In 1906, philosopher Kakuzo Okakura, in his book on tea, summarized the historical and ancient belief that tea was more than just a pleasant drink, going so far as to refer to it as a medicine.
"Tea began as a medicine and became a beverage..."
Several scientific studies confirm what Asians believed for centuries, that green tea and black tea contain powerful natural antioxidants that can protect regular tea drinkers from many degenerative diseases .
The main degenerative diseases of concern today are heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, as well as cancer and diabetes.
Studies have shown that the antioxidant action of flavonoids in green and black tea reduces the risk of many degenerative diseases and helps maintain good health.
Organic Tea and Body Health
Tea contains fluoride , and therefore, tea consumption makes a significant contribution to daily fluoride intake for the reduction of tooth decay. In addition to fluoride, the polyphenols in tea have also been shown to reduce tooth decay, and recent studies have revealed that tea inhibits the growth of other harmful microorganisms in the mouth.
In addition to these and other benefits, scientists have identified a compound called L-theanine in tea . L-theanine is said to be responsible for promoting a relaxation effect while maintaining mental alertness. 50 mg of L-theanine (contained in two to three cups of tea) can naturally stimulate the brain and lead to a feeling of refreshment and relaxation.
How much tea is recommended?
Fruits and plants generally contain antioxidants, but the antioxidants in green and black tea are much higher than those found in fruits and vegetables. As a general rule, two cups of tea are equivalent in antioxidant capacity to five servings of fruits or vegetables.
Researchers recommend that you should generally drink 5 to 10 cups of tea per day , although no adverse effects have been observed from consuming these teas.
Caution should be exercised in infants, young children at risk for type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, people with caffeine sensitivity, and tea drinkers whose diets are not nutritionally balanced.
