or even restlessness while sleeping. White Tea contains an estimated 90% less caffeine content than coffee, without sacrificing that much-needed stimulation to get out of bed in the morning.

The Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong Tea is another perfect example of an ‘up-and-coming’ beverage in the Western world. In China, however, it has been enjoyed for centuries, and has since been dubbed ‘Chinese Restaurant Tea’, accounting for its high demand when dining out. Combining the fresh fragrance of Green Tea with the indulgently malty flavours of Black Tea, Oolong sits squarely in the middle of these two extremely popular beverages.

This is because Oolong leaf tea is only slightly fermented and semi-oxidised, meaning it is quite literally ‘in-between’ when it comes to processing! Similar to it’s Black, White and Green counterparts, Oolong Tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly compounds known as bioflavonoids. In addition to this, Oolong Tea likewise contains myricetin, kaempferol, and quercetin, which are all capable of fighting heart disease, inflammation, and even allergies! It should also be noted that there is another reason this beverage is frequently referred to as ‘Chinese Restaurant Tea’.

This is because Oolong Tea has the ability to maintain digestive system health. It is an excellent choice of beverage to have after a large, fatty meal, as it can help to alkalise the digestive tract, and subsequently reduce inflammation in anyone suffering from acid reflux or ulcer problems. Oolong Tea is also slightly antiseptic, meaning that it can clear bad bacteria in the stomach and other areas of the digestive system.

If that wasn’t enough, this beverage shares another similarity with Green Tea in its capacity to stimulate the metabolism, and thus aid the body in breaking down food more quickly. Like Green Tea, Oolong is often promoted for its weight loss capabilities, and is often consumed after meals, or before rigorous exercise routines.

The Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea

Peppermint Tea has been consumed for hundreds of years, and remains one of the most popular herbal teas around the world. Yet despite the name, Peppermint Tea does not contain any leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant, meaning it isn’t technically a ‘tea’ at all! This should be known as a ‘herbal tisane’, but over the course of many years, it has seemed to have been adopted as an ‘honourary’ tea, along with countless other herbal beverages.

Without the presence of tea leaves, Peppermint Tea is, in fact, completely caffeine-free. What it does contain, however, is large quantities of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Copper, Inositol, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silicon, Sulphur, and Zinc.

Many of these components provide the avid Peppermint Tea consumer with countless health benefits which, combined with the herbal tea’s antioxidant strength, can include stress relief, excellent weight management, an improved digestive system, and even a reduction in halitosis (better known as ‘bad breath’).

Peppermint is a key ingredient incorporated into many over-the-counter cough remedies and decongestants. This is largely due to the peppermint plant’s richness in organic compounds such as menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate – the latter of which is responsible for peppermint’s minty aroma and flavour.

These compounds have antiviral benefits, and can prevent the spread of viruses that ultimately lead to colds and flu. The abundance of vitamins and minerals, meanwhile, can actually prevent Peppermint Tea drinkers from getting unwell in the first place!

The immune system heavily relies upon these components to maintain the necessary functions used in fighting off illness. When consumed on a frequent basis, Peppermint Tea essentially works with the immune system in preventing these minor conditions. If, however, you have been unfortunate enough to get unwell, Peppermint Tea also contains antispasmodic properties, and can offer relief from severe coughing fits, as well as the gag reflex. The consumption of this beverage is particularly popular when one is feeling nauseous or just generally ‘under the weather’.

The Health Benefits of Camomile Tea

There is no secret when it comes to Camomile Tea’s finest qualities. It is known as the perfect cup of herbal tea to ensure a restful night’s sleep, and has been consumed for this very reason for thousands of years. Today, modern science has since been able to support these age-old claims, with a number of credible studies in the public domain offering in-depth analysis as to why this ancient brew has been long since marvelled for its therapeutic properties. Similar to Peppermint Tea, Camomile does not contain any leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant, meaning it is also completely caffeine-free. Current statistics, meanwhile, estimate that over one million cups of Camomile Tea are consumed every day.

This is largely due to the well-documented Benefits of Drinking Camomile Tea, which also include weight loss, menstrual relief, a reduced risk of diabetes, and even the improvement of skin conditions such as eczema and acne. In the United States alone, it is believed that nearly half of all Americans regularly struggle to get enough quality sleep.

Camomile Tea is a form of mild sedative, and can be used to calm nerves and reduce anxiety, as well as to treat hysteria, nightmares, insomnia, and other sleep-related issues. These tranquillising effects are likely due to 28 different terpenoids which are organic compounds, similar to catechins – as well as 36 different flavonoids which are also organic compounds.

One flavonoid in particular, apigenin, binds to benzodiazepine (calm-inducing) receptors in the brain, causing a relaxant effect. With regard to its ability to reduce anxiety, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, and published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine saw subjects diagnosed with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression given 220 mgs of camomile extract daily for 8 weeks.

The results found that 57% of the group had been subjected to a significant reduction in their symptoms by the end of the 8 week period. However, it is important to note that the study was conducted using Camomile extract as opposed to Camomile Tea. Although it is unlikely, the results may slightly differ in brew-form.

The Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus is a particularly versatile plant that can grow almost anywhere in the world. There are an estimated 300 species of the hibiscus plant, but it is that of the ‘Hibiscus sabdariffa’ variant that, when infused in boiling water, creates a delightfully aromatic and delicious cup of herbal tea. Its flavours are known to be notably tart, reminiscent of cranberry or pomegranate. Yet it offers so much more. The Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea are well-documented.

Perhaps best known, however, is the consumption of Hibiscus Tea to lower blood pressure. It is estimated that 1 in 3 UK adults suffer from high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney and heart disease, as well as strokes. It is thought that drinking 3 cups of Hibiscus Tea a day can reduce the risks of developing these conditions, according to a study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA). This study saw sixty-five people aged between 30 to 70 – all of whom were considered “at risk” from their high blood pressure, split into two groups.

The first group consumed Hibiscus Tea three times a day, while the second group was given a placebo. After a six week period, the results determined that the Hibiscus group “showed an average fall of 7.2 per cent in blood pressure, with some recording a 13.2 per cent drop.

The placebo group, meanwhile, recorded a 1.3 per cent drop. In Taiwan, hibiscus is already formally recognised as a treatment for high pleasure, but as well as this, the frequent consumption of this herbal tea can likewise lower cholesterol, provide menstrual relief, and even calm the nervous system in depression and anxiety sufferers. It is also known to offer anti-aging properties, due to Hibiscus Tea’s richness in antioxidants.

These compounds within this beverage can remove visible signs of aging from the face, including loss of moisture, elasticity and, of course, wrinkles! Further to this, the exfoliating effects of the organic acids found in Hibiscus can also break down unwanted dead skin and increase cell turnover. Similar to other potential health benefits with many different types of teas, further studies are required before official confirmation can be made. However, this early research indicates that spending money on an expensive face cream may not be the only option!

The Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos Tea has been consumed for hundreds of years in the Cederberg Region of South Africa, located on the western cape. The plant is often subjected to temperatures below zero during the winter, and above 40C in the summer! First discovered by the Khoisan tribes – one of the many indigenous populations of South Africa, this herbal tisane has long since been marvelled for its health benefits.

It rose to fame in the 1960’s, when the late Dr. Annique Theron published a book titled ‘Allergies: An Amazing Discovery’. The publication examined Dr. Theron’s personal experiences with this seemingly insignificant herb, and how it had reduced the symptoms associated with many different allergies in her then-14-month-old child. Annique’s daughter, Lorinda, suffered from sleep deprivation as a result of her allergies.

In 1968 – the year before the publication – Dr. Theron had made the decision to warm her milk with Rooibos tea, in an attempt to relieve Lorinda’s allergies. The result saw her child sleep for 3 hours straight – something she had never before achieved! Since her initial discovery, many scientific studies have been able to support her claims. In fact, one study published in the October 2001 ‘Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry’ saw Rooibos Tea extract modulate levels of interleukins – hormone-like substances that act as signalling molecules in the immune system in a pattern that promoted the ability of the immune system to form a highly specific response.

The research project concluded that the results indicated a potential Benefit of Rooibos in allergy and infection. Sadly, Dr. Theron passed away in 2016 at the age of 86. Yet her legacy lives on, and has seen Rooibos Tea further studied for many other health benefits. Known to be rich in iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, and alpha hydroxy acid, Rooibos is now thought to contain antispasmodic properties, as well as improving skin health, and the cardiovascular system.

Early research has also uncovered correlations between the frequent consumption of this herbal tea and the reduced risk of diabetes. Aspalathin is one of the rare antioxidants found in Rooibos Tea.

It is known to balance blood sugar, improve insulin resistance, improve the glucose absorption by muscles, and boost the insulin secretion from the pancreas. It is a great choice for those who are pre-diabetic, and can also protect people who already have diabetes. This is because Rooibos Tea can prevent the spikes and drops of blood sugar often seen in those suffering from type II Diabetes.

Other Teas to Consider

The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company have provided information on the health benefits of Green, Black, White, and Oolong Tea, as well as Peppermint, Camomile, Hibiscus and Rooibos Tea. This does not mean that these outstanding health benefits are exclusive to these particular types of tea. Almost every type of tea has the ability to improve your day-to-day way of life when consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Fennel and Pu’erh Teas, for example, have been established to boost the metabolism and provide weight management. Milk Thistle Tea is used to treat liver-related problems, which include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. For stress relief, meanwhile, Ginger Tea is a very popular choice. Alternatively, beverages such as Nettle, Dandelion and Jasmine Tea are likewise consumed for many different health benefits – the possibilities are almost endless!

While a wealth of information can be found online regarding these many different teas, we are proud to only provide the facts. If a new potential benefit has been uncovered, and is associated with one particular type of tea, we will strive to source our information responsibly. If studies are inconclusive, or if there are other studies contesting these benefits – we will elaborate, providing our customers with everything they need to know to make the decision that is right for them.

Tea and Cancer: Fact or Fiction?

While some laboratory studies have indicated that polyphenolic compounds present in tea – predominantly Green Tea may reduce the risk of many different types of cancer, research is still largely inconclusive at this stage. Further to this, many of these studies have been animal-based trials. This, however, does not mean there is no future in this remarkable endeavor.

The polyphenols known as catechins – particularly the catechin, EGCG – in tea are thought to afford protection against cancers induced by chemical carcinogens that involve the lung, forestomach, esophagus, duodenum, pancreas, liver, breast, colon, and skin in mice, rats, and hamsters.

A 2014 meta-analysis suggested that Green Tea could reduce the risk of developing mouth cancers and reduce the risk of bladder cancer development. The risk of developing cancer of the food pipe also seemed to be reduced in women who frequently consume Green Tea. Until more is discovered, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company cannot endorse the consumption of any types of Tea, including fruit and herbal tisanes, for anti-cancer properties.

Despite this, we are fully in support of further research, and we will be closely following the development of such studies. More can be found out on the health benefits of tea through the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company’s blog. Almost every week, we examine a different type of tea; exploring its botany, history and its health benefits. We also uncover the processing methods used for each respective tea type, as well as the variety of blends we can provide online.