Tea Beverages Health Benefits

Tea Beverages Medicinal Herbal Infusions  

Tea beverages are produced by steeping tea leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes to release its flavors from the tea plant Camellia sinensis.  The small leaf China plant (C sinensis variety sinesis) and the large leaf Assam plant ( C sinensis variety assamica) are two principle varieties used to create tea beverages.  Hybrids of these two varieties of tea are also grown for human  consumption.  The teas may be fermented which has been a common practice in many cultures for thousands of years giving teas its unique flavor that contributes to its experience of different tea varieties.  Historically brewing tea dates back to the third century AD in a medical text written by Chinese Physician Hua Tuo.  It was soon popularized as a recreational beverage during the Chinese Tang dynasty as drinking tea spread across east Asian countries.  Portuguese priests and merchants introduced tea to Europe during the 16th century. 

During the 17th century drinking tea beverages became fashionable among the British who later started to plant tea on a large scale in India where it had previously been used only as medicine.  In ancient China around 2700 BCE Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea’s healing properties for ailments like digestive issues, head aches which evolved into a vital part of traditional medicine (TCM) spreading globally through traders and monks where cultures added spice blends like ginger, basil and mint for wellness teas focusing on its medicinal properties, and antioxidants for its potential to improve immunity, heart health, mental clarity.  Ayurveda practices in India incorporated spices turmeric, ginger, holy basil into tea infusions for mental focus, immunity and digestion.  Legend credits Emperor Shen Nong with discovering tea when leaves fell into his boiling water which became a staple for vitality, clarity and treating illness in 2700 BCE. “Drinking the beverage tea has been considered a health promoting habit since ancient times. 

Modern medicinal research is providing a scientific basis for this belief. The evidence supporting the health benefits of tea drinking grows stronger with each new study that is published in scientific literature.  The tea plant Camellia sinensis has been cultivated for thousands of years and its leaves have been used for medicinal purposes.” PubMed Central  Freshly steeped tea beverages provides significant health benefits due to its antioxidants like polyphenols which help reduce the chronic disease risk, supporting brain and heart health boost immunity and aid in digestion, potentially reduce stress and may help reduce body weight.  Green tea, black tea and oolong tea are exceptionally high in flavonoids, a group of natural plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains, tea and catechins that help fight free radicals reducing inflammation in the body.  Catechins in tea are natural plant compounds (polyphenols/ flavonoids acting as powerful antioxidants protecting cells from damage, providing tea's bitter astringent taste offering potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

Shocking benefits of tea for good health and weight loss. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is the most abundant studied catechin known for its powerful anti-oxidants and neuroprotective properties.  Green tea has the highest levels of catechins particularly EGCG because it is unfermented preserving potent antioxidant compounds.  Matcha is a powdered green tea packed with catechins like EGCG that fight cellular damage reducing chronic disease risk.  Its unique blend of caffeine and L-theanine promotes alertness, relaxation, boosting focus and mood while also supporting heart health, liver protection, skin, metabolism, and potentially lowering blood sugar and bad cholesterol. Twinings Herbal Tea Variety Pack of 20 count assorted herbal teas, naturally caffeine free brilliantly blended by master blenders to maximize flavor of each tea blend.  Full flavor enjoyment that fit your every mood like Pure Peppermint, Refreshing and uplifting Chamomile delicate Lemon & Ginger, soothing and invigorating Pomegranate & Raspberry, Sweet & full flavored Chamomile, Honey & Vanilla - Sweet Moment Of Relaxation.

Sip and savor the moment drinking hot tea, pouring hot water over a tea bag in one cup of water and steep for 3-4 minutes infusing the herbal tea blend tailored to the type of tea blend for pure enjoyment.

Cheers! 

Patricia Lynn

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