About Tea

Current research shows tea contains specific antioxidants & health promoting ingredients, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke & certain types of cancer like oral, pancreatic and prostrate.- Dr. John Weisburger, Director Emeritus American Health Foundation

So what does your cup of tea contain? Lets find out more.

Tea has nutritional properties which means it is rich in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and many more such healthy elements. Tea is a zero calorie drink too. Tea thus has become popular with fitness, well being and good health. It has been suggested that an intake of up to 10 cups of tea per day may be a useful dietary habit. Did you know that 650 ml of tea provides over half of the total intake of dietary flavonoids; nearly 16% of the daily requirement of calcium; almost 10% of the daily requirement of zinc; over 10% of the folic acid need; around 9%, 25% and 6% of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 respectively.

Tea also provides a dietary source of biologically active compounds that help prevent a wide variety of diseases. Extensive research has revealed that tea is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. In fact, fruits and vegetables stand below tea when it comes to the amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants are found in form of polyphenols. Scientific evidences prove that antioxidants promote heart health, prevent cancer, help combat & guard against most diseases like diabetes, BP, tumors, ulcers, inflammations, intestinal problems, tooth decay and many more common ailments.

You can have a healthier heart with tea. Flavonoids present in tea prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. A source of calcium too (from the milk in it), your cup of tea helps develop strong muscles too. Theaflavins, another component in tea reduces plaque formation too.

Tea composition varies with climate, season, horticultural practices and variety. Polyphenols are the most important component in tea, as they constitute approximately 36 percent of the dry weight of tea. Green and black tea have similar chemical make-up. The primary difference between the two types lies in the chemical changes that take place during their production. In case of black tea, polyphenols are oxidized and this is prevented in the manufacture of green tea, thus making green tea a healthier choice. The most important groups of polyphenols are the catechins in green tea, theaflavins and thearubigens in black tea. A variety of physiological effects have been attributed to tea catechins, which are currently best known for their antioxidant activities.

Black tea is virtually calorie-free (1 calorie per 100 ml) and sodium free, therefore a suitable beverage for individuals on low calorie or low sodium diet. Tea includes fluoride, traces of vitamins A, K, C, B carotene and B vitamins.

Tea is a pleasant, popular, socially accepted, economical and safe drink that is enjoyed every day by hundreds of millions of people across all continents. So, enjoy your cup of tea and stay assured that it is doing good to your system.

Apart from tea being beneficial to health, it can be used as a beauty aid too.