WHAT MAKES TEA SO HEALTHY?
What makes tea so healthy? Researchers are working around the globe trying to answer this very question! Although we do not have all the answers, we do know that tea contains potent antioxidants that are more than 10 times stronger than antioxidant-powerhouses vitamins C and E. Tea is also the only source for a remarkable amino acid called L-Theanine, which is known to reduce anxiety, improve mood and lower blood pressure.

Of course, tea is also health for what it does NOT contain. . . which is no fat, sodium, and virtually no calories (around 2 calories per cup). Tea contains several B vitamins that are water soluble and quickly release into the cup as well as riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, manganese, fluoride, carotene, vitamin C, iron, zinc, chlorophyll, and calcium. Drinking 2 cups of tea per day is said to provide the same bone health benefits as 2-3 servings of dairy.

POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS
Tea contains high levels of specific organic compounds known as polyphenols, which are very potent antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining health by preventing free radicals (unstable molecules) from causing damage to cells which can lead to disease, aging, and cancer. Similar to the way oxidation causes cars to rust, oxidative stress on a cellular level can damage DNA and has been linked to the onset of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants prevent free radicals, the unstable molecules that result from oxidation, from damaging cells.

Researchers have discovered that green tea contains 200 times the antioxidant levels as vitamin E, making it 25 times more effective at neutralizing free radicals. Teas antioxidant capacity may also be 100 times more effective than vitamin C. In fact, tea appears to contain some of the most potent disease-fighting substances found in food.

The American Cancer Society suggests that two thirds of cancers can be prevented by improving diet and stopping unhealthy lifestyle habits. Therefore, adding tea to your daily routine is a simple and pleasurable way to improve your diet. . . and could potentially add years to your life.

Many factors influence disease such as smoking, heredity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Although tea shows great potential in research around the world and is backed by 4,000 years of health claims in China, each of us is different and results will vary. For best results, we, at Octavia tea, recommend incorporating tea into an already healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer

Note: There is a wide range of opinion on the benefits and risks of alternative and complementary medicine in the medical community. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.