Sunday, January 6, 2008

Coffee, Tea or Me?

Hmm, went through an article today, caught my attention. The article is about the benefits of different types of teas. Here are some extracts :

White Tea
A type of very light green tea; the term refers to the white hairs on the picked tea bud.Benefits of White Tea : Researchers speculate that the processing of tea determines its cancer fighting potential. Because white tea goes through the least amount of processing, it theoretically has the most polyphenols (as some polyphenols are oxidized or destroyed during processing). These polyphenols have been linked to cancer prevention. While experiments have been conducted on laboratory rats, more studies are needed in order to determine whether white tea protects humans against cancer. white tea might have the strongest potential of all teas for fighting cancer, especially colon cancer.

Green Tea
Unfermented, dried tea, traditionally found primarily in China and Japan, but becoming increasing popular in the West due to purported health benefits.Benefits of Green TeaGreen tea has a high content of vitamins and minerals. It contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in amounts comparable to a lemon. Green tea also contains several B vitamins which are water soluble and quickly released into a cup of tea. Five cups of green tea a day will provide 5-10% of the daily requirement of riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. The same five cups of green tea also provide approximately 5% of the daily requirement of magnesium, 25% of potassium, and 45% of the requirement for manganese. Green tea is also high in fluoride. A cup of green tea provides approximately 0.1 mg of fluoride, which is higher than in fluorinated water. Scientific studies have shown strong evidence that green tea may help reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease, and may also prevent some cancers.-Has potent fat-burning properties-May prevent and reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Black tea
Green tea leaves that have been oxidized, or fermented, imparting a characteristic reddish brew. The most common type of tea worldwide.Benefits of Black Tea-Increases Coronary Flow -Boosts the body's defenses-May help in recovery after a heart attack-May help reduce the risk of heart disease-Has anti-cancer properties

Red Tea
Red Tea is also known as Rooibos (pronounce roy-boss). It is an indigenous herb of South Africa that is made from the fine needle-like leaves of the "Aspalathus linearis" plant.Benefits of Red TeaLike green tea, Rooibos is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which help reduce the risk of many chronic health problems. These antioxidants are reported to suppress cancer producing cells, slow the aging process, increase our natural detoxification defenses, and lower blood pressure. Rooibos also contains an anti-spasmodic so it helps to relieve digestive distress. African women enjoy Rooibos during pregnancy because it is high in iron, contains no caffeine, and relieves heartburn and nausea. In addition, their babies are given Rooibos to relieve colic.

So my fellow Malaysians, if you're still stuck to drinking the same old Milo + condensed milk, horlick, or the one that my dad loves so much, pure black coffee for breakfast every morning, do consider bout making yourself a cup of nice and nutritious tea in the morning!

1 comment:

Aleckii said...

Wow, didn't even know there were this classification to tea, how come the simplest things in life must ALWAYS be complicated by classifications?

Sigh...

Seek!