Saturday, November 8, 2008

Tea & health

Connoisseurs of tea proclaim its health benefits to be many. Tea stimulates the brain and the nervous system. The drinker feels wakeful and mentally alert. Most people start their day with a cup of tea because of this temporary 'kick' that it delivers. A cup of tea is often referred to as the cup that cheers. Tea is often resorted to by people when they have to stay awake or do mentally demanding work like study. Hot tea has the effect of loosening the bowels.

The Chinese have used tea to treat conditions like tumors, abscesses, bladder ailments, lethargy among others for centuries. Some kinds of teas have been claimed to be helpful for atherosclerosis, LDL cholesterol, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, liver disease, weight loss, neurodegenerative diseases, and even halitosis.

The health benefits of tea are often associated to the tannins it contains. Tannins also act as antioxidants thus slowing down ageing.

When Spring comes...