Tea's many health benefits

Receiving the recent 51-page study from the Fourth International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health gives me the opportunity to share the health benefits of tea. As I have mentioned in previous articles, when I speak of tea, I am referring to the Camellia sinensis plant. Please do not confuse tea with a tisane; those are herbal infusions and are derived from herbs, botanicals, spices and flavorings.

At the above symposium, world-renowned scientists, botanists, doctors and dieticians reviewed their studies on the effects of tea (Camellia sinensis) on the human system. Also represented were organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Medical Women's Society, American Society for Nutrition, American College of Nutrition, and the Tea Council of the USA and the Linus Pauling Institute.

As more and more Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, research is in demand for cures and ways of dealing with the effects of this disease. Studies indicate that tea may reduce risk for diabetes and also may improve insulin sensitivity. Another fascinating research on the area of tea and prevention of cardiovasular disease examines the protective characteristics of tea due to its wealth of polyphenols. These studies show the impact of tea and its many properties on the human heart and cardiovascular system.

One of the studies recently found that those who consumed tea were 44 percent more likely to survive three to four years following a heart attack. Another study on middle-aged Japanese showed those who drank just over two cups of green tea per day reduced their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 22 to 33 percent.

Another study showed the correlation of tea to improved cognitive brain function. In other words, tea and its properties including caffeine have been found to improve brain function and clarity.

There is research on tea and its potential to lower the incidence of skin cancers, tea's suggested ability to help smokers recover and repair damaged cell structure, and links to tea polyphenols (antioxidant properties) and the impact on prostate and ovarian cancer.

It is refreshing to know that tea not only provides one with a delightful and comforting beverage but also offers many opportunities to improve our health. So whether you are preparing a cup of white, green, oolong or black tea, rest assured that you are contributing to your personal health.

I look forward to next year's International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health and the results documented on tea and its impact on the health of the world. Remember, to drink your tea today.