Black Tea Helps the heart - Parade article Sept. 19, 2004

Tea is good for the heart because it's believed to lower cholesterol, reduce the tendency of the blood to clot and to act on the arterial wall, making it harder for plaque to form. Which tea is best depends on whom you ask: The Chinese like green tea; the English will drink any color; and now comes word from Japanese researchers that a cup of black tea boosts blood flow to the heart. Researchers at Osaka City University and Columbia University reported in the American Journal of Cardiology that blood flow significantly increases in the coronary arteries two hours after drinking black tea. They speculate that the flavonoids in the tea dilate the coronary arteries to permit this increased blood flow.

That cup of tea that you may have been sipping for years not only has become a trendy habit but also healthy one for that reason.

Tea has really moved into the mainstream. Years ago one of the few places to find green tea was in a Japanese restaurant. Now green or black tea is everywhere; served hot or iced, at chic restaurants, supermarkets, or in elegant department stores.

New research has shown that sipping a relaxing cup of tea, especially green tea, may provide a number of health benefits. Studies from the United States of Agriculture have shown that tea may pack as powerful a punch of health as one serving of many vegetables or fruits.

It is green or black tea from the evergreen tree known as the camellia sinesis that has been found to possess many healing properties. These teas contain powerful substances that are classified as phytochemicals.

There are hundreds of phytochemicals found only in plant foods that are starting a new era in nutrition. Examples of a phytochemicals are carotenoids found in carrots, capsicum in red chili peppers and flavonoids in tomatoes. You can see these substances clearly in the brilliant orange and red colors of these vegetables.

Green or black tea contains a phytochemical known as epigallocatechin gallate, that is often called EGCG for short. Emerging research shows that this substance contains strong antioxidant potential.

Antioxidants help protect the body against the damage of free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of metabolization, but may also be formed in the body as a result of smoking, air pollution and exposure to sunlight. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that can, if not controlled, damage cells in some people's bodies.

It is thought that this damage can set off a chain of biological events that can lead to the progression of some cancers and heart disease. Numerous research studies have shown that antioxidants help protect the body against this detrimental effect and can also reduce the risk of these deadly diseases.

In a study of the antioxidant activity of various fruits and vegetables, USDA researchers found that black and green tea have a greater antioxidant effect than individual servings of many vegetables such as carrots and broccoli or fruits including apples, grapes, kiwi and grapefruit. While tea is not a substitute for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables it can certainly play a part in a healthy lifestyle.

Another interesting fact is that tea is one of the few natural sources of the mineral fluoride. Fluoride is the most successful agent against tooth decay found to date and has changed the face of modern dentistry. Tea has been shown to have a positive effect on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. However, this applies to drinking tea in moderation. Excessive amounts may not be beneficial.

Scientific research is just beginning to explore the connection between drinking tea and it's effects on maintaining the body's homeostasis and balance. In other words, tea is thought to be rejuvenating. Tea is enjoyed worldwide because while it is calming it is also reviving and uplifting. It is also thought that the act of sipping tea in itself has restorative powers. Maybe this is one of the reasons why tea has become such a hit.

Tea has even been becoming more and more popular at coffee bars. Increasingly people are ordering tea instead of coffee, as it is recommended for its energizing and cleansing properties.

Here's to your good health!