This article will define tea, briefly describe the most prominent health conditions facing Americans today, and discuss how tea might help alleviate or even prevent these conditions. White, green, yellow, oolong, black, and pu-erh teas are considered to be true teas because they all come from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. These different tea types come from the manner and length of time they are processed. Tea's most prominent contents are polyphenols, L-theanine, and caffeine, which synergistically provide many health benefits. Tea has also played an important role in forming the cultures of many large countries such as China, Japan, and the United States and even provides a large portion of a country's exports, as seen in India.
It was estimated, in 2006, that 80,000,000 people had one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) consisting of coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, stroke, and hypertension (American Heart Association, 2009). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2009) 30 percent of the adult population is obese. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2009) states that over 17 million Americans have diabetes. Research has shown tea to provide extra protection against obesity and diabetes which are both high risk factors for CVD. Tea not only helps prevent risk factors for CVD but also has been shown to attack direct causes and symptoms of CVD by acting as an anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant while also lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some forms of cancer have also been shown to fall victim to tea's induced apoptosis and inhibition of tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis.
More standardized research needs to be conducted on the potential positive impact of tea; mainly in the areas of cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and psychological abnormalities. In addition, previous studies need to be expanded and standardized to accurately demonstrate tea's potential.
Brewing any form of true tea can provide a cheap alternative to drinking sodas and highly sugared beverages. Loose leaf tea can provide multiple batches, the freshest flavor, and highest levels of antioxidants to you and your family. By brewing a large batch of tea and then storing in the refrigerator, one can produce enough tea not only to aid in reaching the recommended daily fluid of 8-10 cups of fluid a day but to also provide the body with valuable nutrients to help protect the body and mind.