Tea health benefits: Herbal infusions and their health benefits
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Every type of tea has its own healthy properties
Recent studies show it helps protect against dementia, smooths out the blood sugar spikes which increase the risk of diabetes and cuts the odds of developing prostate cancer. Tea infusions scientist and chemist Dr Tim Bond says: “Tea is such an integral part of British life it is easy to overlook the extraordinary health benefits it brings to the table. "Tea is full of antioxidant flavonoids and is a powerful weapon against oxidative stress, which is a factor in many serious health problems.”
Most of the antioxidant flavonols and flavones in the UK diet come in a cup of tea but it’s not only black tea which brings health benefits. Drinking herbal teas, or infusions as the experts call them, can help head off problems too. So why not pop the kettle on and discover how different teas and infusions can help you stay healthy? BLACK TEA Protects against cancer and cardiovascular problems.
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A 2015 meta-analysis, a super-study which combined the findings of previous research, found that drinking a cup of tea a day reduced the risk of developing cancer by two per cent.
Tea is such an integral part of British life it is easy to overlook the extraordinary health benefits Dr Tim Bond
Those who drank the most tea had a 21 per cent lower cancer risk than those who drank none. A similar super-study found it reduces levels of the “bad” LDL cholesterol associated with heart disease and scientists have also found that people who drink black tea are less likely to develop hardening of the arteries.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Black tea protects against cancer and cardiovascular problems
GREEN TEA From the same plant as black tea, Camellia sinensis, but it is dried differently and has a different mix of beneficial flavonoids. It is also heart-healthy with one major study showing that drinking three cups of green tea a day reduced the risk of a heart attack by 11 per cent. Another reported that regular consumption cut the odds of a stroke by 46 per cent. The catechins in green tea also aid weight loss and appear to be particularly useful at targeting excess abdominal fat, which is a major risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. A 2009 meta-analysis, which combined the results of 11 trials, concluded that green tea catechins reduced body weight and body fat. ROOIBOS Also known as red bush tea, which uses leaves from Aspalathus linearis, rooibos is a caffeine-free brew originating from South Africa that is drunk with or without milk. Laboratory studies have identified potent antioxidant, immune-modulating and anticancer effects. Regular consumption may protect against cardiac problems as rooibos has been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting heart-healthy HDL cholesterol. There is emerging data suggesting it may also help nervous tension and digestive problems.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Drinking three cups of green tea a day reduced the risk of a heart attack by 11 per cent
FENNEL SEED Long used to treat digestive problems such as bloating, flatulence and heartburn, fennel is a common ingredient in many commercial gripe water remedies for colic in babies. Its major constituent is anethole, which has been shown to inhibit muscle spasms and uterine contractions. A 2012 clinical trial concluded: “Fennel is an effective herbal drug for menstrual pain.” Anethole is also thought to increase production of bile which is important for digestion. LIQUORICE This tea has all sorts of health properties. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory antimicrobial, antioxidative and acts as a demulcent. This means it creates a soothing film over mucous membranes, explaining why liquorice tea relieves digestive problems such as heartburn, gastritis and ulcers and can also soothe sore throats and calm coughs. Historically, liquorice has been used to treat arthritis and benefits could stem from the glycyrrhizin in it which damps down inflammation. It has also been shown to counteract suppression of adrenal function, a side effect of the steroids sometimes prescribed for osteoarthritis.
HIBISCUS This should be on your shopping list if you have high blood pressure. Along with useful quantities of vitamin C, it contains plant compounds called anthocyanins which seem to act in the same way as ACE-inhibiting medicines. Studies have shown hibiscus lowers blood pressure as effectively as the prescription drugs captopril and lisonopril and reduces hypertension in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at increased risk of cardiovascular problems. YERBA MATE From the leaves of the Argentinian holly bush, its fans say it combines the energy boost of coffee and the mood-mellowing properties of chocolate. Perhaps not surprisingly it is often used as an ingredient in energy drinks. Scientists at the Pasteur Institute in Paris claim it has almost all the vitamins necessary to sustain life. Laboratory tests show it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and may protect against cell damage. Trials confirm it lowers LDL cholesterol and increases the effectiveness of prescription statins.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Yerma Mate has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions
CAMOMILE Contains glycine, an amino acid which relieves muscle spasms and helps relieve menstrual cramps and the discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Glycine is also a mild sedative so drinking camomile tea before bedtime can combat insomnia. It can also kill bacteria, fungus and viruses. A study published by the American Chemical Society’s Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry found that drinking five cups of camomile tea every day for two weeks increased markers for antibacterial activity. LEMON BALM One study found volunteers who were given lemon balm extracts reported being “significantly” calmer for up to two and a half hours afterwards. Another placebo-controlled trial found it also reduced agitation in Alzheimer’s patients. Another found that volunteers who were asked to do maths problems while they were exposed to mild stressors felt calmer, more alert and solved the problems more quickly.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Camomile tea can combat insomnia and relives muscle spasms
MINT Peppermint tea is bursting with carotenes and vitamin C and also provides useful amounts of magnesium, copper, iron, potassium and calcium. It has a long history of traditional use for the relief of indigestion and scientists have now discovered it works in a number of ways. Australian researchers found it damps down pain-sensing fibres by activating TRPM8 receptors which block pain signals. Mint also calms stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile which the body uses to digest fats, so food passes through the stomach more quickly. Spearmint tea has the same stomach-soothing properties as peppermint tea but it also has higher levels of several beneficial plant polyphenols which provide antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. According to the Journal Of Chemistry, spearmint extracts have “excellent antioxidant activity”. ROSEHIP May help ease the pain of arthritis. Analysis of three placebo-controlled studies found patients with osteoarthritis reported significant reductions in pain scores and less need for painkillers after taking rosehip powder for three months.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Peppermint tea provides useful amounts of magnesium, copper, iron, potassium and calcium