Tea Leaf Benefits

Tea leaf benefits were realized thousands of years ago in China. Brewed tea leaves served as a tonic, and research continues to reveal many health benefits. Scientific studies link consumption of tea as beneficial for a multitude of health conditions, from cancer to tooth decay. The humble tea leaf comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, an evergreen shrub. This natural resource is inexpensive, readily available worldwide and, possibly, contains medicinal qualities.

Flavanoids

• Nutrition scientists are looking at the therapeutic as well as preventive tea leaf benefits. Black tea's flavanoids have an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect. Flavanoids help with blood flow by dilating arteries, thus improving cardiovascular health. Tea's natural combination of L-theanine plus caffeine may be responsible for a positive effect on cognitive function, which could fight Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Researchers agree that more studies are necessary, but the richness of phytochemicals in the tea leaf is proving to be a health boon.

Herbal and Flowering Teas

• Herbal tea leaves do not come from the Camellia sinensis bush. Originating in China and the Middle East, herbal tea is made from herbs and is actually not a tea in the purist sense. However, these tea-like herbal infusions are often used in Chinese medicine as antacids, sedatives, laxatives and relaxation aids. Red tea, or Rooibos, from Africa is an herbal tea that contains aspalathin, a flavanoid that may fight heart disease.

  Flowering, or blooming, teas combine black, green and/or white tea leaves with bundles of blossoms. Practiced in southwestern China, the flowers used often include fragrant jasmine, hibiscus, lavender and lily. The flowers are used for their own healing properties and take advantage of the tea leaves' antioxidants.

Green, Black, White, Oolong

• Green tea is especially rich in catechin polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Green tea keeps its antioxidant properties even during processing, making benefits stronger than the fermented black tea. However, black and green teas contain about the same amount of flavanoids per cup. Chai is black tea combined with strong spices. Pu-erh tea is black tea leaves pressed into a cake.

  Delicate white tea is being studied for its antibacterial benefits in slowing viruses and improving the immune system. Oolong is a semi-fermented variety of tea leaf that contains more polyphenols than either green or black tea. Research shows that oolong may have anti-aging properties.

Brewing Tea

• The art of making tea includes spotless equipment and correct steeping times. For black, green, oolong and herbal teas, steep between 3 and 5 minutes. White tea, more delicate, should be steeped 2 or 3 minutes. Tea bags, although convenient, do not contain the highest tea leaf quality. Loose, or bulk, tea offers a longer infusion time, perhaps providing more benefits.

Relaxation and Wellness

• A separate health benefit of the tea leaf is the relaxing ritual of brewing it. Tea can reduce stress and irritability, providing a daily enjoyment. The experience of brewing tea and sitting down to a cup alone or with friends is part of living well and being content.