Tea Time

I absolutely LOVE tea and I found this article in Women's Health Magazine a few years ago and just thought some of you might like to read it. :drinker:

Also, there is one thing to keep in mind before you drink a lot of tea-it limits iron absorption. I'm not going to claim to be an expert on the issue, but if iron is a problem for you then you should probably not drink it with meals as well as talk with your doctor before you drink gallons of the stuff.


Tea Time, All the Time
Find the brew that's best for you

Credit the Brits for penicillin, William Shakespeare, and Clive Owen. But their signature contribution to society will always be teatime, especially as more and more research indicates that the power of tea goes beyond warming you up on a chilly day — though a cold cup is proven to have just as many benefits. What, exactly, those benefits are depends on the color of your bag.

White

What It Is
Leaves from the bud of the tea plant are flash-steamed and dried, so it's the least processed form with the most antioxidants and the least caffeine. A light, delicate flavor.

What It Does
White tea is kryptonite for viruses and bacteria, says Milton Schiffenbauer, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology at Pace University. In his studies, "tea destroys over 80 percent of viruses within 10 minutes," he says. Due to the higher levels of antioxidants, white tea may be the most powerful when it comes to cancer prevention. Researchers at the University of Oregon found that it was the best tea for inhibiting cell mutations — often the early stages of cancer.

Try
The Republic of Tea's Honeydew White ($14 for 50 bags). That doesn't seem like a bargain compared with the multipacks of Tetley black you can get at the grocery store, but for a premium line of premium tea, it's a great deal.

Black

What It Is
Leaves are exposed to the air and turn black due to oxidation. A stronger, more traditional taste.

What It Does
The majority of related research shows that the black brew significantly reduces heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease in women. It may also help prevent clogged arteries, improve blood vessel functioning, and lower blood pressure — great reasons to drink to your heart's content. Six cups a day may also provide resistance to microbial infections and possibly tumors, while two cups has been shown to ward off urinary tract cancer. Black tea also contains enough fluoride to successfully fight cavities.

Try
Lipton's new Vanilla Caramel Truffle premium tea ($3.50 for 20 bags). Smells like dessert and tastes that way, too. The funnel-shaped tea bag means the leaves have room to expand in the hot water, resulting in a stronger, more flavorful cup.

Green

What It Is
Leaves are steamed or cooked prior to oxidation. A crisper but less powerful taste than black.

What It Does
Asian countries have lower rates of many cancers and a high consumption rate of green tea. Coincidence? No way: The chemicals in green tea have been shown to bond with and destroy cancer cells, and women who drank 10 or more cups a day had a 43 percent reduction in cancer risk. Green tea may also slow the spread of breast cancer and protect smokers from lung cancer. More good news: An unknown component in the tea has lowered tissue fat levels in mice. People who drink five cups a day have a higher metabolic rate and burn up to 80 more calories a day than non-tea drinkers.

Try
Ito En's Green Jasmine ($2 for 16.9 oz). Clean and light, this no-cal iced brew makes it easy to drink those five cups — three bottles will give you that and more.


The original article can be found at:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/the-best-tea-for-you

Yay for tea!!! :drinker: