Tea Anyone?

What is tea?  Most teas are made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a white flowered evergreen.  How the leaves are processed determines the type of tea produced.  Research has shown that tea can have many positive health effects.  Tea contains powerful antioxidants called flavenoids that can help fight disease.  There are some studies that show tea can help with bone mineral density; this applies to long-term tea drinkers.  Many people claim that they feel relaxed and their mood is lifted when they drink tea.

What tea should I buy?  Be careful of bottled teas that are sweetened; they can contain increased amount of calories and sugar, which is mostly high fructose corn syrup.  If you drink a whole 16 oz. bottle of sweetened tea, you can get up to 10 teaspoons of sugar, the same amount as in a 12 oz. can of soda.  If you are going to choose bottled teas, try to get the unsweetened or diet version.

Tea does contain caffeine; about 40 mg per 6 oz. serving.  Coffee has about 100-200 mg for 5 oz. and soda has about 40 to 50 mg.  It is suggested that for the positive effects of caffeine, like energy and mood lift, you should have about 200 mg of caffeine per day.  There is also decaffeinated teas available in various flavors.  Decaffeinated tea will have the same positive effects if it is processed naturally and the polyphenols (antioxidants) are 95% retained. 

Many bottled teas come with a zing, promising health and enlightenment.  They contain different herbs that may be effective for various health reasons.  Again, be careful of the safety of the herbs and check the calorie and sugar content as well.  Some of these teas containing herbs can interact with medications. 

When buying tea, look for tea leaves with a dark rich green color and a  fresh and flavorful aroma.  Finding the right tea for you may take some trial and error.

The bottom line is that tea can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, but it can’t substitute for a well-balanced diet and exercise.  Tea is also not a “cure” for health problems or diseases.