Chinese legend tells us that the first cup of tea was sipped by Emperor Shen Nong who, it is said, was the discoverer of tea as well as the father of traditional Chinese medicine. For the 5000 years since shen nong discovered tea, the tea health benefits in Chinese medicine have been an important part of traditional medical practice in China - and the wider world. These tea benefits have been of great service to millions, if not billions, of people. It is then, perhaps, unsurprising that modern science has in recent years studied and researched tea nutrition and the tea health benefits extensively, resulting in the discovery of a vast array of potential tea benefits – benefits that have being known to traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Here are some of the potential tea health benefits that have been found by recent scientific research:
The anti-cancer benefits of tea have been the focus of a great deal of scientific study and there is still much more research underway. Many studies have found anti-cancer benefits associated with tea and the various nutrients it contains. Some of the findings include: A group of nutrients, called polyphenols, found in green, white and oolong teas such as EGCG, EGC, ECG, and EC - as well as the theaflavins and thearubigins found in black tea - all exhibit antioxidant activity. These nutrients, in particular ECG and EGCG, have a potent free radical scavenging effect and may provide protection to cells against the DNA damage that is associated with the presence of free radicals [1]. These studies have shown a reduced risk in developing various cancers, including those of the stomach and intestines [2], colon [3], breast [4], lung [5] and skin cancer [6]. Studies have also shown that tea can inhibit the growth of tumors [7] and help deal with the side effects of radiation therapy [8]. Indeed green tea is currently been used clinically as a part of some cancer prevention programmes [9].
Another nutrient in tea – theanine - is also a precursor to a beneficial class of substances known as alkyl amines. A study published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” reported how the alkyl amine in tea helped to prime the body’s immune system to fight off infections [1]. Blood samples taken from a group of tea-drinking volunteers showed they had a five-fold increase in an important bacteria-fighting immune response after drinking tea, when compared to blood samples taken before they drank tea.
Tea is already widely known for its ability to help your concentration and focus. This is thought to be due to the nutrient theanine (an amino acid) which can cross the blood-brain barrier. Studies of theanine have shown it can promote a calm and alert state of mind – increasing alpha brain wave activity – aiding clarity of mind and concentration [1]. A study published in the journal of neuroscience found that nutrients in green tea, specifically ECGC, may be beneficial in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and slowing its progression in those already afflicted [2]. Another study in Japan found that regular green tea drinkers had a significantly lower risk of developing memory problems and other symptoms of cognitive decline in old age, compared to the non-tea drinkers [3]. Yet another study found that drinking green or black tea regularly can have a “pivotal protective effect” on brain cells and the nervous system by blocking the death of neurons [4].
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have known for millennia that tea boosts the metabolism and encourages the body to lose weight. A group of Japanese scientists published a study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in which they found nutrients in tea can hinder the absorption of fat by the body [1]. The tea nutrients thought to be responsible for this effect were called thearubigins and theaflavins. Another study has found that white tea can be particularly effective in breaking down fat stored in fat cells, as well as inhibiting the growth of new fat cells [2].
There have been many studies on the anti-ageing effects of tea – reporting on the benefits of antioxidants in tea - which are believed to moderate the aging effect that free radicals can have on the body and mind. Also the reported anti-bacterial and immune boosting benefits of tea are believed to contribute to the increased longevity of populations where regular tea consumption is higher - by offering greater protection against premature death due to disease [1].
A number of scientific studies have shown regular consumption of green tea can lead to a significant reduction in LDL levels (bad cholesterol). Nutrient’s found in tea called catechins have been shown to improve lipid metabolism and also to help in the prevention of metabolic syndrome [1].
A study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” shows a significant reduction in deaths due to cardiovascular disease amongst green tea drinkers [1]. The study followed 40,000 people for more than 11 years and found that people who drank 5 or more cups of green tea a day had a risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease that was 16% lower than people who drank less than 1 cup a day.
A group of researchers have discovered that green tea may promote bone health and has the potential to prevent and treat osteoporosis, as well as other bone diseases. The study found that a key nutrient in tea – EGC – increased the activity of an enzyme that encourages bone growth by up-to 79%. Bone “mineralization” in cells, a process which strengthens bones, was also increased whilst also blocking the action of a kind of cell that weakens bones with age[1]. Another study has found that green tea may also help to prevent rheumatoid arthritis [2]. A study published by the American Society for Microbiology found that certain tea nutrients can benefit tooth health and reduce the incidence of tooth caries [3].
A study published in the "Journal of Food Science" found that substances in black tea called polysaccharides may be of benefit to people who have diabetes - as they help to regulate the absorption of glucose. The study concludes that there is potential for the exploitation of polysaccharide, from black tea, in the management of diabetes [1].
A University College London study published in the journal "Psychopharmacology" found that drinking black tea may speed up recovery after the everyday stresses in life - by bringing stress hormone levels back to normal. Nutrients in tea such as polyphenols, flavonoids, amino acids and catechins have all been shown to affect neurotransmitters in the brain [1].
A National Institute of Cancer study found green tea catechins increased the production of certain detoxifying enzymes by up to 80 percent, particularly those known as glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes [1].
A recent study found that drinking 4 cups of green tea a day could noticeably improve the sports performance of a 75kg athlete. Also the tests conducted found significant improvement in the endurance and stamina of animals when performing physical activities, after they had drunk tea regularly for 10 weeks [1].
Many factors can influence the potential health benefits of the tea you drink, sadly much of the teas sold in the west are either highly processed or of inferior quality and, as a result, may not be of much benefit. At Xuan Tea we select only authentic, quality chinese teas that have been grown, produced and handled in accordance with traditional methods - that have long stood the test of time. Our resident expert and co-founder - Xuan - studied under the tutelage of a prominent tea master in China and employs her extensive skills, knowledge and experience to bring you the finest, high quality examples of traditional chinese teas - so that you can fully enjoy all of the benefits that our gourmet chinese teas have to offer.
We have worked hard to find some of the healthiest green tea available, not to mention the white tea benefits associated with our white tea range. If the black tea benefits interest you then take a look at our fine loose black teas from China. We also have a broad range of other gourmet chinese teas such as oolong, pu-erh and flower teas.
If you have any health conditions, or feel that you may have, then please always consult a qualified medical professional about your concerns. We do not offer medical advice and this informational article is not intended to constitute medical advice.