Tea, tea, everywhere, how many cups do you drink? Part II

Hello! 

Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.  ~Chinese Proverb

As I sit here sipping my nightly cup of tea, I have taken the time to ponder if tea is really as beneficial as many people claim. After doing some research, I have come to the conclusion, that while all the claims that have been made about tea are not true, many of them are.

I found one article on Wikipedia that I liked because it listed the benefits and potential drawbacks of tea. The article cited many different studies and references that I find to be reputable.

(click on the title of this post to link to this article/references)

BENEFITS:

Boosts immune system

On 21 April 2003 the Brigham and Women's Hospital released details of a research project which indicated that theanine may help the body's immune system response when fighting infection, by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells. The study included a four-week trial with 11 coffee drinkers and 10 tea drinkers, who consumed 600ml of coffee or black tea daily. Blood sample analysis found that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the tea-drinkers, an indicator of a stronger immune response. (23)

Harry found the [tea]... seemed to burn away a little of the fear fluttering in his chest.  ~J.K. Rowling

Effects on bad breath

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago stated that polyphenols help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. (32)

Remember the tea kettle - it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings!  ~Author Unknown

Increases metabolic rate

Clinical trials conducted by the University of Geneva and the University of Birmingham indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates, speeds up fat oxidation and improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. (17) In addition to caffeine, green tea contains catechin polyphenols that raise thermogenesis (the rate at which calories are burned), and hence increases energy expenditure. (18)

There is also a suggestion that it can increase endurance in exercise by improving fat metabolism. (19)

Top off the tea... it lubricates the grey matter.  ~Good Neighbors, quoted from stashtea.com

Now, I could go on and on, but as you can see many studies have proven the health benefits of tea. I will leave the hard work to the researchers and pass on the good news to all of you!

Coming tomorrow: Part III (tea sweets and savories). My favorite...get your taste buds ready!