Five Herbal Teas That May Help Boost Energy Levels

We all experience it once in a while. Lethargy! It is defined as a state of sluggishness or tiredness, typically due to a lack of energy and vitality. It's a drag on your productivity. It's a drag on your personal life.

Also known as fatigue, this condition may either be physical or mental. Lethargy is believed to be a product of stress or overexertion.

Many people routinely dismiss this condition as temporary, though it may be indicative of an underlying medical or psychological condition.

Herbal Teas To Boost EnergyAmong the symptoms of a lethargic state include the following:

drowsiness;
exhaustion;
disinterest and indifference to activities;
inactivity


Elder individuals are usually more prone to lethargy than active youngsters. In general, unhealthy diets lead to nutritional deficiencies which in turn manifest themselves in the form of weakness and lethargy.


Observers generally say that this lack of energy may be corrected by simple lifestyle and dietary changes. Indeed, nutritional deficiencies that are overcome by including healthy foods in the diet can almost instantly contribute to the alleviation and elimination of the state of lethargy.


Most remedies for this condition of lack of energy are directed towards diminishing tiredness, balancing weight levels, and enhancing muscular functioning.

Here are 5 herbal tea remedies that may help boost energy levels and arrest this lethargic streak:

Ginseng Tea

Ginseng is prescribed by herbalists to boost energy and resilience to stress and stress-related fatigue. It is a widely-used rejuvenative tonic in Korea . It is also popular in China as a revitalizing herb for the elderly. Other beneficial effects include the ability to help boost the immune system, alleviate jet lag and enhance fertility. Most observers believe that this herb's ability to stimulate good blood circulation lies at the heart of its vaunted health-boosting abilities.

Ginger Tea

This comes from the versatile ginger herb that is typically used to help uplift and boost the spirit. Like ginseng, it also helps stimulate the circulatory system, thus helping to clear the mind and strengthen brain function. It is also very beneficial for the digestive system, and is an effective natural remedy for all forms of nausea.

Ginkgo Biloba Tea

This is another herbal tea that's very popular in Chinese medicine for its ability to promote optimal blood flow to many parts of the body, including the brain. Consequently, it is believed to help improve concentration and memory retention. It also helps to increase energy levels and fight fatigue.

Consuming large quantities of this tea may considerably increase blood pressure so this should be avoided by people with hypertension.

Wheatgrass Tea

This tea is made by placing powdered wheatgrass in a glass of cold or room temperature water. Experts say that two ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice or tea equals about 3 pounds of organic vegetables in vitamins and minerals.

The energy and vitality from wheatgrass comes from its high content of amino acids, B vitamins, chlorophyll, minerals and fiber. It is also reputed to possess antibacterial and restorative properties that help to detoxify the body.

Yerba Mate Tea

This South American herbal tea is prescribed by herbalists for its reviving properties. It has been traditionally prescribed as a tonic for individuals who have become exhausted due to stress. This tea is said to help stimulate the nervous system and the functions of the brain due to its content of xanthines namely caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. This tea is made by steeping dry leaves and twigs of plant in hot water. It is then typically drunk with friends from a shared hollow gourd through a metal straw.



Before trying any of these herbal teas, be sure to consult first with your health practitioners and physicians to ensure that these are safe for you.

So the next time you feel that your body feels quite lifeless, tired and is not up to the task at hand, consider taking some of these teas and herbal drinks to help boost your energy levels, counter the lethargy, and regain your productivity.

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Kombucha Tea Benefits

Kombucha tea benefits are believed to be helpful in fighting a wide array of ailments and diseases, although there is as yet not enough scientific evidence to determine how exactly kombucha tea may be used for medicinal purposes.


Known by various nicknames as fungus japonicus, mushroom infusion, kwassan, and even 'the champagne of life', kombucha tea is typically made by placing a kombucha culture (called a SCOBY or "symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast") in a sweetened tea base, usually black tea, green tea, or white tea.
A combination of teas is also sometimes used as a base to achieve a more balanced flavor, as well as more diverse tea benefits.


The kombucha culture is composed of different species of yeast and bacteria, as well as different organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids, and the antioxidant polyphenols produced by these microbes.


The sweetened tea base typically uses a ratio of 1 cup of sugar per 1 gallon of tea. Different kinds of sugar sources may be used as a fermenting agent for the kombucha. Among these are refined white sugar, cane juice, brown sugar, glucose/fructose syrups, molasses or pasteurized honey. Artificial sweeteners, stevia, xylitol or lactose are not be used.


The kombucha and tea base are then left to ferment for about 10 days, after which the bacteria and yeast will have metabolized the sugar, thus excreting a host of compounds as by-products.

Kombucha tea benefits are largely derived from the components in the final kombucha mix that typically has the following:

acetic acid
alcohol
butyric acid
B-vitamins
gluconic acid
lactic acid
malic acid
oxalic acid
usnic acid


Kombucha tea is classified as a non-alcoholic brew due to its content of less than 0.5% alcohol. Older samples of the tea may contain higher levels of alcohol, depending on more anaerobic brewing time and higher proportions of sugar and yeast.


When brewing kombucha tea, it is important that a clean environment, proper temperature, and low pH (acidic) environment be observed. If a kombucha culture becomes contaminated, it is likely to be identifiable as common mold which is often colored green, blue, or black.


Kombucha tea generally possesses an amber color, a tart and tangy (almost vinegar-like) taste and a sweet, herbal flavor. It is available in a variety of forms - from ready-to-drink tea bottles, to teabags, to capsules and extracts.

The following are the kombucha tea benefits attributed to this brew:

Kombucha tea is believed to help detoxify the body.

Kombucha tea is thought to help support liver health.

Kombucha tea is claimed to help energize and refresh the mind.

Kombucha tea may help boost metabolism and support good digestion.

Kombucha tea is thought to help enhance the eyesight.

Kombucha tea is believed to aid in faster recovery from cancer treatment.

Kombucha tea is thought to help enhance skin conditions by improving its elasticity.

Kombucha tea is believed to help boost the immune system.


Some reports have suggested that consumption of kombucha tea may be related to some health risks for individuals undergoing hormone replacement, those taking medical drugs, those suffering hyperacidity problems, or those with ulcerative colitis. Some risks may also be due to unsanitary fermentation conditions.

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Flowering Tea Benefits

Also known as a blooming tea, a flowering tea is a small bundle of dried tea leaves and blossoms that are sewn together with cotton thread and shaped into a ball.
When the ball is placed in hot, boiled water, the bundle then expands and unfurls in a process that emulates a blooming flower.


Flowering teas are typically produced in tea gardens in the Yunnan province in southwestern China. White, green and black tea leaves are often combined with such fragrant flowers as chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, osmanthus, lavender and hibiscus.


Each of the flowering teas has a unique taste. Chrysanthemum flowering teas tend to have a refreshing, slightly sweet taste; jasmine flowering teas have that freshly distinct floral tang; and amaranth flowering teas possess a certain sweet, mellow and wild floral flavor.
These flavors are also influenced by the accompanying white, green and black tea varieties.


The combining and shaping process is done while the leaves are still moist.
The resultant flowering tea ball undergoes the usual drying, oxidation and firing process which closes the process and provides the finished product.


A flowering tea is enjoyed by both the taste buds and the visual senses.
The dried ball of the flowering tea is ideally placed in a clear glass teapot.
Pour a lightly-boiling water over the tea and witness the tea leaves unfurl and the tea flower open. Allow to steep 2-3 minutes, or to desired strength.
The Flowering Tea may be re-steeped twice or thrice.

The benefits of flowering teas are derived from the healing properties of the individual blossoms used, together with those of the accompanying green, black and white tea leaves.

     Flowering teas with chrysanthemum may help calm the nerves, lower blood pressure, detoxify the      blood, clear congestion and cool the body.

     Flowering teas with jasmine may help in refreshing the senses.

     Flowering teas with lavender may help ease nervous tension and depression.

     Flowering teas with amaranth may have calming and refreshing properties.

     Flowering teas also gain some of the antioxidant properties found in the green, white and black tea      leaves that are combined with the blossoms.

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Rooibos Tea Benefits

Rooibos tea, like green and black tea, has been found to be rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids. In fact,
Rooibos tea has been found to have as much as 50 times more SOD than Green Tea. It also has other anti-oxidants not found in other teas.


The effect of free radicals (a by-product of normal cell function) in the process of aging and declining of the immune system is limited by the anti-oxidants in Rooibos tea.


Rooibos tea is completely pure and natural, as it contains no additives, preservatives or colorants. It is a soothing drink for people on a calorie-restricted diet, without adding kilojoules.


Rooibos tea is also strongly recommended for people suffering from irritability, headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension.
Rooibos tea contains no caffeine and therefore has a soothing effect on the central nervous system. Rooibos tea is also low in tannin and therefore does not have a negative effect on the absorption of iron and proteins into the body.


Rooibos tea has anti-spasmodic properties, thus relieving stomach cramps and colic in infants. Rooibos tea also relieves stomach and indigestive problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation.


Furthermore, rooibos tea also supplements the daily amounts of calcium, manganese and especially fluoride, needed for the development of strong teeth and bones.
It contains zinc and alpha-hydroxy acid, which promotes healthy skin and magnesium which is necessary for a healthy nervous system.


Rooibos tea has a soothing effect on the skin, relieving itching and certain skin irritations like eczema, nappy rash and acne when directly applied to the affected area.


Rooibos tea is an all day drink which can be used as a pick-me-up in the morning, a superb thirst-quencher during the day and at night it helps you to relax and sleep well.

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Red Tea Benefits

Red tea benefits are being recognized throughout the world as the popularity of rooibos and honeybush teas take root. Red tea is acknowledged to possess anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to its vaunted health benefits.

Red tea is an unofficial description for beverages that are derived from herbs grown in South Africa. Rooibos tea and honeybush tea are the herbal tisanes often marketed under the name 'red tea' and this is due to their being able to give off bright, often fiery shades that approximate the color red.

The name 'red tea' also refers to a Chinese tea from the camellia sinensis plant that also gives off a somewhat darker shade of red but this tea is more commonly classified as a type of black tea.

It is believed that the unique fermentation process of rooibos tea and honeybush tea produces the rich amber-red color where their official name is coined from. These red teas possess smooth, almost fruit-like tastes, which lack the vegetal and often tart aspect derived from the astringent tannins found in green tea.

Red tea has a lot of antioxidants that provide protection from free radical damage. Rooibos red tea is quite rich in the antioxidants aspalathin and nothofagin.

Among the vitamins and nutrients that abound in red tea are the following:

calcium
copper
iron
magnesium
manganese
potassium
sodium
vitamin C
zinc


Red tea also do not possess the caffeine content found in the true teas so these have a somewhat gentler, non-stimulating effect on the nerves and the heart. Red tea also does not contain oxalic acid so it may be safely taken by people with kidney problems.

Red tea is typically made by placing about a teaspoonful of rooibos or honeybush tea into a mug of newly-boiled water. Let it soak and steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and discard the herbs and enjoy the tea.

To relish and enjoy the fruity taste of red tea, and to fully derive its abundant health benefits, it is best taken as is. However, milk and sweeteners are often added to the brew nowadays as it also makes for a wonderful-tasting latte drink. However, there have been studies conducted on other teas that conclude that adding milk may reduce the health benefits.

The following are the health benefits attributed to red tea:

Red tea may help lower the risk for the development of cancer and tumors due to its considerable antioxidant content.

Red tea may help lower the risk for cardiovascular diseases as it may help control blood pressure.

Red tea may help enhance the immune system and keep viruses at bay.

Red tea may help manage allergies like hay fever, asthma and eczema.

Red tea may help promote healthy skin.

Red tea may help calm and soothe the nervous system, thus aiding in relaxation.

Red tea may help in alleviating colic in infants.

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Snowbud Tea Benefits

Snowbud tea benefits are quite similar to those of silver needle tea and other white tea types.
These are the types associated with relatively higher amounts of antioxidants as a result of less oxidation undergone.


Snowbud tea is a type of white tea that comes from the high altitude mountains of the Fujian province of China.
It is considered one of the newest types around as it was developed in the 1980s.
The production of this tea involves a cross between the methods used in making white tea and green tea.


Also known as xue ya, snowbud tea leaves are made up of tightly-wound, flat green leaves accentuated by curled silver haired leaves.


When brewed, this tea imparts a delicate and light vegetal flavor with a barely sweet and somewhat fruity aroma.
It has a nearly clear, light yellow color.
When steeped for a long period of time, it offers a high degree of astringency.


Snowbud tea can be made by placing about 1 teaspoon of the leaves in about 8 ounces of water heated in temperature of about 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the mix steep for about 5 to 7 minutes. Then strain the leaves, pour in cups or mugs, and drink.

The following are the snowbud tea benefits attributed to this brew:

Snowbud tea may help lower the risk for heart and cardiovascular ailments.

Snowbud tea may help lower the risk for stroke by reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in           the bloodstream.

Snowbud tea may help lower blood pressure and improve the function of the arteries.

Snowbud tea may help lower the risk for developing cancer and tumors by fighting off the free           radicals that inflict damage in the cellular level.

Snowbud tea may help promote strong bones and teeth.

Snowbud tea possesses substantial amounts of anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents that may help           promote general health and well-being.

Snowbud tea may aid in preventing skin damage and may even reverse some of the damage                 wrought by free radicals.

Snowbud tea may help lower blood sugar and help ease diabetes symptoms.

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Silver Needle Tea Benefits

Silver Needle tea benefits come from the antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols that are naturally found in the camellia sinensis plant where it and all types of white tea come from.


Silver needle tea is one of the two major types of white teas, the other being white peony tea.
Silver needle tea is considered to be among the most revered of Chinese teas.
It is largely produced in Fujian province, in the Fuding and Zhenhe districts.
Silver needle tea is harvested for only 2 to 3 days each spring. Due to this, only a limited supply of this white tea is available.


Silver needle tea is typically handpicked from the first unopened flower buds of camellia sinensis tea plant.
These are immediately dried, and undergo very minimal processing.
This allows silver needle tea to retain much of its antioxidant content and thus contributes to white tea's reputation as the healthiest of all teas.


Silver needle tea is said to contain ten times the antioxidant power of vitamin E and high concentrations of polyphenols and catechins that may help fight the oxidative damages caused by free radicals.
As such, silver needle tea has been used for medicinal purposes throughout the ages


Silver needle tea possesses delicate white hairs, and smooth texture.
When brewed, they yield a light golden colored beverage with a soft fragrant aroma.
The taste of silver needle can be described as mildly sweet with a floral touch. It contains caffeine and has pronounced and lingering flavor.


To properly brew silver needle tea, heat water to about 185 to 190 degrees F. Use 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dried silver needle tea per 8 ounces of water. Let the mix stand for about two minutes.

The following are the health benefits attributed to silver needle tea:

Silver needle tea may help prevent the formation of tumors and cancer.

Silver needle tea may help lower bad cholesterol levels and thus prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Silver needle tea may help strengthen the immune system. It may help fight diseases and                     ailments caused by viruses and bacteria.

Silver needle tea may help enhance bone density.

Silver needle tea may help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Silver needle tea may help reduce blood sugar levels and thus alleviate symptoms associated               with diabetes.

Silver needle tea may help promote healthy skin.

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White Tea Benefits

White Tea Benefits have been creating a buzz of late as many tea observers have claimed that it possesses more health benefits than the better-known green tea, the only other type of tea that does not undergo oxidation and fermentation.


That claim may indeed have some basis as white tea comes from the uncured, unprocessed and unfermented leaves of the camellia sinensis plant.
White tea is fast-dried while green tea is roasted in a pan.
The fast-drying process traps a great deal of antioxidants in the leaves of the white tea, thereby potentially making white tea the "supreme" health drink.


White tea gets its designation from the fine, silvery white hairs found in the unopened buds of the camellia sinensis plant. White tea leaves have a striking appearance.


Largely produced in China and deeply revered during the Song Dynasty that flourished from the 900s to the 1200s, white tea possesses a light, delicate, slightly sweet flavor that sharpens the senses without overwhelming the tongue.
White tea may have lower levels of caffeine than green tea.

Some of white tea health benefits are as follows:

White Tea may help prevent heart ailments.

White Tea can fight stroke by reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

White Tea can lower blood pressure and improve the function of the arteries.

White Tea may help fight cancer by attacking the free radicals that inflict damage in the                       cellular level.

White Tea promotes strong bones.

White Tea contains high amounts of anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents thereby promoting                   general well-being.

White Tea promotes healthy teeth and gums.

White Tea helps in protecting the skin from damage and may even reverse some of the                         damage wrought by free radicals.

White Tea may reduce blood sugar and help alleviate the symptoms of diabetes.

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Red Ginseng Tea Benefits

Red ginseng tea benefits have long been acknowledged as contributory to a robust regimen for longevity and wellness in many parts of Asia, especially Korea, China and Japan.


Red ginseng is made from Panax ginseng that has undergone a special preservation method that involving steaming, sometimes sun-drying, and marinating.
The Panax ginseng roots are soaked in a liquid of herbal mixture that typically includes a combination of honey or wine.
This steeping process causes the roots to turn a shade of red in color and to become brittle in texture.


Red ginseng usually always originates from China or Korea, and is considered slightly stronger and more stimulating than the conventional white ginseng.


Red ginseng is said to promote yang energy, improve circulation, and restore balance and strength.


Red ginseng roots are typically taken orally as adaptogens (substances that reinforce the body's resistance to stress), aphrodisiacs, and nourishing stimulants.
They are also believed to possess anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Red ginseng roots are also available in dried form.


Ginsenosides are the active constituents in Panax ginseng. They can be found in almost all parts of the plant but the leaves are said to contain the highest concentrations.


Red ginseng root also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, essential oils and natural enzymes.


To make red ginseng tea, place about five slices of red ginseng root in a cup of newly-boiled water. Let the mix stand for about 5 minutes. Red ginseng tea bags can likewise be used.
Steeping time for that is also about 5 minutes.

The following are the health benefits attributed to red ginseng tea:

Red ginseng tea is believed to help enhance the body's immune system.

Red ginseng tea may help fight viruses and bacteria.

Red ginseng tea may help lower the risk for certain cancers. It is also said to help lower the chances  of relapse for gastric cancer.

Red ginseng tea is said to help improve brain function and cognitive skills.

Red ginseng tea may help enhance circulation of blood.

Red ginseng tea may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for heart attacks, strokes and  other cardiovascular diseases.

Red ginseng tea may help increase energy and improve endurance.

Red ginseng tea is believed to help increase sexual potency.

Red ginseng tea may help fight arthritis and other problems associated with inflammation.

Red ginseng tea is believed to be helpful against diabetes.

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Ginseng Tea Benefits

Much study has been done on the benefits of ginseng tea and its popularity is increasing.

Some people like the stimulating effects of ginseng tea while others use it for various purposes including:

Improvement in thinking
Accelerating reaction time
Boosting resistance to viral infections
Increasing resistance to the effects of stress, and
Improving circulation and preventing disease.

The following are Ginseng Tea health benefits according to WebMD:

Ginseng tea increases resistance to the effects of stress and improves circulation and mental functioning.

 Health conditions contributed to be stress include increased acidity of the body chemistry, back pain, cancer, Crohn's disease (inflammation of the intestinal tract), depression, chronic diarrhea, digestive disorders, hair loss, headaches, hypertension or high blood pressure, impotence,insomnia, TMJ syndromes (jaw pain and clicking), nervous and anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive behaviors, various skin conditions, and finally, ulcers. Ginseng tea, whether it comes from Korea or Minnesota, is for people who have chronic fever, thirst, hot flashes, people who crave excess sweets and have excess hunger.

Ginseng tea has shown cancer-preventive effects and may reduce the risk of several types of cancer.

 One study found that among more than 4,600 people over the age of 40, ginseng users were approximately 70% less likely to develop cancer compared to those who did not take the herb. They also found that the more frequently ginseng tea was consumed, the lower the risk of getting cancer was.

Dried ginseng root may help people with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar levels.

 One study showed that in the diabetics, ginseng tea lowered blood sugar 20% more than placebo pills. Among those who did not have diabetes, there was also a similar drop in blood sugar levels.



In general, human studies have mainly found increased "quality of life" among those taking ginseng tea. Ginseng has a street reputation as an ancient aphrodisiac. In the May 1995 issue of the journal British Pharmacology, a study concluded that substances in ginseng known as ginsenosides may work in a similar way to Viagra. One Chinese Herb company uses ginseng in pills to treat premature ejaculation.

Consumers who purchase ginseng and ginseng tea should consider the source and the product. No federal agency enforces quality control over the ingredients of many products. Studies of 54 ginseng products found that 25% contained no ginseng at all, and 60% contained only trace amounts so consumers may not know exactly what they're buying -- whether a jar labeled "ginseng," for example, really has ginseng in it.

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Pu erh Tea Benefits

Pu erh Tea Benefits have been well-known for centuries as being potent in the areas of blood cholesterol lowering, as well as in proper digestion and general well-being and longevity.
Pu erh tea is known to be a drink that enhances the "qi" or the life force.


Pu erh tea is derived from the large leaf variety of the camellia sinensis plant from where green tea, black tea and oolong tea are also obtained.
The term "pu erh" is taken from the Pu erh county in the Yunnan province of China where the tea is produced.
The best pu erh tea is said to be produced in the a group of famous mountains in Yunnan that are renowned for their climate and environment.


Pu erh tea is processed or aged in different ways.
Some pu erh varieties are purchased raw or green - meaning it has not undergone an extensive oxidation process (hence it is similar to green tea) - and some are purchased in the post-fermented stage where it shares a lot of commonalities with black and oolong tea.
Though oftentimes classified as a type of black tea, pu erh tea is largely considered to be of a separate variety that holds a different and many say, higher status, than black tea.


Pu erh tea is usually aged and consumed several years after its production. The older the tea, the more valuable it gets.
Like a good wine, pu erh tea ought to be slowly drunk while the leaves settle down in the cup.


Pu erh tea is available either in loose leaf form, or in tea bag form, or in compacted cake form (also known as brick). The cake form of pu erh tea usually attracts a lot of attention from tea collectors as many of the older teas are traditionally done in this form.


When aged well, pu erh tea produces a pleasant-tasting drink that is often served in Chinese restaurants after heavy meals.
Its fat-breaking abilities are recognized by the Chinese people and the tea is often considered the perfect drink to complement an oil and fat-laden feast.


Pu erh tea typically takes on a dark, strong brown color that's almost akin to that of black tea, but possesses a somewhat mellower, liquor-like flavor.


Pu erh tea possesses many of the antioxidant qualities found in green tea, black tea and oolong tea.
Pu erh tea contains polyphenols that attack free radicals in the body to help ensure protection against a host of diseases.

The following are the health benefits attributed to pu erh tea:

Pu erh tea is known to help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Pu erh tea may help boost the flow of blood and help enhance circulation.

Pu erh tea may help inhibit the formation and growth of cancer cells.

Pu erh tea aids in the proper digestion of food.

Pu erh tea may help invigorate the spleen.

Pu erh tea is known to help break down and thus reduce fat in the system.

Pu erh tea may help remove toxins.

Pu erh tea may help heal aches and pains.

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White Tea health benefits are slowly being discovered!

The health benefits of white tea are slowly being discovered by people from all over. And recent research has shown that indeed, these discoveries may have some scientific basis.


Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute (LPI) Micronutrient Information Center in Oregon State tested four types of white tea for their ability to inhibit mutations in bacteria, and subsequently examined the protective properties in a rat colon cancer model.
In the former studies using bacteria, white tea was said to be generally more effective than green tea in inhibiting mutations.
While this may be subject to further tests, it thus shows some basis for the health benefits associated with white tea.


Paula Peatross, clinical dietitian with St. Mary's Medical Center, said some teas can be high in vitamin K and that all teas contain tannins.
They are a component of tea that helps prevent cancer-causing agents from binding to target sites. The studies have revealed that white tea may have such components in relative abundance.


According to a study done by the LPI, white tea contains a higher proportion of buds, which are covered with fine, silvery hairs that impart a light white/grey color to the tea.
White tea brews to a pale yellow/light red color, and has a slightly sweet flavor with no grassy undertones sometimes associated with green tea.

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Health Benefits of White Tea being discovered!

The health benefits of white tea are slowly being discovered by health enthusiasts from the world over. Like other teas, white tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but the leaves are picked and harvested before they fully open, when the buds are still covered by silver fuzz, which turns white when the tea is steamed.

White tea is known to be abundant in antioxidants that many believe fend off cancer, increase the chances of long life and improve dental health. White tea antioxidants help guard the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.


Tea leaves for white tea undergo even less processing than green tea leaves. Leaving them so close to their natural state means they contain more polyphenols, the antioxidant that fights and kills cancer-causing cells. A 2004 study at Pace University concluded that white tea can help the body's immune system fight off viruses and dangerous infection-causing bacteria. The same study concluded that fluoride-rich white tea helps prevent the growth of dental plaque, the chief cause of tooth decay.

In 2000, Oregon State University researchers found that white tea may prevent DNA mutations, the earliest steps leading to cancer. The researchers' latest data indicates white tea may protect against colon cancer in particu

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White tea popularity highlights its health benefits!

Swelling popularity has brought white tea to the forefront of tea lovers' awareness, as well as supermarket shelves.

White tea has a milder taste compared to black tea. In fact, its taste is almost similar to that of green tea. However, recent research also has shown that white tea may hold more anti-oxidants than other varieties.

White tea has been produced in China, most notably in Fujian province, for thousands of years but crossed over to the Western consciousness only recently. Most white tea still comes from China, but other countries are starting to make their own versions.

To he buds of the camellia sinensis plant are plucked before they fully open and while they are still covered in white hairs, hence its name.



White tea is a rare tea as it is hand-processed and picked during a very limited time frame.

White tea is steamed immediately after it is picked and then dried, explains Jane Higdon, a researcher with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, on the institute's Web site.

"Consequently, white teas usually contain higher concentrations of catechins than other teas," she says.

Catechins are a main component of tea and are thought to fight cancer and boost the immune system.

Green tea has a high catechin level, too, but can wither before it is steamed, which releases some of the beneficial catechins. Oolong and black teas ferment and lose most of the benefits, Higdon says.

A study by LPI researchers showed white tea may help prevent DNA mutations, the first stage of cancer.

Pace University also studied the health effects of white tea and found it has a greater anti-viral and anti-bacterial effect than green tea.

The health benefit of white tea is the driving force behind its sales at the Whistling Kettle, Borowsky says.

"You have everything that green tea has and a little bit more," he says of white tea's antioxidant levels.

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Tea's benefits to tap for good health!

Drinking tea may be a natural way to improve your health. Evidences continues to mount in favour of the consumption of tea benefiting the heart, protecting from some cancers, stop bad breath, fight diseases and even ensure weight loss.


Teas, both green and black, have potent anti-cancer effects against a wide range of cancers, many scientists keep saying.
For instance, a study led by the US Department of Agriculture on the health benefits of tea linked this to its polyphenol content.
Green tea contains between 30 and 40 per cent of water-extractable polyphenols and the black tea (green tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) about three to 10 per cent of these substances.
The four primary polyphenols found in fresh tea leaves are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, epicatachin and gallate, and epicatachin.


Mendel Friedman and his co-workers from Universities in South Korea investigated tea's ability to induce cell death in human cancer and normal cells using either its water or alcoholic extract and found it inhibits tumour growth, though at different levels dictated by the concentration.


This latest study corroborate an earlier one that found that drinking at least one cup of tea a day could cut the risk of cancer in the gallbladder and bile ducts by about 40 per cent in a population-based study carried out in China.


The researchers, led by Ann Hsing from the US National Cancer Institute, assessed the demographic, medical and dietary histories of 627 people with bile tract cancers (cases), 1037 people with bile stones and 959 randomly selected healthy controls. The sample population was based in Shanghai , China , where the incidence of these types of cancers is reported to have increased in recent years.

Specifically, women tea drinker had associated reduced risks of gallbladder cancer, bile duct cancer, and bile stones of 44, 35 and 37 per cent respectively. For men, no significant association was observed for tea drinkers and the relative risk of these conditions.


More evidence of tea's brain health benefits is similarly supporting both green and black tea been able to protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer's as well as improve memory.


The research, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, was the first to show beneficial effect of both green and black tea on cell cultures treated with amyloid proteins (amyloid proteins are associate with the onset of Alzheimer's disease) just as another team at the University of Newcastle said that tea, and particularly green tea, helps improve memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease.


The study's lead researcher, Dr. Ed Okello, said: "Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, tea could potentially be another weapon in the armoury which is used to treat this disease and slow down its development" in the journal, Phytotherapy Research. Dr. Okello added that the findings suggested tea could boost the memory of everyday drinkers too.


Tea has long been believed to possess blood pressure lowering effects in popular Chinese medicine. The scientists from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, Taiwan, that examined the effect of tea drinking on the risk of newly diagnosed hypertension in 1507 subjects aged 20 or older, who did not have a hypertensive history when the study started even confirmed this.


Almost 40 per cent of the subjects were defined by the scientists as "habitual" tea drinkers, meaning they consumed at least 120 millilitres of green tea or oolong tea everyday for at least a year.


The more tea people drank, the lower their risk of high blood pressure, the authors said in the Archives of Internal Medicine. For non-habitual tea drinkers, the risk of developing hypertension decreased by 46 per cent in comparison with those that drank 120 to 599ml per day. This was further reduced by 65 per cent in those who drank 600ml daily or more.


This evidence that tea drinkers may actually suffer less from hypertension, the Japanese study also suggested may be linked to black tea's action on blood vessels. The drink dilates the vessels allowing faster blood flow.


Research published in the October issue of the journal,nutrition, showed that five servings of black tea per day reduced LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, by 11.1 per cent and total cholesterol by 6.5 per cent in those with mildly high cholesterol level. This definitely is substantiating another study in Saudi Arabia that found that people who drank more than six cups of black tea daily lowered their risk of coronary heart disease by more than half, compared to those who were not regular tea drinkers.


Meanwhile, compounds found in tea is said to also stop the growth of bacterial that cause bad breath, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Polyphenols, chemical components of tea, prevent both the growth of bacterial responsible for bad breath and the bacteria's production of malodorous compounds the research said.


In the laboratory study, Wu and Zhu incubated tea polyphenols with three species of bacteria associated with bad breath for 48 hours. At concentrations ranging from 16 to 250 microgramme per millilitre, the polyphenols inhibited growth of oral bacterial. At even lower concentrations - from 2.5 to 25 microgrammes per millilitre-the polyphenols hindered the enzyme that catalyses the formation of hydrogen sulphide, cutting its production by 30 per cent, they reported.


Research finding in her laboratory had also shown that black tea suppresses the growth of bacterial in dental plaque and even the act of rinsing the mouth with black tea can help to reduce plague formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay.


Bones are not left out either. Long-term consumption of black, green or oolong tea can help strengthen bones researchers from the National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Tainan, Taiwan have reasons to believe.


People who drank an average of nearly two cups a day of these three tea varieties over a six-year period were shown to have a significant higher bone density than people who did not drink tea, or who drank it in smaller quantities.


Writing is the Archive of Internal Medicine; the researchers said they discovered that people who said they had consumed tea regular for more than 10 years had the highest overall bone-mineral density.


Even those that want to protect themselves from the effect of smoking, researchers also suggested should take tea regularly. Based on the findings in the October's issue of the Journals of Nutrition, the researchers at the Arizona College of Public Health, University of Arizona and Arizona Cancer Centre in Tuscon studied the effect of tea on 143 heavy smokers for four months and from this concluded that it may also protect against damages from smoking.


Similarly, tea drinker stands to have their immune system primed to fight infection and chronic diseases because its antioxidant's content helps the body destroy free radicals.


In an experiment, people who drank five to six small cups of black tea daily for two weeks were better able to fight off bacterial infections, a study said in an edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.


So when next you are thirsty, try taking tea rather than water, it is healthier. Water is essentially replacing fluid, but tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants, so an added advantage.


There is no need to worry about tea dehydrating the body either. This is an old wives' tale that is not backed up by any science. Whether it is the green or black tea, just keep drinking.

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