Tea Health Facts

For 5000 years the Chinese have used tea to treat many ailments—from colds and coughs to body aches and headaches. More recently researchers have discovered tea’s association with the potential management of some diseases, namely cancer and heart disease.

• Tea is a natural source of powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from the damage caused by harmful free radicals.
• Together with fruit and vegetables, tea forms an important part of a healthy diet.
• Tea is a hydrating liquid and counts towards our recommended daily intake of fluid.
• Taken without milk or sugar, tea contains virtually no calories.
• Tea has potential health benefits in cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. Scientific studies in these areas continue. Tea contains small amounts of folate.
  

What does a tea leaf contain? 

Tea has hardly any calories and is low in sodium. It contains traces of proteins and carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids, and has more important quantities of antioxidants. 

Tea and Antioxidants

Tea contains natural antioxidants called flavonoids. The amount and type of flavonoids in tea depends on the variety, the amount of tea used in the pot or cup, and brewing habit.

The most commonly known antioxidants are Vitamins C, E and beta carotene, found in fruit, vegetables, cereals and some vegetable oils. These are known as the ACE vitamins.

Antioxidants in our diet help to prevent and repair the damage caused by free radical attack. Free radicals damage healthy cells and tissues and are formed in the body as a product of radiation, pollution, smoking and other sources. Research suggests they cause damage to the components of our cells which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases and strokes.

Source: Australia Tea Industry Forum