The Health Benefits of Tea

TeaTea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world after water. Whether it is black, green or red (oolong) tea, they all contain a polyphenol chemical called catechins, which gives tea its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants may help protect our body from free radical damage. Tea ranks higher than many fruits and vegetables on the ORAC score, a score which measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of polyphenols. Some studies suggest that tea’s polyphenols may reduce risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers if one consumes 4-6 cups daily. Some laboratory studies have found that polyphenols may help to prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. A recent study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine, December 2005 showed that just 2 cups of tea daily may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 46 percent in women.

Black, green and red teas all derive their leaves from an evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. The more processing tea leaves undergo, the darker they will turn. Green tea is simply steamed quickly. Black and red teas are partially dried, crushed and fermented. Regardless of the processing method, all teas contain polyphenols. A cup of tea contains an average of 40 mg of caffeine, compared to 85 mg in a cup of coffee. We do not know if decaf teas have the same polyphenols, and thus the same health benefits.

Herbal teas
Herbal teas are not really tea at all. They are only infusions made with herbs. An herb is defined as a plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. The parts of plants that are used in herbal preparations include flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Although they don’t contain polyphenols they may have other health benefits like relaxation and calming effects. The makers of herbal teas are prohibited by the FDA from making health claims about their herbal products. If you are interested in the health benefits of a particular tea, you can go the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s website to learn about herbs that have been studied and the outcome of those studies. Two common examples from the website are below:

Chamomile

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb chamomile. Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this fact sheet.

Common Names--chamomile, German chamomile

Latin Names--Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita

What It Is Used For
Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions. The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. It is used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How It Is Used
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

What the Science Says
Chamomile has not been well studied in people so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition. Some early studies point to chamomile's possible benefits for mouth ulcers and certain skin conditions. In combination with other herbs, it may be of some benefit for upset stomach and for diarrhea in children. NCCAM-funded research on chamomile includes studies of the herb for generalized anxiety disorder and for chronic pain caused by children's bowel disorders.

Side Effects and Cautions
There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.


Visit Brookdale Senior Living on Facebook
Visit the Brookdale Senior Living Website
2601 & 2501 Valparaiso St
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-548-2230

Peppermint

This fact sheet provides basic information about peppermint oil--uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The herb peppermint, a cross between two types of mint (water mint and spearmint), grows throughout Europe and North America. Peppermint is often used to flavor foods, and the leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas.

Common Names--peppermint oil

Latin Names--Mentha x piperita

What It Is Used For
Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms. Peppermint oil is also used for headaches, muscle and nerve pain, and stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

How It Is Used
Essential oil of peppermint can be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid forms. The essential oil can also be diluted with oil and applied to the skin.

What the Science Says
Results from several studies suggest that peppermint oil may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A few studies have found that peppermint oil, in combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary. Although there are some promising results, there is no clear-cut evidence to support the use of peppermint oil for other health conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions
Peppermint oil appears to be safe for most adults when used in small doses. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and heartburn. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If they are taken at the same time as medicines such as antacids, this coating can break down more quickly and increase the risk of heartburn and nausea. Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Whatever the physical benefits of drinking tea, there is nothing like enjoying a hot cup of tea with a friend. When you are sick, a cup of tea can be a soothing elixir. Delivering a tea bag to a sick friend in a get well card adds a touch of caring. Tea parties have been enjoyed by young and old alike for generations and continue to be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. However you make tea a part of your life-Enjoy!