When it comes to beverages, tea is the second most consumed drink on the planet.  Second only to water, at least 18 billion cups are consumed worldwide everyday.  While the refreshing aroma and crisp taste are undeniable, there are many other reasons the world looks to tea to quench its thirst.  Studies and history are convincing more and more people of the potential health benefits of “taking tea”.

Tea is high in anti-oxidants and this has been attributed to fighting some forms of cancer.  Two varieties, white tea and green tea have had particularly positive results in tests looking for ways to reduce the chances of contracting breast, prostate and lung cancer.  Clinical studies indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation.  In addition to caffeine, green tea contains elements that raise the rate at which calories are burned and hence increase energy expenditure.  It could also increase endurance in exercise by improving fat metabolism.  At this time of the year when the weather makes it hard to stay healthy, tea can be your best friend.  Tea contains amino acids that are thought to help the body’s immune system to fight infection.  Just what we need to ward off those monsoon fevers.

Green Tea
These are unfermented teas, highly favoured by the Chinese.  In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, green tea has been used as a stimulant, diuretic, astringent, and to improve heart health.  Other traditional uses of green tea include regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion and improving mental processes.

White Tea
This tea can only be made according to a unique withering process.  Authentic white teas appear to be covered with a silvery white down coating, resembling the skin of ripened peach and are known for their cooling and detoxifying properties.  White tea is lower in caffeine than most other teas.

SOURCE MATTHEW COOPER (Asian age Sep 2007)